“The new agreement between Senegal and Mauritania facilitates mobility and strengthens ties with the diaspora”
During an official visit to Mauritania from June 26 to 29, 2025, Amadou Chérif Diouf, Secretary of State for Senegalese Abroad, discussed the objectives of this mission, marked by the promotion of a historic bilateral agreement on the movement of people, support for projects of Senegalese nationals, and the preparation of the National Diaspora Day.
From June 26 to 29, 2025, you visited Mauritania. What was the purpose of this mission?
First of all, I would like to thank the Mauritanian authorities. We received a warm welcome, reflecting the excellent personal relationships between Presidents Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye and Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani. Our stay, from Rosso to Nouadhibou via Nouakchott, went very well. The Téranga, the sense of hospitality often attributed to Senegal, is also Mauritanian.
On June 2, 2025, in Nouakchott, Senegal and Mauritania signed a bilateral agreement on entry, stay, and establishment conditions. This historic text aims to facilitate mobility between our two states, while respecting security and identification requirements. Through this mission, the goal was to popularize this agreement so that it is well understood by all. We chose to travel by land, passing through Rosso, then Nouakchott, and finally Nouadhibou. Everywhere, we met with Senegalese nationals living locally to explain the implications of this agreement and raise awareness about their rights and responsibilities.
In a nutshell, what does the bilateral agreement on entry, stay, and establishment conditions contain?
The agreement provides, for entry into Mauritanian territory, passing through an official border point and presenting a valid identity document: National Identity Card (CNI) or passport. No subsistence fees are required at this stage. For short stays, a copy of the CNI or passport, as well as the original consular card, are required, with no fees requested. However, for a long stay, the required documents are a copy of the CNI or passport, the consular card, and a payment of 5,000 FCFA (300 ouguiyas) for processing fees. This grants a one-year stay. Previously, this cost was 50,000 FCFA. Notably, no proof of income or employment contract is required for the first application. Only at renewal will supporting documents be requested. This is a major advancement for free movement between Senegal and Mauritania. I congratulate all parties involved in this agreement.
The Senegalese diaspora plays a crucial role. In 2023, they transferred 1.8 trillion FCFA to the country.
Amadou Chérif DIOUF, Secretary of State for Senegalese Abroad.
Project financing was also a highlight of your mission. What did you specifically do in Mauritania?
As part of the mission, the Support Fund for Investment by Senegalese Abroad (FAISE), represented by its administrator Mr. Khouraichi Thiam, allocated a sum of 50 million FCFA. In Rosso, two groups received 6 million FCFA. In Nouadhibou, 9 associations were funded with 15 million FCFA. In Nouakchott, 23 groups benefited from a total of 29 million FCFA. Beyond FAISE, organizations like DER/FJ and FONGIP have resources to finance diaspora’s impactful projects.
How does the Secretary of State collaborate with other public structures to support diaspora investment?
Having lived abroad for 22 years (5 years in England, 17 in Canada), I understand the expectations of our compatriots: support for return, project financing, access to housing, administrative documents, legal assistance. We work in synergy with relevant structures. Regarding passports, specific missions are planned each year. In terms of financing, in 2024, DER/FJ supported 71 projects from 17 countries for a total of 860 million FCFA — an amount higher than the combined total of 2022 and 2023. FONGIP, through FOGARISE, also provides guarantees for investment projects. Finally, a digital one-stop shop will be launched to centralize all services useful to the diaspora.
What event is planned to strengthen dialogue with Senegalese abroad?
The Senegalese diaspora plays a crucial role. In 2023, they transferred 1.8 trillion FCFA to the country. Beyond the economy, they finance community projects: wells, schools, boreholes… They deserve recognition. That is why we proposed to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye the establishment of a National Diaspora Day, a proposal he accepted. A decree will be issued soon. The first edition will take place in December 2025 in Dakar, with activities in our embassies and consulates. It will be an opportunity to honor the most exemplary Senegalese abroad, discuss diaspora issues, and reflect on their role in the implementation of the Senegal 2050 Agenda. A preparatory seminar has already been held in Dakar, with the participation of diaspora MPs and civil society.
