Mauritania's President Ghazouani Seeks Re-election Amidst Political Rivals and Economic Prospects

Mauritania holds presidential elections with incumbent Mohamed Ould Ghazouani vying for re-election against six challengers. Ghazouani, a former military officer, is expected to win due to the ruling party's dominance. He promises to accelerate investments in the commodities sector and enhance renewable energy, while addressing corruption and youth employment. Despite stability under his leadership, some opposition candidates criticize his human rights record and marginalization of Black Africans. Polls open with a possible runoff if no candidate reaches 50% of the vote.

Mauritania, a strategically important West African nation, held presidential elections on Saturday, June 20, with incumbent Mohamed Ould Ghazouani vying for a second term against six challengers [1]. Ghazouani, a former military officer and the current President of the African Union, is expected to win due to the ruling Union for the Republic (UPR) party's dominance [1].

As Ghazouani campaigns for re-election, he promises to accelerate investments in Mauritania's commodities sector, enhance renewable energy, and address corruption and youth employment [1]. Despite accusations of corruption and mismanagement from his opponents [1], Ghazouani has also led Mauritania through a period of stability, positioning it as a key partner of the West in curbing migration and fighting extremism [1].

Under Ghazouani's rule, Mauritania has experienced significant socio-economic development. Retirement pensions have doubled, and over 1.5 million Mauritanians have benefited from social assistance [1]. Additionally, over 100,000 families have been covered by health insurance paid by the state [1]. The government has also improved the military's capacities [1].

However, Ghazouani's human rights record and the marginalization of Black Africans in Mauritian society have been subject to criticism from some opposition candidates [1]. Mauritania has been denounced for rights abuses, including forced labor, slavery, and discrimination against Black Africans [1].

In a regional context marked by military coups and jihadi violence, Mauritania has been hailed as one of the most stable countries in the Sahel region [1]. The European Union (EU) has acknowledged Mauritania's efforts in addressing migration and fighting extremism, announcing a €210 million ($225 million) fund to help Mauritania crack down on people smugglers and deter migrant boats from taking off, and an additional €22 million ($23.5 million) for a new anti-terrorism battalion in Mauritania [1].

Despite concerns about Ghazouani's human rights record, the upcoming election is expected to proceed with stability. If no candidate reaches 50% of the votes, a runoff will be held [1].

Sources:
[1] https://apnews.com/article/mauritania-election-sahel-slavery-migration-35479970ef70361b7d44580e4493595e