Call for Our Country’s Resignation from the Presidency of the African Union

Your Excellency President Mohamed Cheikh El-Ghazouani,

Under your wise leadership and strategic vision, our country faces many challenges, particularly in relation to the painful events experienced by our brothers in the occupied territories. The human rights violations there have reached unprecedented levels, and the international community remains unable to take firm measures to force the occupying entity to cease its crimes. Despite our country holding the presidency of the African Union, this leadership has not resulted in any concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, nor any tangible actions, such as suspending commercial and military cooperation with the occupier. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council has been unable to halt these ongoing crimes, while the United States continues to supply the occupation with the latest and most destructive military equipment, further exacerbating the suffering of civilians.

In this context, I wish to express my deep dissatisfaction with this dual failure—both from the international community and from the African Union, which was supposed to be a voice for justice and fairness. Continuing to lead this union under your guidance, as a symbol of justice and dignity, without serious initiatives to stop these violations, could place us in a position of responsibility for its failure to stop the war, especially as our country currently holds its presidency. This puts us in a position of accountability before our people and before history.

Therefore, Your Excellency, I believe that the most appropriate course of action, in line with our country's historical stances and noble principles, is for you to take a bold decision to resign from the presidency of the African Union, while announcing our country's intention to reconsider its membership in this union if it does not show readiness to take decisive actions consistent with the values of justice and fairness. This step would not just be a protest, but it would send a strong message reflecting our rejection of bias and silence in the face of injustice, and a clear call for international and regional organizations to assume their responsibilities regarding the current situation. Failing to take a firm stance at this critical time would be seen as complicity with the occupier and support for its continued crimes, which could affect all nations opposing its criminal policies.

Your Excellency, I trust in your ability to make the right decision that befits the stature of our country and its honorable history, and that you will always remain a leader striving for justice and defending human values. This step, although it may seem drastic, represents a reaffirmation of our country's will to stand by oppressed peoples and to solidify our steadfast positions against all forms of injustice. It would also enhance our country's standing as a regional actor committed to justice, calling on the international community to rise to the challenges of the present.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the expression of my highest respect and esteem.

Engineer El-Hadj Sidi Brahim Sidi Yahya

انواكشوط 19/10/2024