The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mohamed Ibn Chambas, conducted today a three-day visit to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. This mission, which is part of UNOWAS good offices activities, aimed to discuss with stakeholders the preparation of the presidential elections scheduled for 22 June 2019.

During his visit, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations was received in audience by the President of Mauritania, H.E Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. He also met with the Minister of the Justice, Dia Moctar Malal, the Minister of  Interior and Decentralization, Ahmedou Ould Abdalla, and the President of the National Electoral Commission (CENI), Mohamed Vall Ould Bellal. SRSG Ibn Chambas also met with the six presidential candidates, the accredited diplomatic corps in Mauritania and the United Nations country team.

Mauritania plays a major role in consolidating peace and stability in the subregion

Mr. Ibn Chambas highlighted the active role of Mauritania in the sub-region and the Group of five Sahel countries (G5 Sahel). "Mauritania plays a major role in consolidating peace and stability in the subregion," he said.

Noting the importance of the upcoming presidential elections in the consolidation of peace and democracy, Mr. Ibn Chambas called on all stakeholders to take necessary measures to enable peaceful, inclusive, free, transparent and credible elections. "The presidential elections are an opportunity for the Mauritanian people to achieve their aspiration for peace and prosperity," he added.

Before leaving Nouakchott, the Special Representative of the Secretary general, reaffirmed United Nations and the international community engagement to support Mauritania in its efforts to consolidate peace and democracy.