2019 Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office (RSO) at the U.S. Embassy in , Mauritania.

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Mauritania at Level 3, indicating travelers should reconsider travel to the country due to crime and terrorism.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit cannot recommend a particular individual or location and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

Review OSAC’s Mauritania-specific page for original OSAC reporting, Consular alerts, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threat

There is serious risk from crime in Nouakchott. Crime rates in Nouakchott are difficult to quantify, as the national government only loosely tracks and reports consolidated crime statistics. While crime data is generally available at the local and community level, the collection, reliability, and dissemination of such information is impossible to assess. It is also highly probable that many crimes go unreported, further skewing what little data is available. In this context, the Department of State assesses that actual crime rates in Mauritania are higher than those reported for most other countries.

There has been an increase in violent (e.g. murder, assault, battery, robbery, occupied burglary, kidnapping, carjacking) and non-violent (e.g. theft, vehicle burglary, vandalism, unoccupied burglary) crimes since 2015, all of which predominately affects Mauritanians; criminals do not specifically target Westerners. Criminal gangs are active in the main cities. A high-profile 2017 daylight robbery of the BMCI bank underscores that crime has become a serious and visible problem.

The Mauritanian government has taken small measures to mitigate rampant crime; the National Guard and Gendarmerie patrol the highest-crime neighborhoods, particularly in southern Nouakchott. These initiatives achieved a reported decrease in criminal activity by the end of 2017, but with law enforcement increasingly implicated in crimes, including the BMCI robbery and a case of sexual assault, it is difficult to verify governmental claims of progress in crime reduction initiatives.

1 The increase in crime has markedly affected the expatriate community in Nouakchott. Recent examples include:

 In October 2018, a vehicle burglary in front of a U.S. residence  In March 2018, a violent sexual assault on a U.S. citizen at the beach  In July 2018, a burglary at an occupied U.S. residence  In October 2017, an attempted sexual assault on a French citizen in Tevragh-Zeina  In September 2017, a sexual assault against a French citizen at the beach  In July 2017, a home invasion robbery with aggravated assault against a U.S. citizen  In 2017, two reported occupied home burglaries against U.S. citizens

Incidents of street crimes and crimes of opportunity are also on the rise in Nouakchott. Typical street crimes include pickpocketing, purse snatching, mobile phone theft, theft from vehicles, and mugging. There are also reports of pedestrians flagging down motorists (a common type of ride sharing) in order to steal their vehicle or belongings.

The U.S. Embassy prohibits its employees from walking in restricted zones during daylight hours and from walking alone or in groups of any size during nighttime hours.

Similar risks of crime exist in Nouadhibou, Rosso and other Mauritanian cities, but data are not available.

Cybersecurity Issues

A recent International Telecommunication Union (ITU) report ranked Mauritania 124th globally in its commitment to cybersecurity. The ITU considers Mauritania to be in the initiating stage of cybersecurity, meaning it has only just started to make commitments to the issue.

Other Areas of Concern

The U.S. Department of State recommends against all non-essential travel to the following areas:  The Mauritania-Mali border (along the Assaba, Hodh el Gharbi, and Hodj el Chargui regions)  The Hodh El Charghi and Hodh El Gharbi regions of southeastern Mauritania  The eastern half of the (east of and South of the Department of Hamoud)  The eastern half of the (east of Tidjika)  The eastern half of the (east of )  The Zemmour region of northern Mauritania

U.S. Embassy staff members may only travel to these regions with Embassy-provided security support. U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside Nouakchott, and may only travel during daylight hours. Travel in convoys of at least two vehicles when traveling outside of Nouakchott, remain in groups throughout the duration of travel, and avoid travel after dark. The U.S. government’s ability to assist U.S. citizens – even in emergencies -- is limited in Mauritania due to security concerns and the country’s lack of infrastructure.

2 Transportation Safety Situation

For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Driving in Mauritania — especially in the cities — can be extremely dangerous. Traffic rules and driver etiquette differ considerably from U.S.-style rules of the road; many Mauritanians drive without regard for traffic signs or stoplights. It is very common for drivers to brush up against adjacent vehicles as they jockey for lane position; many drivers switch lanes without first checking for the presence of other vehicles. It is also common for drivers to pass illegally on shoulders or nudge other motorists when coming back onto the roadway. This blatant disregard for basic safety leads to many vehicle crashes and frequent injuries to drivers and passengers. To reduce the likelihood of accident or injury, assume a defensive driving posture. This often means yielding the right of way to drivers that are more aggressive. As such, it is important to factor in additional driving time when attending meetings or making appointments.

Additionally, roadway obstructions and hazards caused by drifting sand, animals, and poor maintenance often plague motorists. Pedestrians often attempt to cross busy streets without waiting for cross traffic to slow or stop. These hazards, when combined with the number of untrained drivers and poorly maintained vehicles, make heightened caution imperative. Drivers should be extremely vigilant, and all vehicle occupants should always wear their seat belts. Avoid nighttime driving.

