The issue of undocumented Malian migrants has resurfaced, sparking a broad debate about the increasing number of migrants arriving from the Sahel or other African nations.
For many of these migrants, Mauritania was initially just a transit point on their journey to Europe. However, various factors have changed this reality, making the country a final destination for many.
As the number of undocumented migrants rises, Mauritanian authorities have launched a large-scale deportation campaign in recent weeks, targeting African migrants who lack legal status.
In response, Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop sent a letter to Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, expressing the concern of Mali’s transitional president, General Assimi Goïta, over the forced deportation of Malian nationals and the conditions under which these operations were carried out.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday evening in Nouakchott, Diop stated that the Malian president had expressed concern about the forced expulsion of Malian citizens from Mauritania.
The Malian leader also emphasized the need to safeguard the interests of Mauritanian citizens in Mali and vice versa.
Accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation and security officials, the Malian foreign minister noted that “the letter conveyed the true nature of the forced deportations of Malians from Mauritania.” He added that President Ghazouani had listened to his assessment of the Malian community’s situation in Mauritania.
The minister stressed that Mali recognizes Mauritania’s sovereign right to take all necessary measures to ensure its security and protect its citizens.
Abdoulaye Diop affirmed that President Ghazouani had committed to ensuring that Malians are welcomed in Mauritania and can conduct their activities without issues.
The Mauritanian president also assured that all necessary facilities would be provided to help Malian residents in the country regularize their status and obtain residence permits.
It is worth noting that on March 7, 2024, Mauritania signed an agreement with the European Union on irregular migration. Under this agreement, Mauritania will receive funding exceeding 80 billion ouguiyas (more than 200 million euros) in exchange for efforts to curb migration flows from Africa toward Europe.
