Mauritania Intensifies Migration Crackdown Following EU Pact
Nouakchott, Mauritania – Mauritania has launched an extensive campaign of mass deportations targeting African migrants, an initiative that has intensified since March 2024. This crackdown follows a significant migration agreement signed with the European Union (EU), designed to stem the flow of irregular migration towards Europe, particularly via the perilous Atlantic route to Spain's Canary Islands.
The EU-Mauritania Migration Partnership
The agreement, formalized in February and March 2024, saw the EU pledge €210 million to Mauritania. This funding is intended to support Mauritania's efforts in managing migration, combating people smuggling, and enhancing border security. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were instrumental in securing the deal, highlighting Mauritania's strategic importance as a transit country. The partnership aims to reduce the number of migrants attempting to reach Europe from West African shores.
Scope of Deportations and Migrant Accounts
The deportation campaign primarily targets undocumented migrants from various West and Central African countries, including Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Liberia. Reports indicate a substantial number of expulsions:
- The Mauritanian Association for Human Rights (AMDH) estimated that approximately 1,200 people were deported in March 2025 alone, with about 700 of these individuals reportedly holding valid residence permits.
- In the first half of 2025, Mauritanian authorities expelled over 28,000 people.
- Interior Minister Mohamed Ahmed Ould Mohamed Lemine stated that 10,753 migrants were expelled in February 2024, marking a 14% increase from the previous year.
Migrants caught in the crackdown have described harsh conditions, including arbitrary arrests, beatings, and detention in inadequate facilities. Many have reported being left stranded at the borders with Mali and Senegal, often without sufficient food or water. Some accounts detail migrants being chained during transit.
Human Rights Concerns and Official Stance
Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the AMDH, have voiced significant concerns over alleged abuses and a lack of due process during the deportations. A UN Special Rapporteur also criticized the collective expulsions, noting that they often occur without assessment of protection needs and violate international commitments. Critics argue that the EU's funding contributes to a climate of repression rather than protection for migrants.
In response, the Mauritanian government maintains that its actions are within its sovereign rights to regulate migration and ensure national security. Officials, including Interior Minister Mohamed Ahmed Ould Mohamed Lemine, have asserted that deportees are treated with respect, provided with essentials, and allowed to retain personal possessions. In October 2024, Mauritania amended its immigration laws to allow for the automatic expulsion of individuals entering or residing in the country illegally.
5 Comments
Comandante
While countries have a right to manage their borders, the reports of arbitrary arrests and mistreatment are deeply concerning and must be investigated.
Muchacha
This deal will save lives by stopping dangerous sea crossings. Practical and effective.
Bella Ciao
The EU is right to fund solutions to illegal migration. This protects everyone.
Comandante
It's understandable that the EU wants to curb irregular migration, but if the funding leads to human rights violations, then the strategy needs a serious re-evaluation.
Bermudez
There's a difficult balance between national security and humanitarian concerns; this campaign seems to lean too heavily on force without adequate due process for vulnerable people.