Professor Mohamed Maouloud has taken the helm of the opposition collective amidst a significant moment, marked by the successful organization of a massive rally that drew tens of thousands of people to Nouakchott.
Mauritania is currently navigating a period defined by numerous formidable challenges. These include a national dialogue process that has been stalled for several months, a concerning resurgence of identity-based discourse, a critical security situation in the eastern regions bordering Mali, and the severe economic strain on the population due to soaring prices.
The newly appointed president of the PCOD expresses deep concern over the national landscape, specifically noting the impasse in the dialogue process. He emphasizes that this framework is crucial for addressing national problems and fostering consensual solutions through the active participation of all stakeholders.
Overcoming this dialogue deadlock stands as the foremost priority for the new coalition leader. The prominent opposition figure has issued a solemn appeal to Head of State Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani, urging him to take decisive action to remove the obstacle presented by the ruling majority’s attempt to introduce the unconstitutional matter of a third presidential term onto the debate agenda, a point not included in the agreed roadmap.
Maouloud laments that this vital national consultation, which is essential for resolving all other pressing issues, is facing what he describes as a “deliberate blockage” orchestrated by the political parties of the majority.
The acting president of the PCOD describes a nation in a state of “emergency” concerning national unity, which he asserts is being undermined by the resurgence of identity-focused rhetoric, igniting public discourse, particularly through social media. Furthermore, he highlights an urgent situation in the eastern regions, directly attributed to insecurity in neighboring Mali, the subsequent influx of refugees, and the border closure impacting Mauritanian pastoralists’ traditional transhumance routes. Compounding these issues are the difficult living conditions experienced by citizens throughout the country.
These multifaceted challenges represent the core preoccupations for the PCOD.