Author : Bertelsmann Stiftung
Site of publication : Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Transformation Index (BTI) Website
Type of publication: Report
Date of publication : 2024
Executive Summary
The period under review was characterized by President Ould Ghazouani’s attempt to consolidate his authority, confirming an inflexible paradigm in Mauritanian politics. The president’s quest to consolidate power has taken three forms: controlling the ruling party, neutralizing former president Ould Abdel Aziz through legal battles, and enhancing legitimacy by changing official discourse. Despite impressive shifts in communication, actual policy implementation remains insufficient to bring substantial change.
On the economic front, the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have revealed Mauritania’s economic vulnerability, relying heavily on volatile international prices for its main exports and cereal imports for food consumption. The upcoming natural gas production along the Mauritania-Senegal maritime border holds promise but confirms a trend of investments in the extractive sector with little impact on the overall economy.
History and Characteristics of Transformation
Mauritania, a Sahelian country, has faced socioeconomic and political challenges since its independence in 1960. Severe droughts in the 1970s caused significant socioeconomic issues, exacerbated by political tensions between Arabic-speaking and non-Arabic-speaking communities and military involvement in politics. Key historical events include the deportation of approximately 80,000 black Africans between 1989 and 1991 and multiple military coups, with all heads of state being active or retired military officers except for 18 months between 2007 and 2008.
Transformation Status
Political Transformation
Stateness :
- Monopoly on the Use of Force : No direct threats to the state’s monopoly on coercion, but regional violence causes apprehension.
- State Identity : Discussions about Mauritanian identity affect politics, with ethnic inequalities impacting citizenship and representation.
Political Participation :
- Free and Fair Elections : No national elections during the period. The ruling party, El INSAF, holds significant control, and the legitimacy of elections is questioned.
- Effective Power to Govern : The military holds de facto veto power, and the political system is hyper-presidentialist.
Rule of Law :
- Separation of Powers : The political system remains heavily tilted in favor of the executive branch.
- Independent Judiciary : The judiciary is influenced by the president, and informal practices weaken judicial independence.
Stability of Democratic Institutions :
- Performance of Democratic Institutions : Democratic institutions do not perform according to their functions due to the competitive authoritarian regime.
- Commitment to Democratic Institutions : The military’s control undermines democratic institutions, with no alternation of power observed.
Political and Social Integration :
- Party System : The ruling party dominates, with the opposition failing to form a united front.
- Interest Groups : The spectrum of interest groups is dominated by informal networks based on tribal and ethnic ties.
Economic Transformation
Level of Socioeconomic Development :
- Socioeconomic Barriers : High levels of poverty and inequality persist, with significant disparities based on ethno-racial and caste identities.
Organization of the Market and Competition
- Market Organization : The economy exhibits strong oligopolistic tendencies, with significant barriers to entry and a high share of informal employment.
Monetary and Fiscal Stability
- Monetary Stability : The central bank’s independence has improved, but external shocks threaten price stability.
- Fiscal Stability : The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have impacted fiscal stability, with a high public debt and a significant current account deficit.
Private Property : The constitution protects private property, but land tenure conflicts remain a significant issue.
Welfare Regime : Limited welfare provisions exist, with the majority relying on informal safety nets and international aid.
Economic Performance : The economy has been impacted by global events, with significant fluctuations in GDP growth, foreign direct investment, and inflation.
Sustainability : Mauritania faces severe environmental challenges, including desertification and climate change. Recent legal reforms aim to improve environmental protection.