Appeal from a Mauritanian citizen to the president: A call to strengthen security at the border with Mali

In view of the current circumstances that the African Sahel region is going through, in particular the deterioration of the security situation in Mali, the difficulties encountered by the inhabitants of the border areas of Mauritania, who depend heavily on cross-border trade with Mali to meet their needs daily life are exacerbated. A Mauritanian citizen has raised his voice in a letter addressed to President Mohamed Cheikh Al-Ghazouani, expressing deep concern over the notable increase in violence the country has witnessed under the reign of the current president, who was previously commander of the national army.

He noted that the security situation in Mali, despite its challenges, was experiencing a sort of economic stability from which the inhabitants of the Mauritanian border regions benefited daily through the trade in basic necessities and foodstuffs which are much cheaper there compared to at their prices in Mauritania. The citizen explained that these price differences allowed him and other residents of these areas to support themselves for several months by selling goods such as goats that he sold in Mali. The citizen, who describes himself as poor, called on the president to face security challenges with determination and strength, especially since our border regions depend greatly on trade with Mali. This message highlights the urgent need to develop effective policies that protect citizens and ensure the continuity of economic activities in border areas, in light of the current security challenges facing the region.