GNV News, May 1, 2026

Mauritania has strengthened its measures to curb irregular migration and departures to Europe have sharply declined, but concerns are mounting over the treatment of migrants. In a 142-page report, the human rights organization Human Rights Watch documents cases of “prolonged and painful restraint, restrictions on food and water, and other abusive treatment.” The report also states that torture, rape, physical abuse, arbitrary detention, and collective expulsions without due process were carried out during enforcement operations. These measures are linked to European Union (EU)-supported border control and aim to prevent migrants from reaching Spain’s Canary Islands, located roughly 500–1,000 kilometers off the West African coast.

Among West African countries, Mauritania has become a key transit country on the Atlantic route. This route is used by migrants from West and Central Africa who cross the Atlantic in small boats bound for the Canary Islands. Many journeys begin in coastal areas such as Senegal and Mauritania and involve long, dangerous sea crossings. Since the early 2000s, movement to the Canary Islands has increased, and in 2024 this route became the world’s deadliest migration route, with more than 10,000 deaths.

In response to the increased use of this route, the EU and Spain have expanded cooperation with Mauritania, moving toward managing migrants before they reach European territory. One key development was a 210 million euro agreement signed in 2024, aimed at strengthening border control, surveillance, and interdiction capabilities. Following this agreement, Mauritanian authorities have stepped up coastal patrols and surveillance operations, reducing the number of boats heading to Europe and increasingly detaining people before departure.

Due to these strict measures, arrivals in Spain’s Canary Islands in 2025 have decreased by 59% compared with the previous year. The downward trend has continued in 2026. Human Rights Watch claims that 28,000 migrants were expelled from Mauritania in the first half of 2025.

The tougher enforcement has also affected migration routes. Some migrants remain inside Mauritania to avoid arrest, while others switch to alternative routes through neighboring countries. These alternative routes are longer and involve extended sea crossings, which raises risks and reduces safety.

In its response to Human Rights Watch, the Mauritanian government denied allegations of systematic abuse and asserted that its migration measures comply with domestic law and international obligations. The government stated that it is investigating the allegations and has introduced procedural safeguards to ensure individual assessments and respect for dignity.

Overall, while the strengthening of external border controls has reduced irregular departures and deaths, concerns remain about enforcement practices and the improper treatment of migrants.

Learn more about migration routes from Africa to Europe → “EU: The reality of measures for migrants and refugees crossing the Mediterranean”

Learn more about Mauritania → “Mauritania enduring worsening environmental problems”

A Mauritanian Navy vessel (Photo: Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet / Flickr [CC BY-ND 2.0])