Do not travel alone into the desert or after dark outside of major urban areas due to road safety concerns. Overland travel is difficult and roadside assistance is non-existent. The country’s size (larger than Texas and New Mexico combined) and harsh climate make road maintenance and repair especially problematic. Vehicle services are limited outside of Nouakchott, and many fuel stations in the interior only sell diesel fuel, meaning gasoline is unavailable in many places.

In terms of infrastructure, there are four major roads leaving Nouakchott, all of which have two asphalt lanes. Due to the sparse vegetation and a lower population density north of Nouakchott, travel along the roads toward Nouadhibou and Atar is slightly safer than travel to the east or south. The Road of Hope and the road to Rosso frequently run through villages and livestock grazing land, and have steep drops at the edge of the roadway. These features, combined with rapid changes in elevation, often limit visibility and create driving hazards. Further, the road to Rosso is under renovation and in extremely poor condition. Even small amounts of rain can make paved roads impassable for cars without high clearance – even in Nouakchott – as drainage systems in the city are dysfunctional. Plan on this route requiring extra time.

The U.S. Embassy allows travel outside of the city for staff members, but all trips require prior approval, a minimum of two cars, multiple means of communication, spare tires, off-road recovery kits, and adequate food and water. Private travelers should have a local guide, along with at least one additional vehicle in case of breakdown. A GPS receiver and satellite phone are essential when traveling in remote areas. The telecommunications infrastructure, including cellular telephone coverage, is limited. Give an itinerary to a friend or relative with instructions to alert proper authorities if communication from the travelers is significantly overdue.

3 For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Reports, Driving Overseas: Best Practices and Road Safety in Africa.

Public Transportation Conditions

U.S. Embassy personnel may not use public transportation; visitors should likewise avoid it. Almost all taxis and other forms of public transportation are unregulated and in poor condition. Numerous sexual assaults have occurred at night in taxicabs. Refuse rides from strangers; subjects offering rides have lured victims into their vehicles for sexual assault.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

The Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) opened in 2016 on the outskirts of the city. The previous airport was located close to the government district near the center of town, and is open for non-travel related activities.

The gendarmerie provides security services for the airport, which makes it one of the safest public facilities in Nouakchott. Passengers and visitors must show photo identification to enter the airport, and then must pass through metal detectors before checking in. Additionally, security personnel x-ray all luggage and other bags before entering the airport.

Flights are routinely late, and luggage is frequently lost. Authorities scan all luggage when exiting the airport, confiscating all alcohol and pork products.

One-month tourist visas are available upon arrival to citizens of certain countries, but authorities accept only euros or U.S. dollars. Visas are also available at land border crossings, but authorities only accept euros.

The following airlines provide service to Nouakchott: Air Algérie, , , , , , and .

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is moderate risk from terrorism in Nouakchott. Al-Qa’ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has a history of operating in Mauritania. In 2017, four al-Qa’ida-linked groups in Mali, including AQIM, merged under the name of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM or “Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims”). Since JNIM’s formation, extremist activity has increased throughout large swaths of Malian territory and parts of neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger. Such developments have prompted growing concern about spillover into Mauritania due to the country’s lengthy shared borders with Mali. JNIM and its affiliates have also claimed or been implicated in multiple terrorist attacks in major cities in West Africa since 2015, though no terrorist attacks have occurred in Nouakchott since 2011.

Although the Mauritanian government denies the presence of organized terrorist cells in the country, citing the lack of successful terrorist attacks since 2011, there have been numerous cases of Mauritanians self-radicalizing and pledging allegiance to violent extremist organizations. Authorities have arrested and incarcerated those who have done so publicly. In 2016, Mauritanian security forces arrested three ISIS sympathizers in Nouakchott; thirteen other suspected ISIS members are currently awaiting trial.

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The Government of Mauritania supports the G-5 Sahel Joint Force, a regional counterterrorism force composed of troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and Mauritania. The headquarters of the G-5 Sahel organization is in Nouakchott. In 2018, a Mauritanian general led the Joint Force, headquartered in .

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Anti-Western sentiment increased following a 2017 judicial verdict that reduced a death sentence issued against blogger Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mkeitir, who the government had accused of apostasy. Some Mauritanians believe the Mauritanian government yielded to pressure from Western countries, particularly the United States, leading to protests and increased anti-U.S. animosity.

