Introduction: Mauritania, a country shrouded in vast desert landscapes, has an overlooked and unsettling history. Despite a rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance, Mauritania holds a dark secret that defines its global identity: it remains the last bastion of institutionalized slavery. With a deeply ingrained system that both legally and socially condones slavery, the nation’s attempts at modernity are overshadowed by its reluctance to confront and abolish this archaic institution fully.
A Brief Overview of Mauritania: Mauritania, situated in the Sahara desert, is a land of striking contrasts. Geographically, it spans over one million square kilometers of largely barren, flat terrain. Despite its impressive natural resources, including rich iron ore deposits, copper, oil, and gold, the country struggles with poverty. Over half of the population lives below the poverty line, a direct result of compounding issues like corruption, environmental challenges, and historical exploitation.
The population, though ethnically diverse, is divided into a caste system where social hierarchy is strictly enforced. The majority language is Arabic, though French remains prevalent due to the country’s colonial past. The capital city, Nouakchott, and a few other towns hold the majority of the population, though nomadic and semi-nomadic lifestyles persist in many areas.
Mauritania’s Slavery Problem: Though slavery was officially abolished in 1981 and criminalized in 2007, Mauritania’s abolition of slavery is, for many, nothing more than a formality. According to conservative estimates, 1-2% of the population (40,000-90,000 people) remain enslaved, while more aggressive estimates place the figure closer to 20%, which would mean nearly one-fifth of the country’s people live in bondage.
Types of Slavery in Mauritania: Slavery in Mauritania exists in two main forms:
- Forced Labor: Enslaved individuals, predominantly men, are coerced into hard labor, often in agriculture or mining. These men work the land of their enslavers, sometimes for generations.
- Domestic Servitude: Women, primarily, are kept as domestic slaves, tasked with cooking, cleaning, and other household chores. However, their servitude does not end there. Female slaves, often victims of sexual exploitation, give birth to children who, under Mauritanian custom, are also considered the property of their enslaver.
The Enslaved Ethnic Groups: The people most commonly enslaved in Mauritania belong to the Haratin ethnic group, who are descendants of Sub-Saharan Africans. The dominant ruling class, the lighter-skinned Arab-Berber Moors, or “Bidan,” occupy the upper echelons of the Mauritanian caste system. This social order, rooted in centuries of cultural and religious beliefs, perpetuates the acceptance of slavery as an integral part of Mauritanian life.
The Role of Religion in Justifying Slavery: In Mauritania, religion is often used to justify the continuation of slavery. Local interpretations of Islam are manipulated to reinforce the status quo, where slaves are taught that their place in society and afterlife is tied to their obedience to their enslaver. Islamic scholars from across the Muslim world have condemned this interpretation, pointing out that Islam forbids the enslavement of fellow Muslims, yet in Mauritania, these views remain widely unchallenged.
The Legacy of Colonialism and French Neglect: Mauritania’s colonial history plays a significant role in understanding its modern-day struggles with slavery. When the French colonized Mauritania in the 19th century, they implemented indirect rule, allowing local chiefs and Islamic judges to maintain their authority over the indigenous population. French authorities turned a blind eye to slavery, opting instead to prioritize economic stability and trade, particularly in commodities like gum arabic and, tragically, slaves.
The Fight Against Slavery: A Struggle for Reform: Efforts to abolish slavery in Mauritania have met resistance not only from the ruling elite but also from enslaved individuals themselves. Many have been conditioned to believe in the righteousness of their bondage, while others fear the unknown dangers that await them if they leave their enslaver’s protection.
International human rights organizations and local anti-slavery groups continue to fight for emancipation. However, these activists face immense danger. In 2016, thirteen members of an abolitionist movement were arrested and tortured for protesting the forced relocation of a Haratin slum in Nouakchott.
Political Instability: Coups, Regimes, and a Shaky Path to Democracy: Mauritania’s political history has been marked by coups and military dictatorships. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, the nation has seen repeated shifts in power, often driven by ethnic tensions and regional conflicts, most notably the dispute over Western Sahara. Despite recent strides towards democratic governance, with peaceful transitions of power occurring in 2019, Mauritania remains a fragile state, dependent on foreign aid and political alliances.
International Complicity and Resource Politics: Mauritania’s wealth in natural resources, from iron ore to oil and gas, has attracted the interest of foreign powers, including China, the United States, and the European Union. Unfortunately, this international interest often turns a blind eye to the country’s human rights abuses, including slavery. The resources that could help lift Mauritania out of poverty are instead exploited by foreign companies, with little benefit trickling down to the people who need it most.
The Role of Foreign Powers: China has been a particularly influential partner, investing in infrastructure projects like the deep-water port in Nouakchott and offshore oil exploration. Meanwhile, the United States has forged counterterrorism alliances with Mauritania, particularly in the fight against extremism in the Sahel region. However, neither country has prioritized addressing slavery in their dealings with the Mauritanian government.
The Future of Mauritania: While Mauritania has made some progress in recent years, with new legislation aimed at curbing slavery and promoting political reform, the road ahead remains long and arduous. The deeply entrenched social structures, economic inequality, and environmental challenges all contribute to the persistence of slavery.
The question of whether Mauritania can overcome these obstacles and build a more just society depends on both internal and external forces. Internally, the abolitionist movement must continue to gain momentum, even in the face of persecution. Externally, the international community must hold Mauritania accountable, not just for its geopolitical value, but for the human rights of its people.
