Abdel Aziz sworn in as President of Mauritania

2009-08-06

Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz took the oath of office on Wednesday before a crowd of 20,000 to become President of Mauritania. Supporters and opponents alike attended the event, in support of the political process.

By Mohamed Yahya Ould Abdel Wedoud and Mohamed Khattat for Magharebia in Nouakchott – 06/08/09

[Mohamed Khattat] President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz assured Mauritanians that he will honour his campaign pledge to undertake aggressive national reforms.

Thousands of people flocked to the Olympic Stadium in Nouakchott on Wednesday (August 5th) to witness the swearing-in of Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz as President of Mauritania. Despite a tumultuous run-up to the July 18th election, Mauritanians from various political camps came together in a show of support for the democratic process.

In attendance were a number of foreign dignitaries, including neighbouring leaders Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal, Amadou Toumani Touré of Mali, Gambian Vice-President Aichatta N'Diaye Sidi and Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi of Morocco. Representatives of nations throughout the Maghreb, the Middle East and abroad were also present, as well as members of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and the African Union.

In his address marking the occasion, President Abdel Aziz reiterated his earlier promises to fight corruption and improve the quality of life in Mauritania. "My campaign addresses were sincere and not just sweet talk to garner votes," he vowed.

The president laid out an aggressive plan for national reform, promising to employ the resources and wealth of the state in a transparent, rational and responsible manner. He said he will focus his energies "firstly on reforming the administration and raising moral standards" and paying "particular attention to the justice sector".

Also on the agenda are overhauls of the health and education systems, improvements of levels of training to meet the needs of the labour market, and increased support for scientific research.

He also talked about poverty, unemployment and women's rights. "What first comes to my mind is the sad condition of the poor, and the misery they endure for long periods of time. To them I say – I will not let you down. I am here for you, and I will not disappoint you."

Concerning the future of relations with neighbouring countries, Abdel Aziz added: "Together with our fellow brothers in the Arab Maghreb we will strive to build a stronger unified Maghreb region, and will devote due attention to co-operating with neighbouring countries and stimulating Arab-African dialogue."

Included in his regional policy is the fight against terrorism. "In the military and security field, we will go ahead with the reorganisation of the national army and security forces so that they will be capable of fulfilling their missions in the best possible conditions," Abdel Aziz confirmed.

"We shall not spare any effort to fight terrorism and the causes of terrorism so that our society can remain what it has always been in the past: a peaceful and tolerant society which seeks that which is commendable and stamps out that which is reprehensible," he stated.

After the ceremony, reactions poured in from many in attendance, including Abdel Aziz's political rivals.

Hamady Ould Meimou, an unsuccessful candidate in the 2009 election, said the speech was "full of hope" for the Mauritanian people. "I'm completely satisfied that it has worked out for the good of the Mauritanian people," he said. "In an election, you have to have a loser if you are to have a winner. After an election, you have to be a good sport and accept your defeat."

Alain Joyandet, French Secretary of State for Co-operation and Francophony, told the press that "Mauritania is not only becoming somewhere to visit again, but for France it is returning to a role as a leading partner in this region."

Mohamed Lemine Ould Dadde, Commissioner for Human Rights from the previous government, called the swearing-in ceremony a joyful moment for the Mauritanian people. "Today is a day of national reconciliation," he said. "We have just witnessed the birth of a new Mauritania."

Mauritanians across the country followed the ceremony on television and radio, but many attended the event in person despite the heat, boosting the crowd to 20,000 in the Olympic Stadium.

"Abdel Aziz is the first Mauritanian president to be sworn in among the laymen and in public," Maryam, who came to watch the inauguration, told Magharebia. "Previously, investiture ceremonies would only be attended by state dignitaries and diplomatic delegations. The man has thus taken the road untrodden."