The International Francophone Network for Sport (RIFS) has appointed Oumou Kane as its first representative in Mauritania. The appointment ceremony took place on October 3, 2026, at the multifunctional room of the Nouakchott Region. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the President of the Nouakchott Region, Vatimetou Abdel Maleck, and the President-Founder of RIFS, Julien Anzian. Oumou Kane, a former president of the Mauritanian women's football federation, was installed in her new role with the presentation of her official mandate and international badge.
The ceremony was also attended by the Vice-President of the Mauritanian Olympic Committee, Marième Kane, and the representative of the former Mauritanian ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Mohamed Béchir Zeidane. The Mauritanian ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Mohamed Abdallahi Mokhtar Khattra, played a key role in Mauritania's adhesion to RIFS and was represented at the ceremony by Mohamed Bechir Ould Zeidane. In his speech, Ould Zeidane thanked RIFS for integrating Mauritania into the network, citing the country's progress in sports and the government's commitment to promoting sports.
RIFS was created in 2018 and officially launched in 2020. The network has four main programs, including "Sport and Life," which focuses on supporting athletes in various areas such as career transition, training, and visibility. The second program, "Working with Women," aims to empower women through sports. The other two programs focus on sports economics and diplomacy. RIFS has already partnered with several organizations, including the University of Mohamed V in Rabat, and has participated in several international events, including the Francophonie Scientific Week.
According to Julien Anzian, RIFS will be present at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, which will take place from October 31 to November 13, 2026. The event will bring together around 2,700 young athletes from 207 delegations. Anzian expressed his confidence in Oumou Kane's ability to promote sports development in Mauritania and make progress more visible. He also praised the Mauritanian government's commitment to sports and the values of Francophonie.
Oumou Kane expressed her gratitude to those who have supported her throughout her career, including her father, who was present at the ceremony. She acknowledged that her new role is a significant responsibility and pledged to work hard to promote sports development in Mauritania. Kane also thanked the President of the Nouakchott Region, Vatimetou Abdel Maleck, and other stakeholders for their support.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of RIFS' official mandate to Oumou Kane and the distribution of recognition certificates to several individuals, including Vatimetou Abdel Maleck and Fall Youssouf. Mauritania becomes the 10th official member of RIFS. Oumou Kane will be supported by a team, including Diaw Soumaré, Vatimetou Sidi Mohamed, Ahmed Sidaty Tall, Alassance Cissé, and Meymoune Babou.
The appointment of Oumou Kane as RIFS' representative in Mauritania marks a significant milestone in the country's sports development. With RIFS' support, Mauritania aims to promote sports as a tool for development and to empower young people and women. The network's programs will focus on supporting athletes, promoting women's empowerment, and developing sports economics.
Key points
- Oumou Kane has been appointed as the first representative of RIFS in Mauritania.
- The appointment ceremony took place on October 3, 2026, in Nouakchott.
- Mauritania becomes the 10th official member of RIFS.
