“Today, I invite you to look with me beyond the cliffs of Dhar, beyond the dunes of Akchar and Azefal, to take in at a glance the whole of ‘Trab el Beïdane.’”
Moktar Ould Daddah
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Sunni Islam
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Political system
After gaining independence from France in 1960, Mauritania quickly experienced political instability marked by repeated military coups. The one-party regime gave way to a long period of military rule, characterized by authoritarianism, limited economic openness, and security alignment with the West. Participation in the Western Sahara conflict has left the state permanently weakened.
Since the 2010s, a guided transition has brought relative stability, with the election of Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in 2019 and again in 2024. The economy relies on mining resources and fishing, while social challenges, inequalities, and identity-based tensions persist. Mauritania now plays a key security role in the Sahel, while maintaining a cautious diplomatic balance between Africa, the Arab world, and Western partners.
President since 2019, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani succeeded Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, of whom he was a close ally. A former chief of staff, he presents himself as a figure of stability in an unstable Sahelian environment. His term in office has been marked by cautious economic and social reforms. He seeks to strengthen institutions and attract foreign investment. The fight against terrorism remains a central priority. However, social tensions and poverty continue to weaken the country.
