5 - Mauritania: The Multi-dimensionality of its Enduring Challenges

Summary

Mauritania – a country located in a troubled region, is vast in geography, but less populated and less developed than its neighbours. Mauritania is also the bridge linking the North and the West of the African continent; rich in history and culture, it occupies a strategic location and has the potential to play a major role in Africa's economy and political development. However, Mauritania faces several challenges that harm its socio-economic growth, democratic development and long-term stability. The legacy of authoritarianism, instability, social complexities and the enduring economic and socio-political crisis have mired Mauritania's history for decades, as the country ranks thirty-three out of 176 states according to the 2021 Fragile States Index.

Like many countries in the world, Mauritania is also dealing with environmental problems that are menacing its population, natural resources and stability. Water shortages, pollution and the encroachment of the Sahara on agricultural lands are the most pressing environmental issues. Moreover, fishing is an important part of the country's economy, but due to over-fishing Mauritania is faced with a potential biodiversity loss, surface water pollution and decreasing water quality. Without reducing these problems and their impact, the political instability of the region remains a major issue that overshadows the efforts that Mauritania is making to overcome its economic, environmental and socio-political challenges.

Mauritania has been ruled by the military since 1978. Mauritania's political trajectory, military coups and ethno-cultural challenges are important components to consider when examining the country's democratic challenges. Boubacar N’Daiye eloquently sums up the situation in Mauritania as follows:

The country has recurring ethno-cultural tensions labelled as ‘the national question’ and symbolized by an unsettled ‘human rights deficit’. The deferred military withdrawal from politics and genuine democratisation, which each colonel has promised, but none actually delivered, has yet to materialize.

Without delving into the full history of Mauritania, as extensive literature and research have been conducted previously, this chapter will provide an overview of the country's enduring and inter-dependent political, economic, security and social challenges, as well as its prospects for democratisation.