In a major reshuffle, Mauritania's government has seen the departure of ten ministers, following the reappointment of Moukhtar Ould Aij as Prime Minister and his task to form a new cabinet. The changes affect several key ministries, including Defense, Interior, Energy, Islamic Affairs, Culture, Economic Affairs, Finance, and Animal Development, as well as the Secretary General of the Government. This move signals a significant shift in the country's leadership.
Among those leaving the government is Hanene Ould Sidi, who served as Minister of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Martyrs' Families for seven years. He is succeeded by Ba Ousmane. Another notable departure is Mohamed Ahmed Ould Mohamed Amin, who left the Interior Ministry, which he had headed since March 2022, previously serving as Chief of Staff to the President. He is replaced by Moukhtar Ould Ahmed Bousif.
The Energy and Oil Ministry sees a change with Mohamed Abdelfattah taking over from Mohamed Khalid, who was appointed in 2024 and had been involved in investigations related to electricity incidents. The Islamic Affairs and Original Education Ministry welcomes Sid El Haj Ould Dah as its new head, replacing Foudil Ould Sidiati Ould Ahmed Louly. These changes reflect a broader restructuring within the government.
Further changes include the departure of Hussein Ould Medou, who served as Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament since 2024, also acting as Government Spokesperson. He is succeeded by Mohamed Babanah. Moukhtar El Housseynou Lam, Minister Delegate to the Secretary General of the Government, leaves his position, to be replaced by Moukhtar Abdallah.
The Economic Affairs and Development Ministry sees a new face with Mohamedou Ould Amhimid taking over from Abdallah Souleymane Ould Cheikh Sidya, who joined the government in a cabinet reshuffle last year. Sid Ahmed Ould Mohamed exits the Animal Development Ministry, succeeded by Ahmedit Ould Chen. Ankimor Koudiero Harouna leaves the Finance Ministry, which is entrusted to Koudiouro Moussa Enknor.
At the level of the Presidency, Moulay Ould Mohamed Laghdaf moves from his role as Minister, Secretary General of the Presidency, to be succeeded by Aissata Ba Yahia, who previously served as Minister Counselor to the Presidency. These appointments and departures indicate a significant reorganization of the Mauritanian government.
The reshuffle comes as part of broader efforts to reorganize and potentially revitalize the government's approach to various sectors. With these changes, Mauritania's leadership aims to address existing challenges and priorities. The full implications of these changes remain to be seen as the country moves forward.
Key points
- Ten ministers have left the Mauritanian government in a significant reshuffle.
- Key ministries affected include Defense, Interior, and Energy.
- The changes reflect a broader restructuring within the government.