The U.S. Government’s decision in 2017 to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move its embassy to Jerusalem was unpopular among many Mauritanians. The decision sparked numerous protests, threats, and negative press against the United States and negatively affected many Mauritanians’ views of the United States.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

There is moderate risk from civil unrest in Nouakchott. Spontaneous protests occur in Nouakchott and in other parts of the country on a weekly basis, usually on Friday afternoons after prayer at local mosques. Most protests consist of 100 to 400 people and are generally non-violent. Unauthorized or violent protests meet with heavy police resistance; police frequently use tear gas to control or disperse crowds. Police tend to pay special attention to protest activities involving the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement (IRA) or the February 25 Party. In 2018, the IRA organized approximately 12 small protests in Nouakchott calling for the release of its president from prison. These protests routinely occurred in front of the Palace of Justice and the National Assembly. Riot police intervention sometimes leads to injuries among the protesters.

Recent protests focused on the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the imprisonment of Mauritanian Senator Ghadda, the release of blogger Mkeitir, and new traffic enforcement initiatives. Common areas to avoid during periods of civil unrest in Nouakchott include the Saudi Mosque, the Ibn Abbas Square, and the UN headquarters. There continues to be growing resentment among the Mauritanian youth about political, religious, racial, and justice issues.

The 2019 presidential elections have the potential to increase civil unrest, although 2018 parliamentary elections were calm.

5 Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

As a Saharan country, where drought conditions are common, adequate and consistent access to water is a constant concern. Paradoxically, the streets flood when it rains (August-November), often resulting in pools of standing water that persist for weeks until the city pumps them out or the water evaporates. These pools of water pose vehicular hazards, as they can create sizable potholes and bogs; as well as public health hazards, as they provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes. During the rainy season, pedestrians and children -- who often play near or in the pools -- are at highest risk of increased exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses.

Similar to many African countries, Mauritania does not provide air quality data to the public. However, air quality in Mauritania is relatively similar to that of neighboring Senegal, which does provide daily data. Air quality is usually better from June through October, and worsens from October through March; January, February, and March are often the worst months. The air quality in Mauritania is generally poor, due to dust, debris, smoke from burning trash and unregulated vehicle emissions. Limit environmental exposure as much as possible, especially during the winter months when sandstorms are frequent. If caught in a sandstorm, take shelter in a building or vehicle with all windows closed.

Critical Infrastructure

Roads are in poor condition, drainage is non-existent, and overall construction quality is poor compared to U.S. standards. Mauritania suffers from weak telecommunications infrastructure. While Mauritania has three 3G communication networks and is expecting a 4G network as early as 2019, coverage and service remains limited – particularly for mobile data usage and internet access. In terms of access, data published by the ITU in 2018 indicates only 1% of Mauritanian households have a fixed-telephone subscription, and just 14% of have Internet access.

Privacy Concerns

Mauritania passed its first-ever data privacy laws in 2017. The laws created a national authority for the protection of private information. There is now a standard format and appropriate institution charged with maintaining the security and confidentiality of private data, although statistics related to enforcement actions and agency effectiveness are not yet available.

Personal Identity Concerns

Mauritania is an Islamic republic by law. Remain mindful when traveling with personal religious publications, and consider local laws and customs before making religious statements in public places or engaging in Islam-related debate in public. Any oral or written communication the authorities deem to be proselytism is illegal and punishable by law.

Racism remains a prevalent problem in Mauritania. In 1981, Mauritania became the world’s last country to outlaw slavery. Yet, the country did not enact criminal laws enforcing the ban on slavery until 2007. Taking legal action on slavery cases is notoriously difficult in Mauritania; however, in 2018, three Mauritanians were prosecuted under the country’s anti-slavery legislation.

6 Same-sex relationships are illegal in Mauritania. If convicted of homosexual acts, the law sentences men to death by stoning and women to imprisonment (ranging from three months to two years) and a fine.

Drug-related Crimes

Mauritania has no identified problem with the production, transshipment, or abuse of synthetic drugs, either opioid or non-narcotic. The country is a transshipment point for concentrated cannabis (hashish) that originates in Morocco and moves through Mauritania on its way to markets in Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Levant. There is a small problem with domestic cannabis use, and a perceived growing problem of cocaine use. The national police have a unit that conducts anti-drug education and monitors national trafficking and abuse trends.

Kidnapping Threat

Westerners are at an elevated risk of kidnapping in Mauritania, especially in the northeast and southeast regions of the country. Between 2005 and 2011, kidnappers took numerous Westerners, many of whom ended up in the hands of Mali-based terrorist groups. However, there have been no kidnappings of Europeans or Americans in Mauritania in the last seven years. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Police Response

Police response in Nouakchott, especially in outlying areas, is slow at best. Police rarely have access to vehicles and, in most cases, a victim must appear at a police station or give officers a ride to the scene of a crime to obtain law enforcement services.

