Mauritania to Resume Talks on National Dialogue Amid Political Tensions

Negotiations between the Mauritanian government and opposition groups are expected to resume in Nouakchott on April 6, 2026, as efforts continue toward launching a national dialogue. The talks involve representatives of the ruling majority and two opposition coalitions but have been stalled over disagreements regarding presidential term limits.

The renewed meeting, scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Palais des Congrès under tight security, comes at a time of rising social tension in the capital, with citizens protesting the increasing cost of living.

In recent weeks, several preparatory discussions were held between the government and opposition. However, progress halted after the opposition accused the government of attempting to amend the constitution to allow the president to seek a third term in office.

The dialogue coordinator, Moussa Fall, said the upcoming meeting aims to break the deadlock over the contentious issue of presidential term limits, which caused talks to collapse during a previous session.

To keep the dialogue process alive, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani—who was re-elected two years ago for a second term—has personally stepped in, holding consultations with various political leaders.

Leaders of the ruling Insaf party have sought to calm tensions, insisting that constitutional amendments allowing a third term were never part of the government’s plans. They accuse the opposition of making premature assumptions. According to the party, the dialogue is meant to strengthen national unity and address governance challenges, including the fight against corruption.

Meanwhile, opposition groups are pushing for discussions on electoral transparency and justice for victims of abuses committed in 1989 and 1991, a period marked by violence against Black Mauritanians.

However, some political movements, including the Refoundation for Global Action (RAG) led by Biram Dah Abeid, have decided to boycott the talks, arguing that the process is neither inclusive nor balanced.