1. How Safe Is It to Speak Up?

The Freedom in the World 2025 report shows that in Mauritania, your ability to speak freely, protest, or report news varies dramatically depending on what you say — and how you say it. For instance, independent media exist, but journalists risk arrest or defamation charges when they cover corruption or sensitive political issues.  Similarly, protests happen — but they are sometimes violently dispersed, and the government has shut off mobile internet during unrest. Freedom House

Why it matters: When citizens fear speaking out, many problems stay hidden. Misconduct, discrimination, and abuse go unreported — and leaders may act without accountability.

2. Can Citizens Participate in Decisions That Affect Them?

On paper, citizens in Mauritania have the right to assemble and run for office, but in practice, participation is constrained. Endorsement rules make it hard for opposition candidates to run — for example, to stand for parliament, you may need support from many local officials. Freedom House

Stress often comes from state power: protests have been met with force, and opposition figures are frequently intimidated. Freedom House
Practical tip: When national-level engagement is risky, try to influence change through local civic or community groups, or by supporting advocacy networks working on governance and human rights.

3. Do Citizens Have Access to Information?

In Mauritania, state institutions and security forces play a huge role in controlling information flow. There’s a legal environment that restricts what can be said about the government, including defamation laws. Freedom House

At the same time, the government’s recent accession to the Partnership for Information and Democracy could signal a real pivot toward more open public information. Forum Information & Democracy

Why it matters: When information is tightly controlled, corruption, mismanagement, and injustice are more likely to persist unseen.

4. Is Justice Fair and Accessible for Everyone?

The government has established a special court to address human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and slavery-related crimes, which is a positive reform. Meanwhile, historically marginalized groups — particularly Afro-Mauritanians, the Haratin community, women— face systemic discrimination in legal settings.

5. Are All Groups Included?

Not everyone in Mauritania has the same chance to be heard. Discrimination remains deep: Afro-Mauritanians and the Haratin population face entrenched marginalization. Freedom House  Women also face high barriers, and LGBT+ people are socially marginalized. Freedom House This exclusion weakens public debate and narrows who gets to influence political decisions.
Why it matters: If large parts of society are blocked from power or voice, the system becomes less responsive and less legitimate. Support civil society initiatives that promote equal rights and representation.

6. What Can Citizens Do to Protect Their Freedoms?

• Attend and organize in local governance forums, community meetings, or safe advocacy spaces.

• Support and engage with independent media, including digital platforms and citizen journalists.

• Promote the inclusion of marginalized communities — women, Haratin, Afro-Mauritanians — in civic life.

• Document and report abuses, using trusted local or international civil society organizations.

• Push for transparency by demanding open government data and using platforms to highlight issues.