Bamako and Nouakchott have formally resumed high-level dialogue in an effort to contain growing migration and trade tensions between the two West African nations.
Transitional President Assimi Goita received a Mauritanian delegation on October 8, led by Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, who delivered a message from President Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani. The meeting followed two days of technical discussions aimed at resolving issues stemming from the expulsion of Malian nationals from Mauritania and the administrative closure of businesses run by Mauritanian operators in Mali.
Discussions at the Koulouba Palace focused on facilitating mobility between the two countries and addressing the welfare of Mauritanian traders in Mali and Malians established in Mauritania.
The Malian side proposed the reactivation of the Mali-Mauritania High Commission and the establishment of a permanent consultation framework to address operational differences and ensure joint commitments are met. The Mauritanian Foreign Minister, in turn, reaffirmed Nouakchott’s support for the Malian people.
The tensions have been building since early 2025: Since the beginning of the year, Mauritania has conducted waves of expulsions of irregular migrants, affecting hundreds of Malians. While Mauritanian authorities cite compliance with migration legislation, Bamako has officially expressed concern and organized repatriation measures.
In Mali, tensions escalated in March when administrative closures began affecting businesses run by Mauritanian nationals in Bamako, with community representatives reporting approximately affected establishments.
The resumption of a formal bilateral format is seen by both sides as a critical and pragmatic tool for managing these sensitive issues, given the close historical, human, and economic ties between the countries.
MD/ac/Sf/fss/abj/APA