The first-ever forum for the Mauritanian diaspora concluded in Nouakchott last Saturday, bringing together representatives from various countries to discuss issues affecting the community. Participants welcomed the opportunity to engage with authorities and present their concerns. They expressed hope that the forum's recommendations would be translated into concrete actions. The diaspora community emphasized the importance of follow-up and implementation of the forum's outcomes.
Mustafa Mohamed Yahya Abd al-Latif, a Mauritanian working in Saudi Arabia, described some of the forum's discussions as crucial and containing good ideas. However, he stressed that the community is eager to see these ideas converted into a practical plan with tangible results. Abd al-Latif praised the forum's organization and theoretical aspects but expressed disappointment with the limited time allocated for participant interventions. He suggested that the forum's success would be measured by the implementation of its recommendations.
Abdullah Boukhe, a parliamentarian representing the Asian district, hailed the forum as a significant opportunity for the diaspora. He emphasized that if utilized effectively, the forum could lead to positive changes for the community. Boukhe noted that the forum allowed the diaspora to connect with decision-makers and convey their messages. He expressed hope that it would mark the beginning of a new era in dealing with the diaspora.
Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Laghdaf Bubakar, a cultural activist from Côte d'Ivoire, highlighted the diaspora's willingness to serve their country. He noted that the forum provided a platform for exchanging experiences and ideas with counterparts from other communities. Bubakar praised the forum's inclusive nature, where participants were not selected based on tribal, regional, or partisan affiliations.
The forum's closing statement recommended establishing a national council for the Mauritanian diaspora. This council would provide a strategic framework for the community's engagement. The recommendations also included creating an investment fund to support diaspora projects and facilitating secure and cost-effective remittances. Additionally, the forum suggested launching an Islamic bond specifically for the diaspora.
The forum's recommendations also focused on education and social welfare. Participants called for expanding the network of consular representation to include countries with significant Mauritanian populations. They also proposed establishing educational and cultural centers in these countries. Furthermore, the forum recommended creating a national social assistance fund to support the diaspora in cases of humanitarian need.
Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug pledged to closely follow up on the implementation of the forum's recommendations. He assured the diaspora that the government would work to translate the outcomes into concrete actions. The minister's commitment was seen as a positive step towards addressing the concerns and aspirations of the Mauritanian diaspora.
Key points
- The Mauritanian diaspora forum concluded with recommendations for a national council and investment fund.
- Participants emphasized the importance of implementing the forum's outcomes.
- The government pledged to follow up on the recommendations and work towards their implementation.
