Formation of a Political Movement by Mauritanian Personalities Calling for “Radical Reforms”

Mauritanian personalities, predominantly based abroad, formed a political movement this Wednesday named “The Silent Majority”, calling for “radical reforms” and a break with “the mode of governance inherited from the past”, in anticipation of the presidential elections scheduled for mid-this year. The new movement has launched a call titled “Before It’s Too Late”, advocating for the renewal of the political offer away from clientelism and populist discourse. Describing itself as distant from the regimes that have governed the country in recent decades, the movement includes journalists, experts, elected officials, civil servants, and civil society activists. It proposes a vision for an alternative future, not excluding the evolution towards a different form. It demands a “renewal of the social contract, and the construction of a state that serves and is accountable to the citizen”, and invites Mauritanians to join them to “formulate an action plan as an alternative vision for the country’s future”. The movement criticizes the current regime in Mauritania, labeling it incapable of effecting the change necessary for the country’s development. In the conclusion of their call, they urge the unification of reformers’ efforts, regardless of their political camp, to form a critical bloc capable of leading the desired change, placing the public interest above all considerations. They also announce the launch of an online petition to allow Mauritanians interested in joining this movement to participate in formulating an alternative project.