Government Spokesperson: “The Safety of Mauritanians Is Above All Other Considerations”
On 9 March, Mr. Moktar Ould Dahi, the Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Relations with Parliament, who is also the Government Spokesman, spoke on the incident that occurred recently in Mali, and during which, several Mauritanians were reported missing.
He said the safety of Mauritanians is above all other considerations, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Mali’s ambassador in Nouakchott to convey Mauritania’s strong protests.
Alongside Mariem Bekaye, the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, and Mr. Cheikh Ahmedou Ould Ahmed Salem Ould Sidi, the Commissioner for Human Rights, Humanitarian Action, and Relations with Civil Society, the Spokesman indicated that the higher authorities of the State are following the events in Mali.
According to him, Mauritania has activated all channels of diplomacy and used firm language when it summoned the Malian ambassador.
The spokesperson also recalled that following previous incidents that led to the death of several Mauritanians on Malian soil, the Malian authorities had made some commitments.
He regrets that the application of these commitments has been below expectations.
Regarding the potential responsible for the latest incidents, the spokesperson quotes the press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which indicates that elements make it possible to question the regular armed forces of Mali. In addition, he announced that all state apparatuses are on alert, ensuring that light will be shed on all these events.
In addition, when asked about Mauritania’s potential candidacy for the presidency of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (OADA), the spokesperson confirmed the information, indicating that Mauritania has qualified profiles to take on this role. In this regard, he said that the Minister of Agriculture presented a communication to the Council of Ministers relating to the holding of the 37th session of the General Assembly of Arab Ministers of Agriculture, members of OADA.