Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani arrived back in Nouakchott on Saturday evening, following his participation in the Dakar Summit on Sport and Sustainable Development in Senegal's capital, Dakar. The summit focused on the role of sports in achieving sustainable development goals. President Ghazouani also attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games, also known as Dakar 2026. His return to Nouakchott was marked by a reception at Nouakchott International Airport.
Upon his arrival, President Ghazouani was welcomed by several high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Moktar Ould Aja, Minister of Justice Mohamed Ould Asweidat, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Cooperation Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug. Other officials present to receive the President included Minister of Defense Ba Essama, Minister of Interior Moktar Ahmed Bousif, and the President's Special Staff Major General Mohamed Moktare Sheikh Elmeny.
The President was accompanied by a significant delegation, including First Lady Dr. Mariam Fadel Dah, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Employment, Sports, and Civil Service Mohamed Abdallah Ould Louly, and Mauritania's Ambassador to Dakar Mohamed Abdallah Ould Othman. Other members of the delegation included Harouna Traore, a chargé d'affaires at the Presidency, and Sheikh Ould Bede, an advisor to the President.
The Dakar Summit on Sport and Sustainable Development aimed to explore the potential of sports to contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The summit brought together leaders and experts from across Africa to discuss ways to harness the power of sports for social and economic development. President Ghazouani's participation in the summit underscores Mauritania's commitment to leveraging sports for national development.
The 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games, which took place in Dakar, Senegal, featured young athletes from around the world competing in various sports. The games provided a platform for young people to showcase their talents, promote cultural exchange, and foster international understanding. President Ghazouani's attendance at the games highlights Mauritania's interest in promoting youth development and sports.
Upon his return to Nouakchott, President Ghazouani was briefed on the outcomes of the summit and the Olympic Games by his delegation. The President is expected to implement measures aimed at promoting sports development in Mauritania, in line with the country's national development goals. His participation in the summit and the games is seen as a significant step towards promoting Mauritania's engagement in regional and international sports initiatives.
The Mauritanian government has been working to promote sports development in the country, with a focus on youth empowerment and talent development. President Ghazouani's return to Nouakchott is expected to galvanize efforts to promote sports in Mauritania, with a view to harnessing the sector's potential for national development.
Key points
- President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani attended the Dakar Summit on Sport and Sustainable Development and the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
