Mauritania

In 2024, Mauritania released 57,678m2 through technical survey (TS) and clearance conducted by the international NGO HAMAP-Humanitaire (HAMAP), with staff seconded from the National Humanitarian Demining Programme for Development (PNDHD), at the Lewej-2 minefield in the Dakhlet Nouadhibou region. During these operations, 17 anti-personnel (AP) mines were destroyed. Due to a lack of secured co-funding, operations were suspended in August, leaving 272,151m2 to be released. In the same region, Mines Advisory Group (MAG) conducted a baseline assessment of contamination in 46 localities. Of this total, 21 were assessed as “highly” suspected hazardous areas (SHAs), including five identified by the PNDHD in 2023 and already recorded in the national database as confirmed hazardous areas (CHAs). Their polygons have now been confirmed, and the neighbouring population received risk education. Mauritania remains significantly behind schedule on both its 2021 extension request work plan and its revised 2023–26 plan and will need to submit a new Article 5 deadline extension request in 2026.

• Mauritania should work to accelerate the pace of survey and clearance.

• Mauritania should put in place a national coalition forum to support its resource mobilisation strategy and serve as a strategic avenue to engage potential donors.

• Mauritania should elaborate a gender and diversity policy and implementation plan for its mine action programme as per the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).

• Mauritania should revise its national standard on environmental protection, ensuring alignment with the new IMAS 07:13.

Click here to download the "Clearing the Mines 2025" report for Mauritania.