Summary:

On 8 October 2025, Mali’s transitional president, Assimi Goïta received Mauritanian foreign minister, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug in Bamako as a step to ease recent migratory and commercial tensions between the two countries. 

The visit followed technical talks and delivered a message from Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani. Discussions focused on the treatment of Mauritanian traders in Mali and Malian migrants in Mauritania, as well as plans to revive the Mali–Mauritania Joint Commission and establish a permanent consultation framework. 

The dialogue comes after months of mutual grievances, including Mauritania’s expulsions of Malian nationals and Mali’s closure of Mauritanian-owned shops, which strained relations between the two neighbors. Malian jihadists were also reportedly disrupting trade corridors with neighboring countries, including Mauritania.  Both sides expressed willingness to restore cooperation and strengthen coordination on migration management, trade, and consular affairs. 

Outlook: 

The relaunch of institutional dialogue between Bamako and Nouakchott signals a mutual effort to prevent escalation and restore confidence amid socio-economic frictions. The ability of Mali’s central government to exert meaningful control over border regions will be an essential component of improved relations. 

However, persistent security uncertainties along the border, including recent terrorist incidents, underscore the necessity of strengthening cross-border security and intelligence cooperation. Without effective security management, tensions could re-escalate, potentially further disrupting trade, migration flows, and broader bilateral initiatives.  

Consistent follow-up and tangible progress on both security and economic measures will be critical to ensuring the Mali–Mauritania corridor remains stable and conducive to investment and mobility. 

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