Press Release

U.S. Government Promotes Peace Through Development in Mauritania

In September 2007, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and USAID  signed a grant agreement, totaling $2.94 million, aimed at "Promoting Peace Through Development.

This afternoon, Mr. Mark Boulware, Ambassador of the United States of America in Mauritania and Mr. Abderrahmane Ould Hamma Vezzaz, Minister of the Economy and Finances of Mauritania, signed an amendment to the agreement. This amendment raises total grant funding to $6.765 million.

Programs implemented under this agreement will target the underlying causes of instability: specifically poverty, unemployment and religious and ethnic intolerance. These programs will focus on the areas of decentralization, community development, professional training and income-generating activities. Targeted zones include Nouakchoutt, and the Willayas of Tiris Zemour and Hodh El-Chargi.

Nouakchott, January 17, 2008