In an unexpected development, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani left the capital Nouakchott on Wednesday evening, heading to Rabat in the Kingdom of Morocco for what has been described as a “private visit”. The Mauritanian News Agency reported the president’s departure, sparking interest in the nature and purpose of this unannounced visit.
While official sources have remained silent about the details of President El Ghazouani’s visit, emerging reports suggest a personal motive behind the trip. Some sources indicated that the visit is related to the health condition of Mauritania’s First Lady, Mariem Fadel Dah. These sources mentioned that the First Lady recently underwent surgery at a clinic in Rabat following a health issue she experienced at her residence in Nouakchott.
The Minister in charge of the Presidency, Nani Ould Chrougha, confirmed in a tweet that the purpose of El Ghazouani’s visit is to check on his wife’s health condition.
Despite being described as a private visit, the sudden nature of the trip has led to speculation about potential diplomatic engagements. Some sources have not ruled out the possibility of President El Ghazouani meeting with Moroccan officials during his stay.
Details about the length of the president’s stay and his specific itinerary remain undisclosed. However, it is expected that President El Ghazouani will visit his wife at her private residence in Rabat. The visit is likely to be brief, with the president expected to return to Nouakchott shortly.
As this story develops, further information may emerge about the outcomes of this private presidential visit and its implications for Mauritanian-Moroccan relations.