The administrative authorities in Mauritania's border provinces have called on citizens and nomads to return to national territory and avoid the border areas and unclear zones. This comes as the UN's MINURSO mission starts to leave the disputed territory. Voice messages attributed to the governors of the provinces of Chami and Tiris Zemmour, in the Nouadhibou region, have been circulating on WhatsApp, urging residents to be cautious and vigilant.
The messages contain three key instructions: for those outside Mauritania to return immediately, for those within the country to ensure they are within the borders, and for people to avoid approaching the border strip or ambiguous areas. The governors specifically warned nomads and livestock owners, who usually move with their herds in the vast grazing areas of northern Mauritania, to return without delay and avoid any areas that may pose a risk to them.
The Mauritanian government has not made an official comment on the recent developments in the Western Sahara issue. The MINURSO mission, established in April 1991 to monitor a ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front, began its liquidation process on November 1, after the UN Security Council failed to extend its mandate. The mission's withdrawal includes the departure of around 340 personnel, comprising military observers and civilian staff.
The withdrawal process involves the closure of 13 UN sites and facilities, which will be handed over. This marks the end of 35 years of UN presence in the region. According to the UN, the withdrawal includes the redeployment of around 160 military observers and around 180 civilian staff, although no final date for the completion of the process has been specified.
Mauritania shares a long border with Western Sahara, stretching from Nouadhibou on the Atlantic coast to the depths of Tiris Zemmour. The region has been a point of tension and conflict over the years. The nomads and livestock owners who move with their herds in the border areas are likely to be affected by the MINURSO withdrawal and the changing security situation.
The situation in Western Sahara remains complex, with ongoing tensions between Morocco and the Polisario Front. The international community has been involved in efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict, but a lasting resolution has yet to be achieved. The withdrawal of MINURSO may have implications for the security and stability of the region.
The Mauritanian authorities' call for citizens and nomads to return from border areas and avoid unclear zones suggests concerns about the security situation in the region. The situation is being closely watched by regional and international stakeholders, who are interested in maintaining stability and promoting a peaceful resolution to the Western Sahara conflict.
Key points
- The UN's MINURSO mission has begun its withdrawal from Western Sahara, leading to concerns about the security situation in the region.
- Mauritanian authorities have urged citizens and nomads to return from border areas and avoid unclear zones.
- The withdrawal of MINURSO marks the end of 35 years of UN presence in the region.
