Pangea-Risk: President Ghazouani's re-election to result in continued policy stability

Mauritania recently held its presidential election, resulting in the re-election of President Ghazouani with over 56 percent of the votes, according to the provisional results released by the Independent Electoral Commission. The outcome of this election is seen as crucial for the country's policy stability and pro-business environment, according to Robert Besseling, CEO of Pangea-Risk, a leading geopolitical analysis and advisory firm. In an interview with CNBC Africa, Besseling discussed the key elements of the election and the potential impact on Mauritania's economy moving forward. One of the standout features of the election was the lack of strong opposition against President Ghazouani. With the opposition fragmented and failing to unite behind a single candidate, Ghazouani's victory was nearly uncontested. Besseling noted that the President enjoys significant popularity among Mauritanians and international investors, making his re-election a positive signal for policy continuity and economic growth in the country. Looking ahead, President Ghazouani's administration is expected to focus on boosting investment flows and developing the commodities market. Plans to commence natural gas production by the end of the year and increase LNG output are poised to attract further foreign direct investment. However, challenges such as corruption, economic disparities, and high youth unemployment rates remain critical issues that need to be addressed to ensure sustainable economic development. Foreign direct investment is crucial for Mauritania to address its socio-economic challenges and create job opportunities for its youth population. Besseling emphasized the importance of delivering tangible economic benefits to young Mauritanians to prevent potential social unrest and instability, drawing parallels to recent demonstrations in other African countries like Kenya. In addition to economic concerns, security also played a significant role in President Ghazouani's re-election. With his military background and a focus on border security amidst regional instability, Mauritanians trust his leadership to safeguard the country against external threats, particularly along the Malian border and the broader Sahel region. The stability and security efforts of the government are key factors in maintaining democratic processes in the face of security challenges. Looking beyond Mauritania, Besseling shared insights on the upcoming elections in countries like Ghana and the broader West African region. While Ghana is not expected to face military unrest, economic challenges, high inflation, and the cost of living are likely to influence voters' decisions. The future of democracy in the region hinges on the balance between peaceful transitions of power and potential military interventions. As the West African region grapples with security concerns and the need for strengthened security forces, the role of organizations like ECOWAS in providing financial support for building up security capabilities becomes increasingly significant. Addressing security threats and preventing military takeovers are paramount for ensuring long-term stability and democratic governance in the region. In conclusion, President Ghazouani's re-election sets the stage for continued policy stability, economic growth, and security in Mauritania. The country's ability to attract foreign investment, tackle socio-economic challenges, and maintain democratic processes will be critical in shaping its future trajectory.