The Mauritanian party Tewassoul has called on the government to address the shortcomings of previous fishing agreements with the European Union. According to the party, the financial contribution offered to Mauritania under the current agreement is limited and does not reflect the true value of its marine resources. The party also stated that the expiration of the agreement's implementation protocol presents an opportunity to reassess the country's policy on exploiting its fisheries resources.
Tewassoul's statement, released on Saturday, emphasized the need for the government to approach ongoing negotiations with a sense of national responsibility. The party urged the government not to make concessions that would compromise the country's sovereign rights. Furthermore, it stressed the importance of prioritizing environmental guarantees and sustainable exploitation practices. The party also highlighted the need for Mauritanians to benefit more from the country's marine resources.
To achieve this, Tewassoul suggested that the government should focus on strengthening the local market supply of seafood, promoting national employment, modernizing the national fleet, and developing related infrastructure. The party's proposals aim to ensure that Mauritania maximizes its benefits from its rich marine resources. The EU-Mauritania fishing agreement has been in place since 1987.
The current protocol's validity is set to expire on Saturday, with no new agreement in place despite several rounds of negotiations. Tewassoul has urged the government to prioritize national interests in the negotiations. The party also called on political forces, civil society organizations, experts, and researchers to mobilize around this issue.
Tewassoul emphasized the need for a broad and transparent national debate on the exploitation of Mauritania's natural resources. The party believes that the public should be informed about the reality of the agreements, their conditions, effectiveness, and the benefits they generate for the country. This debate is crucial in ensuring that the country's resources are exploited in a sustainable and equitable manner.
The EU-Mauritania fishing agreement has been a significant source of revenue for the country's fishing industry. However, Tewassoul's statement suggests that the current agreement does not provide sufficient benefits to Mauritania. The party's proposals aim to address these imbalances and ensure that the country's marine resources are exploited in a sustainable and responsible manner.
As the protocol's expiration looms, the Mauritanian government faces pressure to secure a new agreement that prioritizes national interests. Tewassoul's call for a national debate on the exploitation of natural resources reflects the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of the country's resources. The outcome of the negotiations will have significant implications for Mauritania's fishing industry and the livelihoods of its citizens.
Key points
- Tewassoul party urges government to prioritize national interests in EU fishing agreement negotiations.
