Mauritania’s Mineral Wealth: Corruption and Unfair Agreements
Mauritania’s Mineral Wealth: Corruption and Unfair Agreements
By: Mohamed Abderahman Abdallah ,
journaliste ,Nouakchott
Mauritania is one of the richest African countries in terms of mineral resources. It abounds in iron, gold, copper, phosphates, and rare minerals. Yet, the Mauritanian citizen continues to live in extreme poverty, infrastructure remains dilapidated, and essential services such as education and healthcare are in a state that does not reflect the wealth lying beneath the country’s soil.
The problem does not stem from a lack of resources, but rather from poor management, lack of transparency, widespread corruption, and the signing of exploitative agreements with foreign companies that disregard the country’s best interests.
Agreements at the Expense of Sovereignty
In most agreements signed with major international companies, the state’s share of the extracted wealth is disproportionate to the volume of resources. These deals are often accompanied by generous tax and customs exemptions and provide limited job opportunities for locals.
Companies such as Kinross Tasiast, SNIM, and Arise, among others, have for years reaped massive profits without producing tangible development in the regions where mining operations take place, or significantly improving living conditions there.
Corruption Devouring the Wealth
Corruption in the mining sector goes beyond exploitative contracts. It also includes the dubious granting of licenses, inflated costs, and the absence of environmental and social oversight. Some officials are accused of striking secret deals in exchange for commissions and personal gains, turning national wealth into a means of enrichment for the few—and prolonged misery for the many.
The Citizen Left Behind
In a country like Mauritania, mineral wealth could have been the cornerstone of a diversified and growing economy. Instead, due to corruption and mismanagement, it has become a curse rather than a blessing. The ordinary citizen sees nothing of this wealth except the dust from excavation machinery and the neglect suffered in the absence of job creation or fair compensation.
Missing Solutions
What Mauritania needs today is a comprehensive review of its mining contracts, ensuring fair partnerships with operating companies, improving transparency in license allocation, and strengthening monitoring and accountability mechanisms. It is also essential to involve civil society and independent experts in overseeing this vital sector.
Resources alone do not bring development. Development happens when there is political will, honest leadership, and wise governance.
