Amanze Chinonye
Mauritania’s Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay submitted his government’s resignation on Friday and was immediately tasked by President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani with forming a new cabinet, days after an independent inquiry into fires at two electricity substations in the capital recommended measures to address administrative failures.
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The prime minister presented the resignation at the Presidential Palace in Nouakchott before receiving the mandate to propose a new government. He said he would begin preparing a list of nominees for the president’s approval, with the incoming administration expected to continue the government’s development programme and address economic and social challenges.
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The developments followed the submission of the inquiry commission’s final report on October 6. The president received the report on Thursday and directed the government to implement its recommendations fully, including disciplinary measures against officials found to have neglected their duties and legal proceedings where violations of applicable laws are established.
The fires broke out on August 18 and 21 at transformer substations in Nouakchott-North and Nouakchott-West operated by state-owned Mauritanian Electricity Company (SOMELEC). The incidents caused significant damage and disrupted electricity supplies, prompting the establishment of an independent commission to investigate the causes and an interministerial committee to coordinate the response.
The commission, chaired by former minister Ousmane Mamoudou Kane, comprised experts and specialists and was granted an additional week to complete its work. At a meeting of the interministerial committee on Thursday, Kane said the investigation had been conducted independently and transparently, without intervention from any party.
The commission’s recommendations include rehabilitating the damaged substations, strengthening preventive measures to avert similar incidents and holding officials accountable for administrative failures.
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The government was also directed to prepare an organisational and development plan for SOMELEC to improve its technical capacity, service quality and management of infrastructure investment projects.
Ould Djay said the new government would prioritise social protection for vulnerable citizens facing the effects of the global economic crisis, expand opportunities for youth training and employment, and promote development in cities and rural areas.
The president has also ordered the inquiry report to be made public in the interest of transparency.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
