Almost fifty years after the Western Sahara war, Mauritania continues to commemorate the conflict through media coverage, testimonials, and publications. These efforts allow new generations to understand this pivotal period in the nation's history. However, the focus has primarily been on testimonies from high-ranking officers, which provide insight into strategic decisions and operations but only tell part of the story. The experiences of non-commissioned officers, soldiers, national guards, and civilians who fought on the front lines are often overlooked.
The early days of Mauritania's involvement in the conflict marked significant losses. On December 8, 1975, Private Second Class Cheikh El Arbi Ould Moustapha, nicknamed "Senghor," was among the first casualties during a harassment of the Ain Bintili garrison. The following day, December 9, 1975, other soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice, including Probationary Gendarme Diago Ibrahima, Adjutant Sy Abdoulaye, and Probationary Gendarme Yahefdhou Ould Hboïeb. These individuals were engaged in the initial pursuit of the enemy.
The battle for Laguera on December 19, 1975, resulted in multiple injuries among Mauritanian soldiers, including Private Second Class Kaber Ould Bilal, Abdellahi Ould Mbareck, Salem Ould Dellahi, Abdellahi Ould Youssouf, Boubout Ould Abdellahi, and Quarter Master Lô Boubacar. In the following months, January 1976 saw continued clashes, with the Aguerguer battle claiming the lives of Probationary Gendarme Mohamed Ould Mayouf and Private Second Class Ould Cheine on January 10.
The confrontations in Ain Bintili on January 19, 1976, left Sergeant Diaw Abdoulaye and Private Second Class Boubacar Khalidou Youba among the wounded. On the same day, an ambush at Zweiwgatt showcased remarkable resistance from several soldiers, including Sergeant-Majors Mohamed Ould Aoufly and El Hafed Ould Ahmedou. Their actions exemplified the bravery displayed by non-commissioned officers and soldiers during the conflict.
As the war progressed, notable figures emerged for their courageous actions. Adjutant-Chef Diarra Birama, Adjutant Moctar Ould Souhaib, and Adjutant Ba Aziz were among those who made significant contributions. Between February and June 1976, battles in Oudey Ennous, Chinguetti, Gleibatt Tebaka, and Tourine saw numerous acts of valor. For instance, on February 8, 1976, Private Second Class Ahmed Mahmoud Ould Saïd Ould Homody fell during the Oudey Ennous combat.
The latter part of 1976 witnessed continued heroism, particularly at Iguitti on October 26, where Chief of Tank Mbodj Amadou Moussa and his gunner, Private Abou Dieng, fought until the end. Their sacrifice was emblematic of the dedication shown by many soldiers. By the end of 1976, certain individuals, such as Adjutant Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ould Jeddou and Adjutant Ney Ould Abdellahi, received exceptional promotions for their bravery.
The conflict extended into 1977, with significant events occurring at Tidjikja, Joua Sbatt, Ergoub, and Tenwchert. On February 3, 1977, a group of civilian volunteers led by retired Adjutant-Chef Tfeil Ould Meihimid participated in the defense of Tidjikja. Their actions, along with those of others like gendarmes Coulibaly, Ould Samaké, and Ly Oumar Hame, demonstrated the extensive involvement of various ranks and backgrounds in the war effort.
Key points
- Many non-commissioned officers and soldiers made significant sacrifices during the Western Sahara war.
- Their stories have often been overshadowed by those of high-ranking officers.
- Efforts to rehabilitate and remember these contributions are ongoing in Mauritania.
