The first edition of the Mauritanian Diaspora Forum commenced on October 31, 2026, at the Mokhtar Ould Daddah Congress Palace in Nouakchott, under the supervision of Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani. The forum, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Mauritanian Affairs Abroad, focuses on the situation of Mauritanian diasporas, their contribution to national development, and enhancing their presence in various political and economic domains.
The forum features specialized workshops addressing several key issues, including the rights of diasporas and political participation, with the goal of developing representation and strengthening communication mechanisms. This workshop brings together several government departments and national institutions, such as the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, the National Assembly, and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Another workshop highlights the role of the Mauritanian diaspora in promoting tourism, attracting tourist investments, and stimulating commercial exchanges. Participants include the Ministry of Commerce and Tourism, the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, the Mauritanian Investment Promotion Agency, and several economic and tourism stakeholders, diplomatic mission representatives, investors, and diaspora members.
The forum's different axes emphasize the importance of strengthening ties between Mauritanians abroad and their home country, broadening their participation in political and economic life, and leveraging their experiences, skills, and international networks for national development and promoting the country's tourism potential and investment opportunities.
In his opening speech, Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug welcomed participants, noting that the forum reflects the central place of the diaspora in President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani's program and his concern for strengthening ties with the homeland. The minister highlighted that the forum follows a process of communication, listening, and direct consultation with the diaspora, in line with the President's directives.
Minister Ould Merzoug stated that his ministry had dispatched missions to 23 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas to engage with diaspora members, identifying key challenges faced by citizens abroad, particularly in consular services, authentication, civil status, residence, integration, social and legal protection, education, and investment.
The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay, several government members, Nouakchott's West governor, deputies representing diasporas in the National Assembly, and the president of the Mauritanian Diaspora Associations Federation, as well as members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Mauritania.
Key points
- The forum aims to enhance the participation of Mauritanian diasporas in the country's development and promote their role in various sectors.
