Government Spokesperson: The national territory is fully secured and there is no truth to the entry of Malian soldiers into Mauritanian lands
The Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament, the government spokesperson, Mr. Houssein Ould Medou, categorically denied the reports circulating about the entry of Malian soldiers into Mauritanian lands, affirming that the national territory is fully secured, both internally and at the borders.
This came during his commentary on the results of the Council of Ministers meeting Wednesday evening, at the press hall at the headquarters of the Mauritanian News Agency in Nouakchott, alongside the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Employment, Sports, and Civil Service, and the Minister of Economic Affairs and Development.
The Minister, also denied allegations of Malian soldiers being held captive inside refugee camps in Mauritania, describing the statement attributed to the leadership of the Malian army as “false news.” He added that the Mauritanian authorities issued an official statement strongly condemning this misinformation, noting that the concerned ambassador was summoned and informed of Mauritania’s position rejecting these claims.
For his part, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Employment, Sports, and Civil Service, Mr. Mohamed Abdullahi Ould Louli, clarified that the statement regarding job creation falls within the executive mechanisms of the directives of His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, aimed at promoting employment and providing sustainable job opportunities for youth.
He added that the statement includes four main points, beginning with the outcome of the analysis of structural and developmental projects, which included 42 structural projects and 307 projects within basic services development and local development programs. He noted that this analysis resulted in identifying 3,576 direct jobs during the implementation phase, and 7,204 direct jobs during the operational phase, providing considerable opportunities for young people to gain practical experience and skills.
For his part, the Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, Mr. Abdullahi Ould Souleymane Ould Cheikh Sidia, indicated that the five-year plan for the period (2026–2030), within the framework of the national strategy for accelerated growth and shared prosperity, aims to accelerate the pace of economic growth and strengthen efforts to reduce poverty, through the adoption of precise digital indicators to monitor project implementation and evaluate performance. He explained that these indicators cover vital areas, such as infrastructure development, by paving roads, building educational institutions, and expanding electricity and internet networks, in line with internationally approved development goals, and keeping pace with the aspirations of the President’s national program.
Regarding the agreements signed with the brotherly State of Qatar, the Minister explained that they aim to protect investments and ensure the smooth flow of bilateral trade, emphasizing that the government, under the directives of His Excellency the President of the Republic, is working to accelerate the implementation of various international agreements, which enhances Mauritania’s position as an attractive destination for foreign investments.
On the matter of market supply, the Minister reassured citizens about the availability of basic goods, affirming that the state continues its interventions to ensure price stability, especially in the energy sector, which is facing pressure due to global geopolitical fluctuations.
In this context, he revealed that the government provides direct support exceeding 200 old ouguiyas for every liter of diesel sold locally, as part of a social policy aimed at alleviating the impact of rising prices, despite the increases recorded at the regional and international levels.
In response to a question regarding fuel subsidies, the Minister stated that the price difference is very significant, noting that the average price of a barrel of oil has risen from $72 to $103, and the price of a ton of diesel has increased from $735 to $1,156. He emphasized that the limited storage capacity, which does not exceed a few weeks, necessitates keeping up with these global prices, adding that the government intervened with a sovereign decision to bear these costs on behalf of the citizens.
The Minister called on citizens and residents to rationalize energy and fuel consumption and to avoid waste, considering this a national responsibility that contributes to reducing the burden on the state budget in light of this exceptional global situation.