MAURITANIA
Legal framework on freedom of religion and actual application
Mauritania on Africa's west coast is mostly desert. It is sparsely populated and is one of the poorest countries in the world. The nation has been an Islamic Republic since it gained independence in 1960. Article 5 of its constitution[1] recognises Islam as the official religion “of the people and of the State.” Article 23 holds that the country’s president must be a Muslim.[2]
Mauritania is the only Islamic Republic left in Africa after The Gambia became a secular republic in 2018.[3] Nearly the entire population of Mauritania adheres to Sunni Islam - mostly organised into Sufi brotherhoods such as the Qadiriya, the Tijaniya, and the Hamallya[4] - and the country's proclamation as an Islamic republic at independence reflected a political vision that religious unity could serve as a cohesive force among its diverse communities.[5]
Among the traditionally nomadic population, religious observance is deeply embedded in daily life, with Islamic holidays, prayer times, and the fasting month of Ramadan shaping the rhythm of society. Conservative interpretations of Islam influence social norms, particularly around dress codes and gender roles, reinforcing expectations of modesty and segregation alongside cultural traditions such as the melhfa worn by women.[6] Education and media are also steeped in religious values, with Quranic schools widely attended and Islamic programming dominating state-run broadcasts, reflecting the central role of Islam in both public and private spheres.[7] International schools are an exception, as they are not required to teach the Islamic religion.[8]
A report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights found that freedom of conscience and religion are not formally guaranteed in Mauritania.[9] In fact, neither one of these freedoms is mentioned in the constitution. Non-discrimination on the basis of religion is not mentioned either. Changing religion is considered apostasy and carries the death penalty.[10]
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Traditional Education (MIATE) is responsible for enacting and disseminating fatwas, fighting “extremism”, promoting research in Islamic studies, organising the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, and monitoring mosques.[11]
Mauritania’s Penal Code[12] was amended in 2018 making the death penalty mandatory in cases of blasphemy, without exceptions.[13] Before the amendment, Article 306 of the code only implemented the death penalty if the accused refused to show remorse or apologise, but this is no longer the case.[14] The law also includes imprisonment of up to two years and a financial penalty of up to 600,000 Ouguiyas (about US$15,940) for “offending public decency and Islamic values” and for “breaching Allah’s prohibitions” or assisting in their breach.[15]
Over the years, Human Rights Watch has raised serious concerns over the continued use of repressive laws in Mauritania to suppress dissent and restrict fundamental freedoms. Legislation on blasphemy, cybercrime, and criminal defamation has reportedly been applied in a selective and punitive manner against human rights defenders, journalists, bloggers, and civil society activists.[16] These legal provisions, often vaguely worded and broadly interpreted, have enabled the authorities to prosecute individuals for expressing critical opinions or sharing content perceived as offensive to the government or religious orthodoxy. The systematic enforcement of such laws undermines freedom of expression and contributes to an environment of intimidation and self-censorship, particularly in matters related to religion and belief.[17]
The exact number of ethnic Mauritanian Christians is unknown, if any, since in tribal culture leaving Islam is not only seen as religious betrayal but also as a betrayal of the tribe and family.[18] Consequently, the few non-Muslims in Mauritania have no real opportunity to live out their faith, at least not publicly.[19] Shari‘a (Islamic law) is applied to civil matters, particularly when it comes to family issues. Some offences and certain violations of Shari‘a are severely punished with flogging, stoning, and amputation.[20]
Religious freedom is not recognised. Foreigners can attend religious services in a few dedicated locations, but Mauritanian nationals are prevented from participating.[21] Unofficial government action effectively limits worship to a handful of Christian denominations, including the Catholic Church, which are prevented from proselytising.[22] Churches are located principally in the larger cities of Nouakchott, Kaedi, Atar, Nouadhibou and Rosso.[23]
Incidents and developments
On 5 March 2023, four inmates linked to al‑Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) escaped from Nouakchott Civil Prison after a violent attack on guards that left two guards dead and others injured. In response, authorities launched a nationwide manhunt, imposed a security lockdown, and temporarily suspended mobile internet access to prevent coordination among militant networks. Three fugitives were eventually killed and one recaptured.[24]
