The period under review was characterized by President Ghazouani’s attempt to consolidate his power. In doing so, he has co-opted or neutralized allies of the former president. Considering the 2024 presidential elections, Ghazouani involved his predecessor into legal battles to prevent him from returning to the national stage.
The COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have once again revealed Mauritania’s economic vulnerability, as the country relies on highly volatile international prices for its main exports and depends on cereal imports for its national food consumption.
The government has openly acknowledged some of the country’s most significant challenges, such as hunger in rural areas or slavery. Despite a new level of openness in the official communication, actual policy implementations do not result in significant changes in these areas.
