Mauritania: A Calm corner in the Sahel

While much of the Sahel grapples with coups and insurgencies, Mauritania has emerged as a example of relative stability. Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad are all mired in political turmoil and jihadist violence, with militant groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS expanding their reach across borders. In contrast, Mauritania has managed to shield itself from the worst of these upheavals. However, future stability will depend on how successfully it addresses internal vulnerabilities and adapts to regional dynamics. 

Mauritania’s success stems from its proactive governance, robust security strategies, and focus on social cohesion. After enduring attacks by al-Qaeda-linked militants in the mid-2000s, the country overhauled its security apparatus. The military adopted a strategy of pre-emptive strikes and fortified its vast desert borders to limit militant infiltration. At the same time, the government launched deradicalization programs that engaged clerics and community leaders to counter extremist ideologies.

Equally important is Mauritania’s ability to avoid the political instability afflicting its neighbors. Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad have all experienced coups in recent years, with their militaries stepping in amid dissatisfaction with civilian governments’ handling of security crises. In Chad, political instability deepened following the death of longtime leader Idriss Déby in 2021, as his son seized power in a contested transfer that sparked protests. These upheavals have eroded democratic norms and, in some cases, emboldened jihadist groups, which now control vast rural territories across the region. 

Mauritania, to its credit, has managed relatively peaceful political transitions. The election of President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in 2019 marked the country’s first democratic transfer of power, reflecting a maturing political system. Pragmatic diplomacy has further bolstered Mauritania’s position. By maintaining good relations with Western powers and regional allies while avoiding divisive entanglements, it has secured vital security and economic support without becoming a target for anti-foreign sentiment.

Nevertheless, Mauritania’s stability is far from assured. The country faces significant socioeconomic challenges. Nearly half of its population lives below the poverty line, and unemployment remains stubbornly high. Its economy, heavily reliant on extractive industries like iron ore and fishing, is vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Meanwhile, deep social inequalities, particularly the marginalization of the Haratin, or former slave communities, pose risks to social cohesion. These types of disparities could be exploited by extremist groups seeking footholds.

The resurgence of jihadist activity, militant violence, and the rise of Wagner-backed juntas in neighboring states could test Mauritania’s capacity to remain insulated from the chaos. If regional dynamics further deteriorate, the country’s hard-won stability may face increasing strain.

For now, Mauritania remains a notable success story in the Sahel. Pragmatic policies and have protected it from the region’s instability. Sustaining this calm corner in a troubled neighborhood will require addressing its internal weaknesses and remaining vigilant against external pressures.

*Lonzo Cook is a journalist and writer. He spent two decades at CNN in a series of senior editorial and management roles including leading breaking news operations across Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. In addition to writing on international affairs, national security and business, he works with media companies and corporations on how to evolve and create content to stay relevant to key audiences.