Minister of Culture presides over the celebration of 40 years of service by the Mauritanio-Senegalese Artist Baba Maal

Nouakchott, November 2, 2025 (AMI) – The Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament, Government Spokesperson, Mr. El Houssein Ould Medou, presided over the celebration of the 40 years of service of Mauritanian-Senegalese artist Baba Maal, Goodwill Ambassador for Africa, on Saturday evening in Nouakchott.In his speech, the minister stated that Baba Maal’s 40th anniversary of service highlights the importance of coexistence and integration between Mauritania and Senegal, explaining that the messages of peace conveyed through his art deserve recognition in Mauritania. He expressed his pride on this occasion, noting that the official and public presence attests to the great symbolic significance of this commemoration.He emphasized that Mauritanian culture is of particular interest to His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, as evidenced by his as evidenced by his commitment to cultural identity, the promotion of cultural diversity, and the strengthening of national unity.The Minister of Culture reviewed the government’s main achievements in the cultural field.

For his part, H.E. El Hadj Magatt Sy, Ambassador of Senegal to Mauritania, welcomed the actions of the Mauritanian-Senegalese Parliamentary Friendship Group and the dynamism that characterizes its efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries. He noted that these efforts are inspired by the vision of their leaders: His Excellency President Bassirou Diomé Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, and his brother, His Excellency President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

He emphasized that culture is a bond, like the Senegal River and Baba Maal, which represent a meeting point, a bridge between the two peoples, embodying for 40 years a message of solidarity, shared values, and hope for the future of both countries.In his speech, the artist Baba Maal stated that African culture is truly a foundation and a common reference point for African societies and nations. He noted that this gathering aims to encourage exchanges and to promote and spread culture, adding: “Your presence here, and the fact that you have set aside other commitments, reaffirms your commitment to culture and the arts.”

The president of the ‘Insaf’ Party, Mr. Sid Ahmed Ould Mohamed, as well as several diplomatic and political figures of the country, attended the ceremony.