Since the announcement of his re-election as President of Mauritania by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI,) Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has continued to receive messages of congratulations from across the world.
This is so notwithstanding that the results of the election have still not been recognised by Biram Dah Abeid, President Ghazouani’s main challenger who came second.
In Africa, several heads of state offer their congratulations among them his Chadian counterpart Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who hailed the re-election as a mark of the Mauritanian people’s renewed faith in his vision for the country.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye also congratulated Ghazouani on his re-election in the first round, underlining his political leadership.
The Tunisian president, Kais Saied, wished Ghazouani every success in his presidential duties, emphasising the strength of relations between Tunisia and Mauritania and inviting him on an official visit. Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti, praised the popular support Ghazouani has received.
Beyond the African continent, Ghazouani has also received congratulations from Russian President Vladimir Putin who wished the people of Mauritania success and prosperity. The acting President of Iran, Mohammad Mokhber, expressed his hope that bilateral relations would be strengthened. Pedro Sanchez, President of the Spanish government, stressed the strategic importance of Spanish-Mauritanian relations in a number of areas.
The American President, Joe Biden, reaffirmed the United States’ desire to strengthen cooperation with Mauritania for the well-being of the two friendly peoples.
However, despite the confirmation of Ghazouani’s victory by the CENI with a score of 56.12 percent, poll rival Biram Dah Abeid in second place with 22.10 percent, rejected the results and called for demonstrations against the CENI.
Violence broke out in Kaedi, near the border with Senegal, leaving three people dead, according to the Minister of Homes Affaires. Several people have been detained.
Biram Dah Abeid reiterated his call for demonstrations at a press conference in Nouakchott, denouncing the
mass arrests.
AC/fss/as/APA