Mauritania Celebrates 62nd Anniversary of Independence

29 November 2022

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania which became a self-governing territory in 1958 and gained full independence from French colonial rule on 28th November 1960, is a country in Northwest Africa. At a reception marking the 62nd anniversary of Independence, Ambassador Jarr Inalla of Mauritania to South Africa said, “We have since, as a free nation, been crafting our way out of underdevelopment towards steady progress and betterment, thanks to deep inspiration from our past, clear understanding of our present, and conscious vision for our future.”

Mauritania is named after the Almoravid Empire that was established in the north western corner of Africa, lapped by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and sharing borders with the countries of Senegal, Western Sahara, Mali and Algeria and is part of the Maghreb and the Sahel region. Mauritania is also a member of the Arab League as well as the African Union.

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities Maite Nkoana-Mashabane was guest of honour at the independence celebrations. She said, "South Africa and Mauritania were among the first African countries to have deposited instruments for the ratification of the African Free Trade Area to the Secratariat and as such our countries have a responsibility to play an important role in implementing this treaty to the fullest.

Post Covid-19 short term economic growth for this country of 4,5 million people is projected at 4,8%. The country enjoys 4 deepwater ports near Nouackchott and Nouadhibou. Such infrastructure is set to contribute to the growth and modernisation of the country. Mauritania has rich mineral deposits of iron ore, gold and phosphates among others, added to the discovery of oil and gas which bodes well for the further devlopment of the country.

See full speeches below

Speech by Ambassador Jarr Inalla of Mauritania to South Africa

Honorable, Her Excellency Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister in the Presidency of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.

Dear Dean of Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency Mr. Salih Omar Abdu.

Dear Colleagues Ambassadors and High Commissioners.

Honorable Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

We are assembled here today to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the Independence Day of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. In this day of 28th of November 1960, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania gained its Independence from France.

We have since, as a free nation, been crafting our way out of underdevelopment towards steady progress and betterment, thanks to deep inspiration from our past, clear understanding of our present, and conscious vision for our future.

The perspicacity of our political leaders, from the day of Independence up to now, had led our country to some brilliant political and economic achievements.

Under the wise leadership of our current President H. E Mohamed ould Cheikh El Gazouani, the country has capitalised on these achievements, to enjoy nowadays an enviable state of political stability, with a consolidated social cohesion and a sincere engagement toward reduction of inequalities and socio-economic disparities.

At this juncture, we dare to say that Mauritania is today resolutely engaged for the attainment of a deep-rooted democratic society, where every single citizen enjoys individual and collective rights and benefits from the income generated from our flourishing economy. To achieve this, we have been compelled to tick all the boxes of political stability, social cohesion, equity and good governance. A requisite we humbly cling to thanks to the thoughtfulness and wisdom of our political leadership.

With the Republic of South Africa, Mauritania entertains excellent, strong and close bilateral relations. This event gives us a precious opportunity to recall the perfect state of our good collaboration:

In fact, the two countries signed their agreement to engage in diplomatic relations in early 1994, straight after the end of apartheid. In this regard, it is worth mentioning here that the Islamic Republic of Mauritania contributed hugely to the fight against the apartheid. We recall here that many South African freedom fighters had at their disposal Mauritanian passports to ease their movement worldwide, among whom, we may name Myriam Makeba.

The 1st President of Mauritania, late Moctar Ould Dadah, during his presidency of the then Organisation of the African Unity (1971 -1972), used his time and energy to campaign against apartheid (we pay tribute to the members of his family who are present here with us in this room). The fight against apartheid was indeed perceptible in Mauritanian culture: Mauritanian singer, late Dimi Mint Abba composed several songs dedicated to the glory of the black movement fight against the apartheid.

Mauritania and South Africa are determined to work hand in hand for the betterment of their bilateral cooperation.

The two countries have already signed numerous Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), among which we may list:

1. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Political Bilateral Consultations (signed in 2005);
2. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Establishment of the Joint Commission (signed on in 2005).
3. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Mineral Resources (signed in 2007).
4. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Petroleum and Energy (signed in 2007).

Furthermore, we are aware that negotiations, regarding many other bilateral agreements, are in progress and we are hopeful that they will be signed by 2023:

1. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Visa exemption on Official and Diplomatic passports
2. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Technologies and Communication
3. Furthermore, there are strong expectations that the first meeting of our Joint Commission on Trade and Investment will be held in the course of the year 2023.

