🇬🇦GabonCentral Africa
Mauritania seeks Gabon's support for OIF Secretary General candidacy after Gabon withdraws its own
via Gabon Review2 min read
Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema received a message from Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani on Monday, June 22, 2026. The message was delivered by Messouda Bahama Mohamed Laghdaf, Mauritania's Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development. The purpose of the visit was to officially present Mauritania's candidacy for the post of Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie OIF, with Nouakchott hoping to secure Libreville's support. This diplomatic effort follows Gabon's withdrawal of its own candidate, diplomat Roll Stéphane Ngomat, for the same position a few weeks prior. Mauritania's candidate is Dr. Coumba Bâ, currently an advisor to the Mauritanian president and special envoy to the organization. Her candidacy focuses on three priorities: coherence, balance, and the utility of La Francophonie for the direct benefit of member states. The election for the next OIF Secretary General is scheduled for the Francophonie Summit in November in Cambodia. The discussions also reaffirmed the two countries' commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, with Mauritania emphasizing a relationship based on solidarity, mutual respect, and ongoing consultation on common interests. President Oligui Nguema reiterated his commitment to dialogue, consensus, and concerted governance, principles that the Gabonese presidency presents as the foundations of Gabon's diplomatic action.
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