(Nouakchott, June 19, 2019) - As part of its support to Mauritanian civil society, the United States Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) today launched the Civic Engagement and Constructive Dialogue for a Peaceful Transition in Mauritania (CECDPTM) activity.

This activity is implemented by the International Republican Institute (IRI) through the Consortium for Elections and Strengthening Political Processes (CEPPS). The activity aims to encourage the engagement and active participation of young people and women in the organization of the presidential election through multimedia awareness campaigns. It also promotes the search for consensus after the elections through a constructive dialogue in the field of strengthening social cohesion.

 United States Ambassador to Mauritania Mr. Michael Dodman reiterated his country's support for the democratic electoral process in Mauritania. “The CECDPTM project reinforces the United States’ support for Mauritanian civil society, particularly women and youth, to contribute to the promotion of democratic culture and enhance the inclusiveness of the political process in Mauritania,’ he said.

"We welcome this contribution from USAID and consider that this project is timely because it will contribute to the success of this historic electoral process and the consolidation of democratic practice in Mauritania, and also to the strengthening of cooperation between our two countries,’’ said Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Souweilm, Legal Advisor and Acting Secretary General at the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

CECDPTM will last nine months and will involve local civil society partners working in the citizenship and civic engagement fields. At the end of the project, these organizations will have gained a proven experience in raising awareness of civic education, particularly in support of women and youth.