Country Report on Terrorism 2023 - Chapter 1 - Mauritania

Overview:  Mauritania remained a security and regional counterterrorism partner for the United States.  Despite continued terrorist violence in neighboring Mali, the country has not suffered a major terrorist attack on its soil since 2011, though some press reports note that the government may have struck deals with terrorist groups.  Countering terrorist activity remains a top priority for the Mauritanian government, and Mauritanian military leadership underscored this message when appealing to donor nations for additional equipment and training assistance.  During 2023 the government continued to focus its efforts on preventing what it termed “extremism,” and it took steps to increase its capacity to deter and respond to terrorist attacks, including by working with the United States, NATO, the UN, and other key local and regional partners.

2023 Terrorist Incidents:  On March 5, four prisoners reportedly affiliated with al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb killed two prison guards before breaking out of Nouakchott Central Prison.  The prisoners led police on a six-day manhunt, which culminated in a gunfight with the National Gendarmerie in the desert near Adrar that killed three of the escapees and resulted in the apprehension of the fourth.  A member of the Gendarmerie was killed during the battle.

On March 26, General Directorate of National Security arrested Mohamed Alioune (aka Abu Ussama), the alleged mastermind of the four prisoners’ escape.  At year’s end, Mauritanian police were continuing their investigation into the circumstances of the escape and Abu Ussama’s role, and planned to refer him for prosecution once the investigation is complete.

Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security:  The Mauritanian government did not enact any new legislation or amendments specifically regarding counterterrorism efforts. It continued to prioritize counterterrorism and border security as a key component of its national security strategy, particularly focusing on mitigating risks associated with human trafficking, drug and weapons smuggling, and the infiltration of militants from neighboring Mali’s ongoing conflict.  While occasional reports indicated instances of terrorist activity near the Mauritanian border within Mali, the Mauritanian government typically responded by deploying security forces to secure vulnerable areas.

Noteworthy units involved in counterterrorism operations include the National Gendarmerie and its Crisis Response Team, the National Police Special Operations Unit, various specialized units within the Mauritanian Army, and the National Guard’s nomadic Camel Corps, also known as the Méhariste.  These and other security forces encountered several systemic challenges, including outdated and ineffective equipment, insufficient training, and limitations in command-and-control structures.  Additionally, junior and midlevel officers often lacked the authority to make decisions in the field or during crisis situations, hampering operational effectiveness.

Lack of coordination among different security agencies occasionally undermined collaborative efforts and coordination, further impeding operational efficiency.  Mauritania has maintained an effective human intelligence network, particularly notable in the eastern border region known as the Hodh Ech Chargui.  Here, the National Guard’s Camel Corps, among other security agencies, has successfully gathered human intelligence on terrorist threats in remote desert areas, contributing significantly to overall security efforts.

Countering the Financing of Terrorism:  Mauritania is a member of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), and its Financial Intelligence Unit is the Central Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit.  There were no significant changes in 2023.

Countering Violent Extremism:  Mauritania continued to be actively engaged in efforts to counter violent extremism (CVE) through various initiatives and partnerships.  The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has initiated dialogues with violent extremists in Nouakchott Central Prison, mosques, and traditional religious schools.  These discussions, facilitated by Mauritanian religious leaders and government officials, address issues pertaining to ideology, belief, and violence, forming a crucial component of the government’s active deradicalization program.  Participants who have renounced their violent extremist ideology were eligible for release and benefited from projects to reintegrate them into society.  However, those who refused to abandon violent extremist ideology or committed violent acts were not eligible for release.  Additionally, the ministry oversees the recruitment and salaries of roughly 1,200 imams, providing a means to monitor activities within mosques and prevent the spread of violent extremism and radicalization to violence.

Mauritania demonstrated its commitment to CVE efforts through high-level engagements and international collaborations.  On June 19, Prime Minister Mohamed Ould Bilal Messaoud oversaw consultative meetings of religious leaders from the Sahel and Sudan that emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the deteriorated political and security situation in the Sahel countries and Sudan, including through addressing violent extremism.  Additionally, during November 13-15, the UNODC, in partnership with the Mauritanian Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the Mauritanian branch of the G-5 Sahel Regional Cell for the Prevention of Radicalization and Countering Violent Extremism, organized a workshop on the early signs of radicalization to violence and best practices of deradicalization from violence. These efforts reflect Mauritania’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacities and protecting vulnerable populations at risk of radicalization to violence in the region.

International and Regional Cooperation:  Mauritania actively engages in international efforts to address security challenges, particularly in counterterrorism and CVE.  Its engagement in international security efforts was exemplified by its participation in initiatives like the Defense Capacity Building package approved by NATO during the Madrid Summit in June 2022. Additionally, Mauritania collaborates with neighboring countries through platforms like the G-5 Sahel, leveraging workshops and seminars to enhance cooperation in addressing terrorism.  Despite the withdrawal of some member states (Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger), Mauritania continues to use remaining G-5 Sahel institutions, such as the G-5 Defense College, as a platform for training and coordination.

On May 16 the G-5 Sahel organized a two-day workshop aimed at validating the regional strategy for the protection of civilians during military operations in the Sahel.  Mauritanian Minister of Defense Hanana Ould Sidi highlighted the collaborative nature of the strategy’s development, involving the joint force of the G-5 Sahel, national defense and security forces, civil society organizations, and international partners.

Mauritania’s active participation in international fora, such as consultations on the Nouakchott and Djibouti Processes organized by the African Union Commission and the Islamic Military Counterterrorism Coalition, underscored its commitment to enhancing coordination and cooperation among security and intelligence services.

Mauritania is a member of the following international organizations that are engaged in CT activities:

• The United Nations
• The African Union
• The G-5 Sahel
• The Islamic Military Counterterrorism Coalition (a coalition led primarily by Saudi Arabia composed of most members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation)
• The Organization of Islamic Cooperation
• NATO’s Mediterranean Dialogue