Security Overview for Mauritania

Security conditions are fairly stable in Mauritania since the election of General Ould Abdel Aziz in June 2009. Aziz came to power by leading a bloodless military coup to unseat former President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi in 2008. Political tensions have calmed since the coup, but will likely increase before elections as various political parties and civil groups maneuver for position.

The crime rate, which is low compared to other West African countries, is rising steadily. Robberies, residential burglaries, rapes, and assaults do occur but rarely involve Westerners. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing are most common at or around hotels, restaurants, markets, and other places frequented by travelers. The beach area outside Nouakchott is a favorite of criminals.

Public transportation is not readily available or secure. Arrange transportation with local hosts or your hotel, or hire a private car, preferably a four-wheel drive vehicle with a driver. Avoid travel alone into the desert.

Travel along the border areas is dangerous. Landmine fields are often not marked. Armed bandits are active in many rural areas, especially near the borders with Algeria, Western Sahara, and Mali. Fighters from resistance movements from Western Sahara and Algeria may cross the border into Mauritania while in hiding. Trips to isolated outlying areas can be dangerous; travel only with a guide who is familiar with the area. An armed escort should be considered.

The threat of international terrorism in Mauritania, once typically low, is on the rise. The terrorist group Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has declared war against the new government and has been linked to several attacks in 2008. Like the aforementioned bandits, AQIM generally operate along the country's borders with Algeria, Western Sahara, and Mali. The group has carried out several abductions in these remote regions as well as a suicide bombing in the capital in 2008.

There have been anti-US and anti-Israel demonstrations in recent years, but US citizens and interests have not been directly targeted; anti-Israeli sentiment remains extremely high and there have been attacks on Israeli diplomatic facilities. All protests are closely monitored by the interior ministry and tend to remain peaceful. Avoid large crowds and mosques, especially on Fridays.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.