Summary:

On 6 March 2025, government spokesperson Hussein Ould Madou denied claims circulating on social media that Mauritania is organizing forced deportation of migrants. 

Madou stated that, in recent days, authorities managed to dismantle four networks involved in smuggling migrants, confirming that this falls within the implementation of international and bilateral agreements regarding the prevention of irregular migration. 

He confirmed that deportations were organized in coordination with the countries of origin of those being deported. 

Days prior, Mauritanian authorities announced the equipping of some of its border crossings with biometric identification systems that will enable the recording of personal data of travelers in Mauritania. 

Outlook: 

Mauritania is seeking to contain the growing criticism of its arrests and deportation of irregular migrants as collaboration with the EU has continued in an effort to contain migration outside of the EU’s borders.  

As Libya and Tunisia’s efforts to reinforce maritime border surveillance succeeded in curbing irregular migration flows from the central Mediterranean route, more migrants are opting to attempt passage through Mauritania and other western African coastal countries.  

Mauritania is likely to continue facing criticism over its border management practices as has been the case in other north African countries working closely with the EU on migration in exchange for various forms of assistance and aid. 

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