Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani led a meeting with local leaders and officials in Akjoujt, the capital of Enchireri state, on September 25, 2026. The meeting was part of his working visit to the state. The President expressed gratitude to the local population for their warm welcome and significant turnout at a festival. He stated that his visit aimed to engage directly with residents, understand their living conditions, and hear their aspirations.
President El Ghazouani highlighted Akjoujt's and Enchireri state's crucial role in Mauritania's history, emphasizing their continued contribution to the country's present and future. He noted that Enchireri state is rich in mineral resources and has considerable animal wealth. The President stressed that the state's real strength lies in its human resources, characterized by initiative and generosity, which is a significant asset for the state's and country's development.
The President emphasized the importance of balancing local and national benefits from mineral resources while protecting the environment and public health. He discussed efforts to regulate artisanal mining, which still faces challenges that limit its economic and financial returns and pose environmental and security risks. The President mentioned that the mining sector is preparing new organizational plans to improve regulation and effectiveness.
President El Ghazouani called on all stakeholders in the mining sector to cooperate with public authorities to ensure the success of reform efforts and achieve set goals. He stressed that the government will not tolerate mining activities outside established legal and regulatory frameworks. The President urged the Ministry of Mines and Industry to provide necessary administrative facilities, ensure transparency, and address concerns from artisanal miners fairly.
The President discussed industrial mining, citing promising prospects and efforts to remove obstacles to exploiting new mines, creating jobs and providing additional financial resources. He mentioned that the contract for the Akjoujt copper mine was renewed nearly a year ago to sustain economic activity and preserve jobs. The President noted that the renewed contract was improved to align with the new mining code.
President El Ghazouani instructed the Minister of Water and Sanitation to start studying a project to supply Akjoujt with water, starting the following week. He directed the Prime Minister to take necessary measures to mobilize financial resources for the project and include it in the 2027 budget planning. The President expressed confidence that the future will be better for Mauritania and its states.
The meeting was attended by Enchireri Governor Moulay Idriss Ould El Sas Ould Akik, the official delegation accompanying the President, and other local officials. The President concluded that Mauritania can face various challenges despite global instability. He added that mobilizing financial resources will not hinder the implementation of necessary development projects in the future.
Key points
- President El Ghazouani aims to engage directly with residents and understand their living conditions during his working visit to Enchireri state.
- The President emphasized the importance of balancing local and national benefits from mineral resources while protecting the environment and public health.
- President El Ghazouani instructed the Minister of Water and Sanitation to study a project to supply Akjoujt with water, starting the following week.
