Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani began a working visit to the Adrar region on September 20, 2026, with a stop in the city of Atar. There, he chaired a large public festival, marking the start of his trip. The president stated that his visit had two main objectives: to listen to the residents and learn about the region's reality, challenges, and priorities; and to inform them about the country's overall situation.

President Ghazouani emphasized his commitment to ensuring that every citizen has a fair share of the country's resources and services, regardless of their location. He noted that the government has allocated 40 billion ouguiya in investments to the Adrar region since 2019. Additionally, the region benefits from the National Program for Access to Basic Services for Local Development, which has allocated 12 billion ouguiya to fund 206 projects in areas such as education, healthcare, water, electricity, and road construction.

The president highlighted several key projects expected to be completed or initiated in the region, including connecting the city of Atar to the national electricity grid by the end of the year. He also mentioned plans to rebuild 75 kilometers of the Akjoujt-Atar road and continue studies to find sustainable solutions to the region's water supply issues. Furthermore, the government will continue to support the agriculture and tourism sectors to create economic opportunities in the region.

President Ghazouani also discussed the country's overall situation, describing it as stable and secure. He credited the armed forces and security services for maintaining stability and praised the government's efforts to address economic challenges. Despite these challenges, the president expressed optimism about the country's future, citing a predicted 5% economic growth rate for the year.

The president acknowledged that the country still faces difficulties, including rising prices and energy shortages. He noted that the government has spent 36 billion ouguiya to support fuel prices and 20 billion ouguiya on direct assistance to low-income families and retirees. These efforts aim to mitigate the impact of global economic trends on Mauritania's economy.

President Ghazouani referenced a speech by Mauritania's founding president, Moktar Ould Daddah, who had asked about the kind of country Mauritanians wanted to build. The president emphasized that this question remains relevant today, and the government is working to address it through ongoing reforms and development initiatives. He expressed hope that an upcoming national dialogue will help build consensus on key issues.

The president concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of national unity and social cohesion in addressing the country's challenges. He encouraged all Mauritanians to contribute to the development of their country and ensure that future generations inherit a more prosperous and equitable nation. The president's visit to Adrar aims to strengthen communication and consultation between the government and local residents.

Key points

  • President Ghazouani visits Adrar region to engage with residents and discuss national issues.
  • The government has allocated significant investments to the Adrar region, including 40 billion ouguiya since 2019.
  • The president aims to ensure fair distribution of resources and services across the country.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.