Summary:

On 6 June 2025, Mauritanian Minister of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug praised the election of Mauritania’s candidate, Sidi Ould Tah, as the head of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Tah previously presided over the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, and he is expected to bring a new focus on attracting financing from Gulf donors to the AfDB.

The MFA stated that the Mauritanian candidate’s success came after the country worked toward consensus on his election amongst shareholders, especially the larger African economies, but also smaller economies amongst the Sahel states.

Meanwhile, Mauritania signed an agreement with Senegal to combat irregular migration and to regulate the conditions of entry and stay of nationals of the two countries.

This comes as reports indicated Mauritania’s new rejection of requests to reopen the Lebriga region along its border with Algeria despite demands from the Polisario Front and mediation from Algeria. Nevertheless, Algeria supported Tah’s candidacy to head the AfDB.

Outlook: 

Mauritania’s success in the AfDB election points to the regional ambitions of the country to become a key actor in advancing development in Africa, especially as its energy sector is prospering with the start of exports from the Greater Ahmeyim Tortue (GTA) offshore site.

Mauritania’s goals are only achievable through a cooperative approach as the MFA stated, however, building consensus in the surrounding region is a delicate process that requires long-term diplomatic efforts.

The deal with Senegal on migration management is likely intended to ease tensions that were sparked after expulsions of migrants to Senegal earlier this year. Good ties with Senegal are essential for the common management of the shared GTA site.

Mauritania is likely to continue struggling to balance its partnership with Algeria and its cooperation with the Sahelian states and Morocco. Tensions over the Western Sahara region and the Polisario Front’s future will continue to be a diplomatic and security wedge in the region.

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