The Diaspora Forum, which began on a significant day in Nouakchott, marks the culmination of an extensive process of communication and consultation with Mauritanians living abroad. According to Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, this process was initiated by President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who recognized the need for a more effective national policy addressing the concerns of the diaspora.
Minister Ould Merzoug highlighted that his ministry had dispatched delegations to thirteen countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas to engage directly with Mauritanian communities. These delegations held extensive meetings with various components of the diaspora, enabling them to gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by citizens abroad.
The consultations revealed that Mauritanian citizens abroad face several challenges, including issues related to consular services, distribution, civil status, residence, integration, social and legal protection, preservation of identity, community organization, investment, and mobilization of skills and capacities. Minister Ould Merzoug emphasized that these challenges would be addressed through the forum.
The minister noted that the consultations also uncovered the vast potential of the diaspora, which boasts significant economic, scientific, and professional experiences and capacities that can contribute to Mauritania's national development. He stressed that the forum aimed to create a platform for dialogue between national stakeholders and diaspora members, facilitating the transformation of ideas and initiatives into practical partnerships.
To ensure the forum's success, the government established a general supervisory committee, a preparatory committee comprising multiple sectors, and specialized committees. The event features general sessions, specialized workshops, and a range of parallel activities and exhibitions.
Minister Ould Merzoug expressed his hope that the forum would conclude with clear, precise, and actionable recommendations outlining priorities and follow-up mechanisms. The three-day event focuses on topics directly related to the concerns of the diaspora, including the development of consular services, digitalization, enhanced social and legal protection, community organization, skills mobilization, and investment promotion.
The Diaspora Forum provides an opportunity for Mauritanian citizens abroad to engage with their country's government and contribute to its development. The event is expected to strengthen ties between the government and the diaspora, ultimately benefiting Mauritania's growth and progress.
Key points
- The Diaspora Forum aims to address the challenges faced by Mauritanian citizens abroad and harness the potential of the diaspora for national development.
