Mauritania's Council of Ministers convened on November 4, 2026, under the presidency of Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani. The council examined and adopted several draft decrees, including one related to the public procurement code. This draft decree aims to reform the regulatory framework for public procurement, aligning it with international best practices. It also seeks to strengthen the institutional framework and promote transparency.
The draft decree on public procurement code proposes the creation of the Autorité de Régulation de la Commande Publique, the Commission de Contrôle de la Commande Publique, and the Commissions de Passation des Marchés Publics. These new entities will be equipped with necessary tools and means to accomplish their missions effectively. The decree also aims to professionalize and make public procurement actors more accountable through regular certification and performance monitoring.
Another draft decree modifies certain provisions of the decree on the particular status of customs. This modification aims to correct and complete certain dispositions related to human resources management, including initial training, evaluation of indemnities, and retirement. The goal is to ensure coherence with corresponding regimes in other military, paramilitary, and security corps.
A third draft decree establishes a particular status for the corps of teachers and researchers in higher education. This decree aims to unify and modernize the statutory framework applicable to these professionals, harmonize career management rules, and reinforce academic qualification as a determining element for recruitment and advancement.
In addition to these draft decrees, the Prime Minister presented a communication on the general policy of the government, which will be submitted to the National Assembly. This policy outlines the government's vision and objectives, and its presentation is a constitutional requirement. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Mauritanian Abroad also presented a communication on the international situation.
The Minister of Interior, Decentralization Promotion, and Local Development presented a communication on the interior situation. These communications aim to inform the council about current issues and challenges facing the country. The council's discussions and decisions will likely have a significant impact on the country's development and governance.
The government's policy and the draft decrees adopted during the council's meeting are expected to be implemented in the coming months. Their impact will be closely monitored, and their effectiveness will depend on various factors, including the government's ability to engage with stakeholders and ensure adequate resources for implementation.
Key points
- The Mauritanian government has adopted several draft decrees aimed at reforming the public procurement code, customs, and higher education.
- The Prime Minister has presented a communication on the government's general policy, which will be submitted to the National Assembly.
- The council's discussions focused on current issues and challenges facing the country, including the international and interior situations.
