The Mauritanian presidency announced late Saturday that a new government has been formed, led by Prime Minister Moukhtar Ould Aij, who was tasked by President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani on Friday to propose a new cabinet. The government consists of 29 ministries, including 9 new ministers and additional portfolios with ministerial rank. This development comes as President El Ghazouani continues to implement his program, "Ambition for the Country," which he presented during the 2024 Mauritanian presidential election.
The new government sees significant changes, with the departure of two key ministers: Interior Minister Mohamed Ahmed Ould Mohamed Al-Amine and Defense Minister Hanene Ould Sidi. Both ministers were close to President El Ghazouani and had been in their positions since his election in 2019. Their replacements have been named, with Ousmane Ba taking over as Defense Minister and Moukhtar Ould Bousif becoming Interior Minister. These changes reflect a shift in the government's composition.
The new cabinet includes fresh faces in critical portfolios such as energy, agriculture, and culture. Mohamed Ould Abdelfattah, a former Minister of Energy and Oil, has been reappointed to replace Mohamed Ould Khaled, who was dismissed following a recent electricity outage in the capital, Nouakchott. Other new appointments include ministers for Islamic Affairs, Fisheries, and Animal Development. These changes aim to bring new perspectives to key sectors.
The previous government, led by Prime Minister Aij, resigned on Friday after investigations were launched into the cause of a fire that destroyed two main electricity generators in Nouakchott. President El Ghazouani emphasized the need for a government with "political and technical competence" to address current challenges, including the global crisis and social welfare concerns. He also highlighted the importance of creating jobs and promoting development.
Several ministers from the previous government have been excluded from the new cabinet, including Economy Minister Abdallah Ould Souleymane Ould Cheikh Sidya and Culture Minister Hussein Ould Medou. However, some ministers have retained their positions or been reassigned. The new government has been tasked with implementing President El Ghazouani's program, which focuses on economic development, social welfare, and youth empowerment.
In related developments, President El Ghazouani has made several other key appointments. Aïchata Ba Yahya has been named Minister- Secretary General of the Presidency, replacing Moulaye Ould Mohamed El Aghcef. Mohamed Ali Ould Sidi Mohamed has been appointed Minister-Counselor to the Presidency. These appointments reflect the president's efforts to reorganize his administration.
The new government faces significant challenges, including addressing the recent electricity outage and promoting economic growth. With a renewed focus on development and social welfare, the administration aims to improve living standards for Mauritanian citizens. The government's success will depend on its ability to implement President El Ghazouani's program and address the country's pressing challenges.
Key points
- The new Mauritanian government has been formed with 29 ministries, amid changes in key portfolios, including the departure of the Interior and Defense Ministers.
- The government aims to address current challenges, including the global crisis and social welfare concerns, and promote development and youth empowerment.
- Several ministers from the previous government have been excluded from the new cabinet, while others have retained their positions or been reassigned.
