- Officials of the United States say with the emergence of democracy in Mauritania, their government is more than willing to forge closer cooperation with the desert Western African country.
The US Deputy Secretary of State - John Negroponte – spills the beans while congratulating the country’s newly inaugurated democratic President – Sidi Ould Cheik Abdallahi.
Dressed in a brown suit, the 69-year-old former prisoner and Minister held the Quran and swore commitment to “faithfully and impartially undertake the duties, uphold the constitution as well as refrain from any initiative to change the clauses regarding the Presidential mandate.
President Abdallahi, who is also an economist, sailed through the leadership ladder last month when he won the final round of polls. He took over power from Col. Ely Val, who overthrew the country’s former dictator, President Taya, from power in August 2005. The military command headed by Col. Vall ruled the country for 19 months before transferring power in a democratic way.
Mr Abdallahi expresses his government’s commitment to respect political opposition, bridge racial and social gap, fight poverty and official corruption. He also promised to pave way for reforms.
He says the relations with Israel would be reviewed and debated but that his country remains the supporter of the Palestinians’ struggle to become free in their own land.
Mauritania’s successful transition to democracy has inspired Washington officials, which is why they are expanding they are deepening cooperation with the new government on health, education and security.
Mr Negroponte commends the junta for relinquishing power to a civilian elected President – which turned Mauritania to an undisputable model of peaceful ending to a monolithic era.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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