Mauritania cracks down on migrant smuggling rings

Mauritanian authorities have broken up several migrant smuggling networks in just three days, stopping multiple attempts to transport people illegally to European shores.

The National Gendarmerie’s announcement comes as the government launches a broader campaign against migrant smuggling and begins deporting those who entered the country illegally. The quick succession of raids shows security forces are finally making headway against sophisticated smuggling operations that have proven difficult to track due to their use of fake identities and hidden networks.

Officials have expressed growing concern about the rising number of migrants entering Mauritania, which they claim puts economic, social, and security strain on the country.

The government initially tightened border controls, shut down informal crossings, increased patrols on national roads, and set up checkpoints at city entrances, particularly around Nouakchott. These efforts led to dozens of arrests, mostly of lower-level smugglers working within larger networks.

A key breakthrough came in March when gendarmes stopped an ambulance traveling from Nouakchott to Nouadhibou. Officers became suspicious when they noticed the vehicle inappropriately using its siren. Inside, they discovered migrants being transported illegally – providing what authorities called their first real lead into what they now describe as “the largest smuggling network in the country.”

The recent operations have netted 117 arrests, including network leaders and those who provided shelter and logistical support. A follow-up operation on Monday caught 20 more smugglers.

Despite these successes, experts say the crackdown will remain incomplete without cooperation from the countries where migrants originate. Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug has been visiting several West African nations – Senegal, Mali, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Côte d’Ivoire – carrying messages from President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani and focusing talks on migration issues.

The government says it’s ready to sign formal agreements to coordinate anti-smuggling efforts across the region.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​