The political climate in Mauritania is becoming increasingly tense over the possibility of a third term for President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. While local elected officials are increasingly calling for him to remain in power, the opposition denounces this as a orchestrated maneuver, paralyzing any prospect of national dialogue and threatening democratic change.

The opposition is vehemently opposed to a "red line"

For critics of the government, this possibility is completely unthinkable. The opposition sees it as a political test conducted by the president's entourage to sabotage the ongoing discussions.

Master Lo Gourmo Abdoul, vice-president of the Union of Progressive Forces (UFP), expresses total intransigence:

"Anyone who refuses to respect the Constitution on this issue will also refuse to accept free elections."

Faced with what it calls a provocation, the opposition promises to take a tougher stance. After an initial large rally, further mobilization actions are already planned to block this project.

Unease and nuances within the majority

While the opposition presents a united front, the presidential camp reveals more divided opinions. Officially, the ruling party (INSAF) refuses to say whether this is a comprehensive strategy or isolated initiatives. However, some voices are seeking alternatives.

Aissata Alassane Ngaïdé, a member of the INSAF national council, suggests an intermediate approach:

1. Avoiding a debate over a full term: According to her, the current priority should be the completion of major presidential projects.
2. The option of a short transition: Personally, she advocates a limited extension of the presidency: "If the Constitution allows it, I believe that an extension, even a limited one of three years to complete these projects, would be more responsible than starting a full term."

A political landscape at an impasse

This alternative proposal is not enough to calm the situation, but it highlights the hesitations within the majority. Caught between the desire to extend the government's term and the opposition's categorical obstruction, national negotiations remain stalled, plunging Mauritania into a prolonged period of political uncertainty.