Mauritania
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Moktar Ould Daddah
Boutilimit, Mauritania
Archival Overview
First President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (1960–1978) who built the national capital of Nouakchott from the desert sands, united Arab-Berber and Afro-Mauritanian populations, and established national currency (Ouguiya).
Biographical Record
Moktar Ould Daddah (1924–2003) was born into a prominent maraboutic family in Boutilimit and became the first Mauritanian to earn a university law degree in France. In 1957, as Vice President of the Government Council, he selected the windswept coastal dunes of Nouakchott as the site for a new national capital.
On November 28, 1960, Ould Daddah proclaimed the independence of Mauritania. Facing territorial claims from Morocco, he forged a unified national identity bridging the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa. He nationalized the iron mining consortium MIFERMA in 1974, withdrew Mauritania from the French CFA franc zone to launch the national Ouguiya, and served as Chairman of the OAU.
Key Life Milestones
Proclamation of Mauritanian Independence
Proclaimed sovereign statehood on November 28, 1960, establishing the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
Creation of the National Currency (Ouguiya)
Withdrew Mauritania from the CFA franc, creating the sovereign national currency Ouguiya.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialBoutilimit, Mauritania