Strategic Alignment in the Sahel
Czech – Mauritanian Cooperation within a Multilateral Security Framework
The creation of a Mauritanian military unit, trained by Czech special forces, reflects a deliberate and coordinated international response to the evolving security dynamics of the Sahel region. Authorized by the Czech parliament in late 2024, this two-year mission involves the deployment of up to thirty Czech soldiers tasked with building the operational capacities of Mauritania’s armed forces. As part of NATO’s broader engagement in West Africa, the initiative is positioned at the intersection of counterterrorism, migration management, and geopolitical stabilization, particularly in view of increasing Russian and Chinese activities in the region.
This strategic orientation was further underscored by the recent visit of Czech President Petr Pavel to Nouakchott. Leveraging his experience as a former general and NATO chairman, President Pavel reaffirmed Mauritania’s role as a rare anchor of stability in an otherwise fragile regional context. His remarks emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation under the transatlantic umbrella. A senior Czech officer involved in the mission noted that the training aims not only to improve tactical readiness, but also to enhance Mauritania’s ability to counter non-state armed groups and resist external malign influence, particularly from Russia.
Parallel to NATO’s engagement, the European Union continues to advance its security assistance to Mauritania through the European Peace Facility. The latest disbursement, approved in March 2025, provides €20 million in military equipment, raising total EU support to €47 million. This investment is structured to support the country’s territorial defence, contribute to the stabilization of the Sahel, and reinforce protections for civilian populations in high-risk areas.
Diplomatic engagement further consolidates this trilateral cooperation. Discussions between Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský and Mauritanian Defence Minister Hanan Ould Sidi have reinforced mutual priorities in defence and humanitarian cooperation. These consultations reflect Mauritania’s proactive counterterrorism posture and Czechia’s commitment to a comprehensive, partnership-based approach to regional security.
In sum, the convergence of NATO’s operational support, the EU’s financial assistance, and Czechia’s bilateral diplomacy illustrates a coherent and forward-looking strategy. This integrated approach not only enhances Mauritania’s defence capabilities but also contributes to regional stability in a strategically sensitive corridor between North and sub-Saharan Africa.
Discover More
How ADF/ISCAP Overran Komanda in July 2025
This article offers a deeply detailed analysis of the ADF/ISCAP's operations in Komanda, a town in the Ituri province of the DRC. The article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the attack, from the group's infiltration strategy to the tactical execution and broader strategic goals. It also addresses the local and regional security dynamics, offering recommendations to improve local defence measures and prevent future incidents.
Rapid Support Forces Declare a Parallel Government in Darfur as El Fasher Starves
Since April 2023 Sudan has been locked in civil war between the national army, commanded by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemetti”). Over time the conflict has assumed a geographic logic: the army controls the Red Sea corridor and the east from Port-Sudan, while the RSF entrenches itself in Darfur and parts of Kordofan.
Contact us to find out how our security services can support you.
We operate in almost all countries in Africa, including high-risk environments, monitoring and analyze ongoing conflicts, the hotspots and the potential upcoming threats on the continent. Every day. Around the clock.