Mauritania forms new government

JOHANNESBURG

Mauritian has announced the formation of a new government following the reelection of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani for another term in office, according to state media.

Ghazouani received 56.12% of the vote in the June 29 presidential election, securing a second term in office.

The announcement of the 29-member Cabinet was made on Monday night by Moulay Ould Mohamed Laghdaf, the secretary general of the Presidency, according to a report by the Mauritanian News Agency.

Mokhtar Ould Diay, the new prime minister, was instructed by El Ghazouani to form an integrated and harmonious government, whose members are distinguished by their competence, experience, and expertise, to implement programs he promised during election campaigns.

Some of the key ministers appointed include Mohamed Salem Merzoug, minister of foreign affairs; Hanana Ould Sidi, minister of defense; and Sid’Ahmed Bouh, minister of the economy and finance.