Former Mauritanian MP Salek Ould Sidi Mahmoud has expressed concerns about President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani's governance style, describing it as being closer to a "sheikhly system" than a modern state. In an article titled "Notes on the President's Visit," Ould Sidi Mahmoud questioned the president's decision to grant excessive trust to his close associates, rather than adhering to the law and promoting equality among Mauritanians.
Ould Sidi Mahmoud, a leading figure in the National Rally for Reform and Development (RNDR) party, also criticized the current administration for introducing a law on symbols and imprisoning MPs, stripping them of their political freedoms. He argued that Mauritania has historically been plagued by authoritarian and feudal systems, and that the country needs a more democratic and inclusive approach.
The former MP also expressed disappointment with President Ghazouani's reluctance to engage in political dialogue, citing the president's seven-year tenure and lack of progress in addressing the country's challenges. Ould Sidi Mahmoud questioned whether the president's recent visits have been effective in improving the country's situation and whether they have contributed to the betterment of the population.
Ould Sidi Mahmoud compared the current administration's ceremonial practices to those of former President Moktar Ould Daddah, suggesting that the current government's displays are less impressive. He asked whether President Ghazouani has taken steps to rationalize public spending on visits and whether he has held officials accountable for abandoning their duties to attend his visits.
The former MP also questioned President Ghazouani's role in promoting democracy and transparency, suggesting that the country has moved further away from these ideals. He noted that the current administration has allowed those with a military background to dominate key positions, including the presidency and parliament.
Ould Sidi Mahmoud stated that the Mauritanian people have grown accustomed to their presidents resorting to ceremonial visits to distract citizens from the country's problems. However, he argued that the current president has failed to deliver on his promises and that the population is now more interested in tangible actions rather than rhetoric.
Ould Sidi Mahmoud concluded that the president's efforts to promote a positive image have been undermined by his failure to address the country's pressing issues. He emphasized that the Mauritanian people need a president who can deliver concrete results, rather than simply presenting a favorable image.
Key points
- The former MP criticized President Ghazouani's governance style, saying it resembles a "sheikhly system" rather than a modern state.
- Ould Sidi Mahmoud expressed concerns about the president's decision to grant excessive trust to his close associates.
- The former MP questioned the effectiveness of President Ghazouani's visits in improving the country's situation.
