“Migration should be seen not only as a problem to be contained, but also as a means of promoting development, professional mobility and regional integration,” concludes the head of Mauritanian diplomacy. It is an ambitious vision – yet one that remains far removed from the current reality on the ground, where border controls, expulsions and tragedies at sea continue to shape the daily lives of migrants.
As Europe continues to outsource more and more of its migration policy, Mauritania finds itself at the heart of a complex equation – balancing security cooperation with humanitarian obligations. The question remains whether this dual role as both a barrier and a refuge can be sustained without compromising the fundamental rights of migrants.