On President’s Instructions, Mauritania Launches Intensive Efforts to Secure Release of Citizens Detained in Mali

Acting on the instructions of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, Mauritanian authorities have initiated intensive contacts with the Government of Mali to clarify the circumstances surrounding the detention of a group of Mauritanian citizens on Malian territory and to secure their release and safe return home as quickly as possible.

The announcement was made in a statement released on August 4 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad.

The statement reads as follows:

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad wishes to inform the national public that, following reports of the detention of a group of Mauritanian citizens in the territory of the Republic of Mali, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad, the Ministry of Defense, Retirees and Children of Martyrs’ Affairs, and the security services have, each within their respective areas of responsibility and under the instructions of His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Republic, initiated contacts and coordination with the Malian authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding this incident and to work toward the release of the individuals concerned and their safe return to Mauritania as soon as possible.

The ministries and agencies concerned attach the highest priority to this matter. They are monitoring it closely to safeguard the security and interests of Mauritanian citizens and ensure that the case is resolved as swiftly as possible.

Nouakchott, August 4, 2026.”