MP Biram Dah Abeid criticised the appointments to the new government announced on Saturday, saying they raise questions about the criteria used to select ministers and the role of competence and specialist expertise in the allocation of ministerial portfolios.
In a statement received by Madar, Biram said the appointment of civilian Ousmane Ba as defence minister, replacing General Hanena Ould Sidi, raises the question of whether the new minister has the experience needed to manage military and security affairs, particularly amid the challenges facing the Sahel region and tensions with Mali.
The MP also raised questions about the successive changes at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. He said that entrusting the ministry to figures whose specialist expertise in religious matters is unclear reflects a preference for considerations of distributing posts over criteria of specialisation and merit.
Biram linked these appointments to broader questions about the future balance of power within the leadership as the 2029 presidential election approaches. He referred to the possibility of preparations for a third presidential term or for a political succession from within the governing system.
The MP stressed that the management of government sectors, particularly strategic and sensitive ones, should be based on competence, experience, vision and the ability to deliver results, rather than loyalty or political balances. He warned that ministerial changes not grounded in clear criteria might have no impact on the performance of the state or the interests of citizens.
