Hon. Dr. Fatimetou Habib of Mauritania has been elected as the First Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament during the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament, currently being held in Midrand, South Africa.
Hon.Dr.Habib, nominated by the North Africa Regional Caucus as their preferred candidate, garnered strong support in the election. She succeeds Hon. Prof. Massouda Mohamed Laghdaf, who vacated the role following her appointment as Minister of Employment and Vocational Training. Hon.Dr.Habib, a respected gynecologist and Fourth Vice-President of Mauritania’s National Assembly, is recognized for her dedication to peace and development.
With an extensive background in education, healthcare, and policy, Hon. Dr. Habib’s qualifications resonated with members of the Pan-African Parliament, who view her as a leader capable of advancing Africa’s educational and developmental goals.
In her first address as Vice President, Hon. Dr. Habib expressed gratitude, saying: “Thank you, Honourable Members. I thank you all for your support and, in particular, the North Africa Caucus for their continuous encouragement. This support is a testament to our shared vision. I would also like to extend my gratitude to our President of the Republic, who currently chairs the African Union. Together, as sisters and brothers, we can build a stronger Africa. Thank you.”
Introducing herself to the plenary with humility and purpose, Hon. Dr. Habib emphasized her Mauritanian roots, noting her country’s strategic role as a bridge between West and North Africa and her commitment to fostering regional integration.
Her election was warmly received by the Pan-African Parliament President, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, who praised the unity demonstrated by the North Africa Caucus. “The consensus shown by North Africa in putting forward a single candidate is deeply encouraging,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of unity within the Pan-African Parliament. He noted that Hon. Dr. Habib’s strong support reflects a shared commitment to the Parliament's mission.
As First Vice President, Hon. Dr. Habib is now set to apply her expertise to the Pan-African Parliament’s goals of developing policies that advance educational systems capable of empowering a new generation of African leaders ready for the challenges of the 21st century and beyond.
A former Vice President of Mauritania’s National Assembly, Hon. Dr. Habib highlighted her dedication to “a strong Africa, a united Africa, and a coherent Africa.” She has held several key government roles, including as Minister of Social Affairs, Childhood, and Family, where she advanced social policies supporting women’s and children’s welfare. Additionally, she coordinated PRAO-Mauritania, focusing on poverty reduction and social cohesion. Active in politics, she ran on the national women’s list for the INSAF party, emphasizing unity and civic duty in her campaigns. Known for her dedication to peace, stability, and social development, Hon. Dr. Habib brings a respected leadership profile with her background in gynecology, underscoring her commitment to public health and family welfare.
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