Madar (Nouakchott) - Culture, arts, communication and parliamentary relations minister and government spokesman Mohamed Ould Bebbana said on Wednesday evening, October 21, 2026, that the constitution clearly sets out the procedures for amending it and that the president and the government "will not violate its provisions", stressing that amending it is a matter for the Mauritanian people "as the holder of sovereignty", the Mauritanian News Agency (AMI) reported.
At the weekly press briefing on the results of the Council of Ministers, attended by the finance minister and the health minister, he said the national scene had seen political debate on reviewing the roles of some constitutional institutions, reaching proposals to amend some constitutional provisions, "including those relating to the institution of the presidency". He added that differing views on the matter are "legitimate" and that the government does not impose any particular position. The remarks come amid a growing debate over a third term as the political season opens.
On the case of journalist Ishaq Ould El Moctar, the spokesman said it was receiving great attention from the government and "special care" from the president, and that the public would be informed of any developments as soon as they were available, taking into account the requirements of the investigation.
On the situation on the northern border, he said Mauritania has no problems with any neighbouring country and remains committed to a peaceful, consensual solution under UN auspices on the Lagouira issue.
On the circular on the use of Arabic, he said it is a routine administrative measure based on the constitution and the law that does not affect Mauritania's international and regional commitments, adding that the country is proud to belong to its regional and international groupings, "including the International Organisation of La Francophonie".
Asked about rising tomato prices, he said the government monitors prices and supply chains daily, that higher prices for some products are linked to production conditions, and that efforts are focused on developing national agricultural output and food sovereignty.
