President Ghazouani Urges Governors to Prioritize Citizens’ Needs and Public Service Efficiency
Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has called on the country’s governors to remain constantly and closely informed about the living conditions of citizens, stressing that solving their problems and facilitating administrative procedures should be the highest priority. He emphasized that this approach represents the closest form of administrative engagement with citizens and is fundamental to the success of public policies at the local level.
This directive came during a meeting held by President Ghazouani on Thursday morning at the Presidential Palace in Nouakchott with the nation’s governors.
The president underscored the critical role of governors, noting that their responsibilities begin with representing the President of the Republic and implementing government policies at the local level. He stressed that the effectiveness of the state relies heavily on the performance of local administrations in executing national programs.
He also reminded the governors of the importance of continuously monitoring the performance of public facilities—particularly in health and education sectors—ensuring their regular operation and the quality of services delivered.
Key Issues Discussed
The meeting addressed several priority areas, including:
- Strengthening the Republican school system
- Combating school dropout, especially in vulnerable regions
- Promoting girls’ education and improving the quality of early primary education
- Improving the management of school meal programs, providing educational supplies, and ensuring proper exam preparation
Decentralization and Local Development
The discussion also emphasized the need for mayors and heads of regional councils to maintain a strong on-the-ground presence within their jurisdictions. Transparency, respect for council sessions, and enhancing the capabilities of local elected officials were highlighted as essential elements of effective governance.
Market Oversight and Consumer Protection
The meeting stressed the importance of price stabilization and consumer protection by monitoring market supply chains and stock levels of essential goods. It also called for the prevention of price manipulation and hoarding, through coordination with relevant authorities to overcome shortages in human and logistical resources.
Tackling Informal Settlements and Border Control
Regarding irregular settlements, it was decided to activate the relevant institutional frameworks and dispatch multi-sectoral missions to assess the viability of proposed community groupings. The discussion also addressed the need to distinguish between asylum, regular migration, and irregular migration, while reinforcing border controls and combating human trafficking networks, all in full compliance with international agreements, national laws, and human rights standards.
Addressing Drug Abuse in Schools
The meeting called for heightened vigilance and intensified efforts to combat drug addiction, particularly in school environments, through monitoring distribution points and collaborating with judicial authorities, security forces, and local communities.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Ajay, along with several government ministers and presidential advisers.
