Source: NATO
From 1 to 6 December 2024, NATO Defence Capacity Building (DCB) experts visited Nouakchott to support the implementation of key initiatives of Mauritania’s DCB package, including in support of special operations forces (SOF), maritime security, intelligence, military career transition, military education and addressing challenges related to small arms and light weapons.
During the visit, NATO delivered special operations forces’ equipment – such as ballistic protection, communications and medical equipment – to help enhance Mauritania’s defence and security capabilities. The event was attended by the SOF Commandant and Army Chief of Staff, General El Mokhtar Menny, as well as the Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, General Saidou Dia.
NATO experts also met with other Mauritanian officials, including the Minister of Defence Ould Sidi Hanana, to discuss how to further strengthen Mauritania’s defence and security apparatus and ensure continued support and collaboration between NATO and Mauritania. Specific working sessions were also conducted to review and plan further work on the key aspects of the DCB package. In addition, a live exercise was conducted with officers of the Mauritanian Navy during the stopover of the Portuguese ship “NRP Viana do Castelo” in Nouakchott. This exercise demonstrated the practical application of NATO’s training and capacity-building efforts.
By providing essential resources and expertise and engaging in high-level dialogue, NATO continues to support Mauritania in building stronger, more resilient defence capabilities, essential for maintaining regional stability and security.