Since assuming the presidency of the African Union (AU) in February 2024 and continuing until February 2025, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has led significant efforts to strengthen education, promote peace and stability, enhance diplomatic presence, implement institutional reforms, and improve economic cooperation among African nations. During this period, Mauritania has established itself as a key player in advancing numerous African issues.
1. Strengthening Education
As part of his commitment to supporting education in Africa, Mauritania organized an education summit in Nouakchott, attended by several heads of state, including Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, as well as dozens of ministers and development experts. The summit focused on improving Africa’s educational systems and sharing best practices among member states to ensure sustainable human development.
2. Promoting Peace and Stability in Africa
- Libyan Crisis: President Ghazouani traveled to Tripoli, where he met with various Libyan stakeholders. He also hosted Libyan officials in Nouakchott, supporting national reconciliation efforts and the restoration of stability in Libya.
- Sudanese Crisis: Nouakchott hosted a conference on the Sudanese crisis, where President Ghazouani met with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sudanese army and president of the Transitional Sovereignty Council. He called for an end to hostilities and the protection of civilians.
- Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Mauritania played a significant role in addressing the growing tensions between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army, advocating for a ceasefire and a peaceful political resolution.
3. Diplomatic Presence and Influence
Under Ghazouani’s presidency, the African Union enhanced its global presence by:
- Actively participating in international summits, advocating for justice and equitable development in Africa.
- Integrating the African Union into the G20, a major achievement secured during the New Delhi Summit in September 2023, ensuring greater representation for Africa on the global stage.
4. Institutional Reforms of the African Union
President Ghazouani has focused on modernizing the institutional framework of the African Union through:
- Implementing new selection mechanisms for the AU Commission’s senior leadership.
- Assessing staff competencies to enhance the organization’s efficiency and overall performance.
5. Strengthening Economic Cooperation
During his presidency, several major economic summits were held, including:
- The African Economic Summit in Abidjan.
- The Energy Summit in Tanzania, aimed at reinforcing cooperation among AU member states and encouraging sustainable development projects.
The Nouakchott Declaration at the 38th African Summit
During the opening of the 38th African Union Summit, President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani called for the adoption of the Nouakchott Declaration, which outlines a comprehensive vision for sustainable development in Africa. This declaration is based on the founding principles of the Network for Sustainable Solutions:
Key Points of the Nouakchott Declaration:
- Legal Framework and Establishment:
- The organization is registered under Law 2021-004 and Decree 2021-205. It is a non-profit association dedicated to sustainable development in Mauritania.
- Main Objectives:
- Launching projects related to agriculture, fishing, livestock, renewable energy, and environmental protection.
- Promoting food security and adaptation to climate change.
- Supporting disadvantaged populations and improving their living conditions.
- Internal Organization:
- The association consists of founding members, affiliates, honorary members, and benefactors.
- The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body and makes decisions by majority vote.
- The Executive Board, composed of six members, is responsible for managing the association.
- Financial Resources:
- The association is funded through member contributions, donations, generated revenues, and public and private grants.
- Financial oversight is ensured by an auditor, in accordance with Mauritanian laws.
- Dissolution Procedures:
- Dissolution is decided by the General Assembly, requiring the presence of 4/5 of the members and approval by 2/3 of those present.
- Remaining assets are redistributed in accordance with Mauritanian legislation.
📝 The Declaration was officially adopted in Nouakchott on November 18, 2024, in Arabic and French.
President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s achievements during Mauritania’s presidency of the African Union set an exemplary model of African leadership, marked by notable advancements in development, stability, and institutional reforms. The adoption of the Nouakchott Declaration further confirms his commitment to a sustainable future for Africa and an increased global role for the continent.
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