Mauritania has rejected accusations from the Malian army that two of its soldiers, held captive, had escaped from a refugee camp located on Mauritanian territory. The rejection marks a new low in relations between the neighboring countries, already strained by regional instability and migration issues.
The dispute began on Sunday, March 15, 2026, with a statement from the Malian General Staff of the Armed Forces (EMGA). According to the statement, First Class Cavalryman Mohamed Wangaraba, from the 633rd reconnaissance squadron, and First Class Cavalryman Mahamed El Maouloud Diallo, from the 635th armored regiment, had successfully left the M’Berra camp during the night of March 13-14. The two soldiers were originally captured on October 9, 2025, while on leave near the Niger River. The Malian army claims they returned to Malian territory thanks to operations conducted by the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) along the border, particularly in the Wagadou forest, and were subsequently handed over to military authorities in Goundam, in the Tombouctou region.
Mauritania Denounces Accusations as Baseless
According to a statement relayed by the Mauritanian Information Agency, the Mauritanian government learned of the accusations “with astonishment and indignation.” Officials accuse Bamako of making serious claims without providing evidence and without utilizing standard diplomatic channels.
Mauritanian authorities point out that the M’Berra camp, managed under the supervision of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has housed tens of thousands of refugees, predominantly from Mali, for nearly three decades. They emphasize that the site is under constant monitoring and remains accessible to humanitarian actors as well as authorities from Bamako. Suggesting that terrorist groups could have held hostages there is considered “serious” by Nouakchott.
A Fragile Bilateral Relationship
This dispute comes at a time when relations between the two neighboring countries were already tense. In October 2025, Malian Transitional President Assimi Goïta received Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug in Bamako, carrying a message from Mauritanian President Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani, in an attempt to ease disagreements related to the expulsion of Malian migrants from Mauritania and the closure of businesses owned by Mauritanian operators in Mali. Both parties then agreed to reactivate their joint bilateral commission.
Nouakchott stated it prioritizes direct dialogue to prevent further escalation, while calling on Bamako for “greater rigor” in its official communications. The Mauritanian government reserves the right to take any measures it deems necessary to defend “its image, its sovereignty, and factual truth.” The development underscores growing regional tensions as Mali grapples with internal security challenges and strained relationships with its neighbors.
