Mauritania seeks Gabon’s backing for OIF leadership bid

Recent high-level discussions between Gabon and Mauritania have underscored the deepening ties between the two nations, with Libreville reaffirming its strong support for Nouakchott’s candidacy to lead the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).

During a meeting at the Gabonese presidential palace, His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema welcomed Mauritania’s Special Envoy, Ms. Messouda Bahama Mohamed Laghdaf. The Mauritanian Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development carried a formal message from her country’s President, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, emphasizing Mauritania’s eagerness to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Gabon.

This partnership, built on shared values of solidarity, mutual respect, and ongoing dialogue, has flourished in recent years. The envoy took the opportunity to officially present Mauritania’s bid for the OIF Secretary-General position, led by Dr. Koumba Ba. The candidacy is structured around three core pillars: coherence, balance, and tangible utility for OIF member states.

The tête-à-tête highlighted the seamless diplomatic relations between Gabon and Mauritania. President Oligui Nguema reiterated Gabon’s commitment to consensus-based governance and inclusive decision-making—a guiding principle in the country’s continental diplomacy.

This engagement reflects Gabon’s proactive foreign policy, which prioritizes diversifying African partnerships while championing a Francophonie that drives meaningful development across its member states.