Nouakchott – Mauritania has reaffirmed its commitment to a neutral and constructive role in resolving the decades-long dispute over Western Sahara, a territory claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front. The statement, delivered by government spokesperson El Houssein Ould Medou on Wednesday evening, underscores Mauritania’s long-held position of supporting diplomatic efforts to reach a mutually acceptable political solution, in accordance with relevant international resolutions.
The reaffirmation comes as international attention remains focused on the region, and as various diplomatic initiatives continue to seek a breakthrough. Mauritania’s stance is particularly significant given its shared border with Western Sahara and its historical involvement in the conflict. The country has consistently advocated for dialogue between the parties, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of the Sahrawi people.
“Mauritania encourages a serious and constructive dialogue to reach a political solution that is mutually acceptable, in respect of relevant international resolutions,” Ould Medou, who also serves as the Minister of Communication, Culture and Relations with Parliament, emphasized, according to reports from Nouakchott-based media. This commitment to neutrality is seen as crucial for fostering an environment conducive to negotiations.
Mauritania’s position isn’t new. Since 1984, the nation has officially recognized the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), also known as RASD, a move that reflects its historical solidarity with the Sahrawi people’s struggle for self-determination. However, Mauritania has simultaneously sought to maintain pragmatic relations with Morocco, balancing its support for the Sahrawi cause with regional stability concerns.
Mauritanian Delegation Participates in Washington Discussions
This week, a Mauritanian delegation participated in discussions held in Washington, D.C., organized by the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The participation aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted on October 31, which calls for a renewed effort to find a lasting solution to the Western Sahara dispute. While the Trump administration’s approach to the conflict was seen by some as favoring Morocco, the Mauritanian delegation’s presence signals a continued engagement in the diplomatic process.
The UN Security Council resolution 2797 extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until the conclude of October 2024, tasking it with monitoring the ceasefire and organizing a referendum on the territory’s future. The resolution also emphasized the importance of resuming negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front, under the auspices of the United Nations.
Balancing Act: Mauritania’s Regional Role
Mauritania’s delicate balancing act stems from its strategic location and its desire to maintain stability in the Sahel region. The country shares a long and porous border with Western Sahara and has historically been affected by the conflict, including the influx of Sahrawi refugees. Maintaining excellent relations with both Morocco and the Polisario Front is seen as essential for addressing security challenges and promoting economic development.
El Houssein Ould Medou’s background reflects his prominent role in Mauritanian public life. According to his official biography, he was born in Kiffa in 1973 and holds a Ph.D. In Information and Communication Sciences from Algeria. He has served as President of the Mauritanian Journalists Syndicate and held various positions within the government, including as Liaison Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health. He currently serves as the Government Spokesman and Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament. The Mauritanian News Agency provides further details on his career path.
Cultural Diplomacy and Regional Justice
Beyond the political dimensions of the Western Sahara dispute, Mauritania has also been actively promoting cultural diplomacy and advocating for greater international cultural justice. Just last week, Minister Ould Medou addressed the nineteenth session of the Intergovernmental Committee on the Protection and the Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Sahafat Bladi reports that he called for activating the principle of preferential treatment for developing countries, arguing that achieving international cultural justice requires facilitating the movement of artists and creative works, and ensuring balanced representation of cultural content in the digital space.
Mauritania’s position on Western Sahara, coupled with its advocacy for cultural justice, underscores its commitment to a multilateral approach to resolving regional challenges. The country’s continued engagement in diplomatic efforts, alongside its focus on promoting cultural exchange, reflects its desire to play a constructive role in fostering peace and stability in the Sahel region.
Looking ahead, Mauritania is expected to continue its policy of constructive neutrality, encouraging dialogue and supporting UN-led efforts to find a lasting solution to the Western Sahara dispute. The next key date will be the renewal of MINURSO’s mandate by the UN Security Council later this year, a moment that will likely notice renewed diplomatic activity and scrutiny of the situation in Western Sahara.
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