The Covid pandemic has reminded us of how we are so interdependent. Therefore, Mauritanian people and government trust that the reinforcement of our bilateral cooperation will pass inevitably through the increase of reciprocal High Level official visits, in this regard, it is worth noting that some High-Level Official visits have already been recorded to name a few:

On the Mauritanian side:

• The visit of the former President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mr. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz to attend the funeral ceremony of the late iconic freedom fighter, President Nelson Mandela
  

On the South African side:

• The visit in 2018 of the President H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, to attend the 31 st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government, accompanied by an important delegation of south African dignitaries and during which an Avenue on the Name of Nelson Mandela has been inaugurated in the heart of Nouakchott city.
• The visit to Mauritania in 2014 of the current President H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa in his capacity of Vice-President to attend to the inaugural ceremony of Mauritanian new elected President.
• I will not close this chapter without mentioning the brilliant and successful visit to Mauritania in 2015 of H.E. Maite Nkoane Mashabane, in her capacity as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.

To enhance our bilateral cooperation, a focus ought to be made on the promotion of the increase of our trade and investment rate. In this regard Mauritania and South Africa have a lot to offer to each other, mainly in the following sectors: Mining, fisheries, agriculture, gas and energy to name a few.

To achieve this, we need to take inspiration from the following beautiful wordings of Baba Madiba: “Action without vision is only passing time, vision without action is merely daydreaming, but vision with action can change the world’’.

So, Honorable Minister, based on Action and Vision, let’s nurture our bilateral cooperation to thrive to the best.

To finish, I thank you all for your invaluable support, my thanks would go also to my colleagues at the mission, who worked tirelessly to make this day successful.

Wa Salam Aleykum Wa Rahmatou Allah

Speech by Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane

On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, I wish to convey to Your Excellency, Ambassador Jarr Inalla and the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, our warmest greetings and sincere congratulations on this auspicious occasion of the commemoration of the 62nd Anniversary of Independence of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

South Africa and Mauritania were among the first African countries that have deposited their instruments of ratification to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. As such, our countries have the responsibility to play an important role in the implementation of the AfCFTA to enhance intra Africa trade.

There is no doubt that the creation of a single market with free movement of goods and services will lift millions of Africans out of poverty.

I am pleased to note that diplomatic relations between our two countries continue to grow from strength-to-strength. However, more effort is required to convert our relations into economic advantages for the benefit of our citizens.

Our countries have seen enhanced cooperation, and as part of improving economic and trade relations, the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, has appointed the Executive Chairperson of FishSA, as a member of the Higher Council for Investment in Mauritania.

Our focus should be on how to improve the lives of our people with the tools we already have at our disposal and how best we can coordinate and execute priority regional and continental projects to promote regional integration towards the accelerated realisation of Agenda 2063.

This will trengthen the AU Member States and Regional Bodies, and provide expert advice and support and serve as the technical interface with Africa’s development stakeholders and development partners.

South Africa envisions a prosperous region and continent sustained by peace, stability and integrated economies.

To address current challenges, we need to combine and intensify our efforts in pursuing strategic areas of cooperation, and equally explore and affirm other avenues of common interest. This approach will assist our two countries as we strive to better the lives of our people.

Another important component of our relations is that we share a common vision for the continued prioritisation of the African continent within the framework of the African Union, guided by the Constitutive Act of the AU.

Continued efforts should be made to preserve unity and solidarity on the African continent. It remains important for our two countries to ensure the strengthening of governance and capacity of the AU.

Equally, we should recommit to the principles of solidarity and non-alignment in addressing contemporary global challenges by building formidable solidarity and South-South cooperation. The COVID-19 has emphasised the importance of growing our economies and ensuring prosperity and independence of the South to shape our own destiny.

Our relations remain solid. Given the many global challenges we face today, it is imperative that we elevate these relations to focus on political and economic cooperation.

Indeed, the focus of our partnership today should be to address the well-being of our people and the development of our countries.

I would like to invite you to raise your glasses and join me in a toast for the good health of His Excellency, Ambassador Jarr Inalla, and the prosperity of our two countries and peoples.

To everlasting solidarity, and friendship.
I thank you.