Very few law enforcement officials speak English; knowledge of French or Hassaniya is helpful to speak with police officers. However, U.S. citizens receive favorable treatment from Mauritanian law enforcement; most government agencies recognize the financial and infrastructure contributions provided by U.S. businesses and the U.S. Government. As a result, law enforcement officials may extend some measure of additional courtesy to U.S. citizens.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

There have been instances of authorities singling foreigners out for questioning and detention. All visitors should carry a passport or other form of official identification. If Mauritanian authorities detain or arrest you, cooperate fully and insist that they allow you to contact the U.S. Embassy immediately. Remain calm and respectful at all times in these situations.

7 Crime Victim Assistance

Although phone numbers for reporting crimes to local authorities do exist, visitors are encouraged, whenever possible, to present themselves in person at the nearest police station or Gendarmerie brigade. U.S. victims of crime should also contact the ACS section of the U.S. Embassy.

Gendarmerie: 116 Police: 117 Fire: 118 Traffic Police: 119

National police by region (country code: +222)

Nouakchott Central Commissariat: 4525- Rosso Station: 4556-9238 2158, 4525-2159 Ferry Post: 4556-9221 Boutilimit Station: 4554-0103 Hodh el-Charghi: DRS (Regional Security Director): 4513-0364 Adrar: DRS: 4546-4321 Atar Station: 4546-4229 Hodh el-Gharbi: DRS: 4515-1210 Atar Airport Police: 4546-5008 Aioun Station: 4515-1333 Tintane Station: 4515-5009 Inchiri: DRS: 4576-1475 Couboni Station: 4515-8333 Akjoujt Station: 4576-1314 Goghi Post: 4515-8142 Tagant: DRS: 4569-9141 Assaba: DRS: 4563-2277 Kiffa Station: 4563-2214 Guidimaka: DRS: 4534-4322 Guerrou Station: 4563-6220 Selibaby Station: 4534-4237

Gorgol: DRS: 4533-5207 Tiris Zemmour: DRS: 4544-0365 Kaedi Station: 4533-5251, 4533-5229 Zouerate Station: 4544-0187 Maghama Station: 4533-0205 Dakhlet Nouadhibou: DRS: 4574-5523 Brakna: DRS: 4553-7363 Nouadhibou Central Police: 4574-5634 Aleg Station: 4553-7475 Nouadhibou Airport: 4574-5319 Boghe Station: 4550-8741 Jedida Station: 4574-6100 Bababe Station: 4550-6304 Takhtit Station: 4574-7979 Maghtalahjar Station: 4552-0402 Leweina Station: 4574-5694 Jedida II Station: 4574-7303 Trarza: DRS: 4556-9149 Nouadhibou Immigration Police: 4574-5514

Police/Security Agencies

The Sureté Nationale is responsible for law enforcement and crime investigation in urban areas, and falls under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior. The Sureté Nationale is organized into commissariats roughly the equivalent of U.S. police precincts.

Law enforcement activities in small towns and rural areas are the responsibility of the Gendarmerie, who patrol the major highways and operate a majority of the checkpoints throughout the country. The Gendarmerie is part of the Ministry of Defense.

8 The National Guard (Guard Nationale) falls under the Ministry of the Interior, but is a part of the Mauritanian armed forces. The National Guard protects vital installations and ministries, VIP security, maintaining order, and prison management.

The Group General de la Securité des Routes (GGSR) is under the Ministry of Interior. Their responsibilities include urban vehicle control and searches, control of main roads, enforcement of traffic laws, management of vehicle documents, registration, and control of people transiting the country.

Medical Emergencies

According to the U.S. Embassy, Mauritania is a medically austere environment. Modern emergency medical services and hospitals do not exist in Mauritania, and medical facilities do not meet U.S. standards. Local pharmacies are limited in the types of prescribed medications they can supply; bring and carry your own medications. For more information, refer to OSAC’s Report, Traveling with Medications.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For more information, see the U.S. Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

The local water supply is not potable. Drink bottled, distilled, or other processed water instead.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Mauritania.

OSAC Country Council Information

Nouakchott launched its Country Council in 2017. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Location, Hours of Operation, and Contact Information

Embassy Address: The U.S. Embassy is located at the intersection of Nouadhibou highway and Rue de l’Ambassade du Senegal road with a physical address of: NOT PRTZ 1024.

Embassy Hours of Operation: Embassy Business hours are 0800-1800 Monday-Thursday and 0800-1200 on Friday. The Embassy closes on Saturdays and Sundays.

Embassy Contact Numbers and Website: Main Embassy Line: 4525-2660/2663, 4525-1141/45, or 4525-3038 (ext. 5441); Emergency Consular Recording (messages during emergencies): 4525-3707; Website: https://mr.usembassy.gov/

Embassy Guidance

U.S. citizens traveling in Mauritania are encouraged to register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service that helps the U.S. Embassy disseminate information about safety conditions and contact travelers in an emergency.

Additional Resource: Mauritania Country Information Sheet

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