Since 2011, Mauritania has invested in their security to prevent extremist violence in the Sahel crossing into the country. This has largely been achieved through expanding the economy and cooperating with regional partners. Given the growing instability across the Sahel by extremist and terrorist groups, coinciding with recent coups, Mauritania is actively looking to strengthen relations with foreign powers to address the situation, particularly the US and Russia in the security realm and the EU and China for trade and economic growth who have all expressed growing foreign interest in Mauritania.

Key Judgement 1: The EU and China will likely develop deeper relations with Mauritania to gain access to its energy resources. 

Key Judgement 2: It is likely that Mauritania will seek further economic and military cooperation with current regional partners to combat growing instability across the Sahel.

Key Judgement 3: It is likely that the US and Russia will seek to improve relations with Mauritania to address security and strategic concerns in the Sahel.