Guardians of the Sahel
An In-depth Examination of Mauritania's Military Strength and Structure.
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Overview
National Defense Structure
The Armed Forces of Mauritania constitute the primary defense organization of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. They are comprised of the National Army, the National Navy, and the Islamic Air Force. Additionally, paramilitary forces such as the Gendarmerie and the Presidential Guard operate under different ministries but are integral to the nation's security apparatus. As of recent assessments, the military budget represents approximately 3.9% of the country's GDP.
Headquarters and Personnel
The central command for the Mauritanian Armed Forces is located in the capital city, Nouakchott. The active personnel strength is estimated at around 31,540 individuals, supplemented by an additional 5,000 personnel in paramilitary units. The reserve force numbers approximately 66,000 individuals, providing a significant augmentation capability in times of need.
Financial Commitment
In the fiscal year 2022, the allocated budget for the Mauritanian Armed Forces was reported to be $231 million. This financial commitment underscores the nation's dedication to maintaining and modernizing its defense capabilities, particularly in the context of regional security challenges.
Historical Context
Early Coup Attempts
The history of Mauritania's military leadership has been marked by periods of political instability. In June 2003, Major Saleh Ould Hanenna led an unsuccessful coup attempt against President Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya, involving significant fighting in Nouakchott. Hanenna and his associates were later arrested in October 2004.
Leadership Transitions
General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, a prominent military figure, played a key role in the 2005 coup that deposed President Taya. He subsequently led the 2008 coup which overthrew President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi. Following the 2008 coup, Abdel Aziz assumed leadership as President of the High Council of State, eventually winning the July 2009 presidential election and being sworn into office.
The National Army
Regional Organization
The Mauritanian Army is structured into six military regions, reflecting a decentralized command framework. These regions oversee various operational units, including specialized camel corps battalions, armored units equipped with T-55 tanks, armored reconnaissance squadrons, multiple infantry battalions (garrison and motorized), a commando/paratrooper battalion, artillery units, and air defense batteries.
Operational Engagements
The Mauritanian military has been actively involved in regional security operations, including participation in initiatives such as Operation Enduring Freedom – Trans Sahara. Previous engagements included training programs under the Pan Sahel Initiative, aimed at enhancing border monitoring and counter-terrorism capabilities.
Islamic Air Force
Early Development
Following independence in 1960, the Mauritania Islamic Air Force (Faidem) was established with initial support from France, receiving aircraft such as C-47s and MH.1521 Broussards. These were later supplemented and replaced by Britten-Norman BN-2A Defenders, utilized for transport and observation during the Western Sahara War. Subsequent acquisitions included aircraft from Argentina and China, though some were lost due to operational incidents.
Training and Modernization
A dedicated Air Force School was established in Atar to train pilots, mechanics, and other essential personnel. More recent procurements have focused on modernizing the fleet, including the acquisition of Embraer Super Tucano aircraft for close air support and training roles, enhancing the force's operational effectiveness.
Armament and Equipment
Inventory Overview
The Mauritanian Armed Forces utilize a diverse range of military hardware sourced from various international suppliers, reflecting a history of strategic partnerships and procurement efforts. The inventory includes small arms, crew-served weapons, armored vehicles, artillery pieces, and naval vessels.
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References
References
- Central Intelligence Agency, The World Factbook, 2001
- "MAURITANIA: Government arrests mastermind behind coup plots", IRIN Africa, 12 October 2004.
- "Mauritarian coup leader sworn in as president", AFP, 5 August 2009.
- Jane's Defence Weekly, 21 January 2004, p.19
- Trade Registers. Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved on 8 January 2018
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional military or strategic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation. Always refer to official defense documentation and consult with qualified experts for specific needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
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