Mauritania's anti-jihadist success cannot be imitated

Significance

This has led numerous Western policymakers, analysts and regional observers, as well as Mauritanian officials, to suggest that a ‘Mauritanian model’ might help to counter regional jihadism.

Impacts

• Mauritanian stability will help secure Senegal’s northern frontier against jihadist threats.
• Authorities may look to limit active participation in G5 Sahel military efforts, partly to avoid jihadist retaliation.
• President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani will look to assuage communal tensions with light reforms and targeted political appointments.