The Mauritanian Journalists’ Union held a memorial evening yesterday, Friday, at its headquarters in West Nouakchott for founding member Sidi Ould Ab, who died at the beginning of last September.
Speakers unanimously praised the deceased’s professionalism, dedication to work and commitment to defending workers’ rights and those who suffered injustice, as well as his honesty, humility, loyalty and good manners.
In his address, the President of the Mauritanian Journalists’ Union, Mr Mohamed Salem Ould Dah, praised the deceased’s noble qualities and his role in founding the Union. He noted that he was the second signatory on its founding list and one of its leading supporters at its inception and during its first Bureau’s term.
The family spokesperson, Mr El Kounti Ould Ab, thanked the Mauritanian Journalists’ Union and everyone who had supported them through their ordeal. He especially thanked the Director-General of the Mauritanian News Agency, where the deceased had worked, for his noble support during their relative’s illness.
The Director-General of the Mauritanian News Agency, Mr Mohamed Vall Ould Oumeir Ould Ebbi, recalled some of the qualities displayed by this late figure of Mauritanian journalism throughout his professional career, despite his short life.
He added that during their brief time together at the Agency, Sidi Ould Ab had always been concerned for workers’ interests, hated injustice and refused to accept it under any circumstances. He stressed that Sidi offered him advice without seeking any personal benefit.
Speaking for Sidi Ould Ab’s colleagues, Mr Mokhtar Ould Taleb Ennafe, editor-in-chief of the Mauritanian News Agency website, described him as young in years but an elder in achieving aims, precision of purpose and greatness of meaning. He added that others saw him as an elder because of his honesty, selflessness and support for those in the right when voices fell silent and allies were scarce, drawing on wisdom and the finest manner of reasoned discussion.
The evening was attended by members of the deceased’s family, his colleagues and a large gathering of journalists.