According to media reports, Mauritania is planning to deploy new military brigades in Hodh El Gharbi province in 2026, near the Malian regions of Kayes and Nioro, where armed jihadist groups are active.
The announcement comes under a program partially funded by the European Union, worth €5 million over four years. Mauritania’s security strategy is based on a mix of security and development, reinforced by strong cohesion between the country’s political, religious, and security authorities.
Reports also highlighted the effectiveness of Mauritania’s intelligence network, particularly in the Hodh El Chargui region, according to the U.S. State Department.
This move comes amid warnings from African research centers that Mauritania and Senegal could become targets for armed groups, following a recent wave of attacks near the shared border with Mali.
