Mauritania: A nation where slavery persists as a 'vestige' of history
In short: Mauritania was the last country on Earth to officially abolish slavery in 1981. Yet, despite legal bans, the practice remains a deeply rooted reality. From domestic servitude to systemic economic exploitation, the country faces a complex struggle between official narratives of freedom and the lived experience of thousands.
While Mauritania officially abolished slavery in 1981, the practice remains 'unusually severe' compared to other regions. The 2018 Global Slavery Index estimated 90,000 slaves—roughly 2.1% of the population—though a 2017 BBC report suggested the number could be as high as 600,000. Slavery in Mauritania is primarily 'chattel slavery,' where descendants are considered the full property of their masters. This status is passed down maternally, meaning children are born into servitude, often isolated by illiteracy and a lack of education in secular fields.
The structure of slavery is tied to ethnic and social hierarchies. 'White Moors' (Beidane) often hold 'Black Moors' (Haratin) in servitude, while in the south, nonpastoralist groups may practice slavery among people of the same skin color. Women are disproportionately affected, often confined to domestic spheres where they face sexual assault and are viewed as highly valuable producers of slave labor. These individuals are often restrained not by chains, but by 'economic' and 'psychological' factors, including a belief that questioning their status is tantamount to questioning Islam.
The government maintains that slavery is 'totally finished,' often dismissing reports as Western manipulation or religious enmity. However, international observers note a 'continuum' of exploitation—the 'vestiges of slavery'—where sharecroppers and workers are exploited by landowners. Enforcement is hampered by the vast desert geography, extreme poverty, and a legal system that places the burden of proof on illiterate victims. While a 2007 law allowed for prosecution, only one person has been successfully jailed for slave ownership since 2011.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Slavery in Mauritania
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