International reactions and internal tensions follow re-election of Mauritanian president
However, the results have not been accepted by the runner-up, Biram Dah Abeid, sparking significant tensions within the country.
President Ghazouani’s re-election has elicited numerous international responses. African leaders were quick to extend their congratulations.
Chadian President, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, hailed the re-election as a sign of the Mauritanian people’s renewed trust in Ghazouani and his vision for the nation.
Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, also praised Ghazouani’s political leadership and commended his victory in the first round.
Tunisian President, Kais Saied, expressed his best wishes for Ghazouani’s success and reaffirmed the strong ties between Tunisia and Mauritania, extending an invitation for an official visit.
Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti, highlighted the popular support for Ghazouani.
Beyond the African continent, Ghazouani received congratulations from global leaders.
Russian President, Vladimir Putin, sent his best wishes for success and prosperity to the Mauritanian people.
Interim Iranian President, Mohammad Mokhber, expressed hope for strengthened bilateral relations.
Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, emphasized the strategic importance of Spanish-Mauritanian relations across various sectors.
U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated the United States’ desire to enhance cooperation with Mauritania for the well-being of both nations.
Despite the confirmation of Ghazouani’s victory by the National Independent Electoral Commission, with 56.12% of the vote, opposition candidate Biram Dah Abeid, who secured 22.10%, rejected the results and called for protests against the commission.
The post-election period has been marked by unrest. Violent clashes erupted in Kaédi, near the Senegalese border, resulting in the deaths of three people, according to the Interior Minister. Several individuals were detained amidst the turmoil.
Biram Dah Abeid has continued to rally his supporters, denouncing mass arrests during a press conference in Nouakchott and urging further demonstrations.
The tension underscores the deep divisions within Mauritania, as the nation navigates its political future amidst both domestic dissent and international scrutiny.
