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Biram: My Participation in the Dialogue Depends on Ghazouani’s Implementation of Its Outcomes
Conditional Participation in National Dialogue
Mauritanian opposition leader and human rights activist Biram Dah Abeid has stated that his participation in the national political dialogue is contingent upon President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani’s commitment to implementing the dialogue’s outcomes. Biram emphasized that dialogue for the sake of dialogue is not sufficient, and that real change must result from such discussions. He expressed skepticism about the government’s intentions, citing past experiences where dialogue outcomes were ignored or selectively applied.
Biram’s remarks come amid growing calls for inclusive political dialogue in Mauritania, aimed at addressing long-standing issues such as social inequality, political marginalization, and human rights violations. He stressed that any dialogue must be:
- Inclusive of all political and civil society actors
- Transparent in its procedures and objectives
- Backed by a clear commitment from the presidency to implement agreed-upon reforms
Concerns Over Government Credibility
The opposition figure voiced concerns over the credibility of the current administration, pointing to what he described as a pattern of unfulfilled promises. Biram warned that without a genuine political will from President Ghazouani, the dialogue risks becoming a superficial exercise that fails to address the root causes of Mauritania’s political and social challenges.
He also highlighted the importance of addressing systemic issues such as:
- Racial and ethnic discrimination
- Land ownership disputes
- Political exclusion of opposition voices
According to Biram, these issues must be tackled head-on if the dialogue is to have any meaningful impact. He reiterated that his participation hinges on the government’s willingness to not only listen but also act on the recommendations that emerge from the discussions.
Call for Accountability and Reform
Biram concluded his statement by calling on President Ghazouani to demonstrate leadership by ensuring that the dialogue is not merely symbolic. He urged the government to establish mechanisms for monitoring and implementing the dialogue’s outcomes, including timelines and accountability measures. Only then, he argued, can the dialogue serve as a genuine platform for national reconciliation and progress.
He also appealed to international partners and civil society organizations to play a role in overseeing the process, ensuring that it remains fair, inclusive, and results-oriented. Biram’s stance reflects a broader sentiment among opposition leaders who are wary of participating in political processes that lack transparency and follow-through.
Conclusion: A Test of Political Will
Biram Dah Abeid’s conditional approach to participating in the national dialogue underscores a critical test for President Ghazouani’s administration. The success of the dialogue will depend not only on who participates but also on the government’s readiness to implement its outcomes. Without concrete actions and a clear commitment to reform, the dialogue risks losing credibility among key political stakeholders. Biram’s message is clear: meaningful participation requires meaningful change.