In April 2023, Mauritania's former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who ruled from 2008 to 2019, was tried for corruption and convicted of illicit enrichment and laundering. The court also ordered the confiscation of his illicitly acquired assets. Aziz received the longest sentence among the defendants, while two former ministers were acquitted. Aziz's lawyer, Mohameden Ould Icheddou, called the trial and verdict politically motivated, while another lawyer announced plans to appeal. However, state lawyer Brahim Ould Ebetti described the verdict as “very lenient.” In May 2025, an appeals court sentenced the former president to 15 years in prison.[25] Prosecutions of former heads of state are rare, particularly in Africa, where most ex-leaders, if they go to court, are tried for crimes against humanity rather than corruption.[26]
In July 2023, 19-year-old high school student Mariya Oubed faced serious charges of blasphemy after allegedly showing disrespect towards the Prophet Muhammad during an exam. Under Article 306 of Mauritania’s Penal Code, she could face the death penalty. The controversy began when a teacher posted her exam paper containing the alleged blasphemy on Facebook, sparking widespread public outrage. Though the student's identity was initially withheld, the case led to protests demanding her prosecution. The Association of Mauritanian Ulamas, the country's highest religious authority, called for the death penalty, urging the government to act quickly. A few days later, MP Mohamed Bouy attempted to politicise the case by substituting the Prophet’s name with that of President Ghazouani in the exam, further escalating tensions. On 26 July, Oubed was placed in pretrial detention on charges of blasphemy and undermining Islam's sacred values through social media. Her family denied the allegations, citing her mental health struggles and urging empathy. However, religious scholars rejected their claims.[27] The case continues.
In February 2024, Bishop Victor Ndione spoke to Vatican News, outlining some of the challenges faced by the Diocese of Nouakchott, which covers the whole country. A principal concern, as the Church is made up of foreigners, is the constant turnover of clergy and members, which makes it hard to sustain pastoral life in the long term. The prelate also noted that illegal immigration and limited resources are other major issues since the Church cannot rely on local human and financial support.
Despite these, the diocese’s multiculturalism is seen as a strength for effective pastoral work, as long as unity is maintained.[28] In fact, the small Catholic community of around 4,500 foreigners regularly comes together to celebrate Sunday masses. In 2024, many took part in Lent with fervour, even those who did not regularly attend church services, engaging in penance and in communal acts of charity including the “Lenten pots” when food, clothing, and money are collected and distributed to those in need.
Bishop Ndione, who is the first African to lead the diocese, has a long history with the Church in Mauritania. A priest from the Diocese of Thiès, Senegal, he has been in the West African country since 2003, was incardinated in 2014, appointed vicar general in 2018, and was ordained as Bishop of Nouakchott on April 14, 2024.[29]
In June 2024, as Mauritania prepared for presidential elections, key campaign issues included political stability, migration, regional security, corruption, and the country’s ongoing human rights concerns. Incumbent President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, running for a second term, faced six challengers, most prominently anti-slavery activist Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid.
In July 2024, Ghazouani was re-elected in the first round with over 56 percent of the vote. Abeid rejected the results as an “electoral coup” and refused to concede, while Hamadi Sidi el-Mokhtar, who came in third, had expressed concerns before the vote about possible electoral manipulation.[30] Although Ghazouani is credited with bringing relative stability since taking office in 2019, his administration continues to face criticism for democratic shortcomings and the persistence of structural injustices. After his re-election, the president launched a national dialogue to strengthen the country’s democracy and build greater social cohesion.[31]
Prospects for freedom of religion
The outlook for religious freedom in Mauritania remains bleak. Legal guarantees for freedom of religion or belief are absent, and societal norms reinforce a system in which any deviation from Sunni Islam is met with intense pressure, both from the State and local communities.
Apostasy and blasphemy laws, including the 2018 amendment making the death penalty mandatory in such cases, continue to serve as powerful deterrents against religious dissent or pluralism. The rigid interpretation of Islamic principles in public and private life leaves virtually no space for the exercise of non-Muslim faiths among Mauritanians, while government restrictions and social stigma prevent anyone from openly exploring or practising alternative beliefs.
Although the country has so far succeeded in preventing jihadist groups from establishing a foothold within its territory, this has come at the cost of severely limited civil liberties, particularly in the areas of freedom of expression and belief. Despite this, the Catholic Church, comprising a small and entirely foreign population, continues to provide pastoral care and its presence is generally appreciated for the social services it offers to people of all faiths without distinction.
In the absence of legal reform or meaningful social change, prospects for religious freedom remain severely constrained.
Sources
Mauritania