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Mauritania's Anti-Migration Corruption Scandal
A corruption scandal exposes bribery within Mauritania's anti-migration system, highlighting the complicity of Mauritanian police and undermining cooperation with Spain and the EU.
Spanish
Spain
International RelationsHuman Rights ViolationsAfricaCorruptionMigrationRefugees And MigrationLaw Enforcement
European UnionSpanish National PoliceGuardia CivilFiiappMauritanian Police
Mohamed Abdel Fattah Ould Sid AhmedMohamed Ould Abdel AzizFernando Grande-MarlaskaÚrsula Von Der LeyenPedro Sánchez
- What was the nature of the corruption case uncovered in Mauritania?
- At least 13 people, including 11 police officers, were arrested in Mauritania on October 9th, 2023, for accepting bribes from migrants in exchange for their release. This exposes corruption within the EU and Spain-funded anti-migration system.
- What are the underlying reasons for widespread corruption within Mauritanian security forces?
- Corruption is a significant problem within Mauritanian security forces; officers are underpaid and rely on bribes for supplemental income. This creates a system where bribery is almost expected and accepted as standard practice.
- How did the dismissed commissioner's actions potentially affect Spanish anti-migration efforts?
- The dismissed commissioner's role involved providing lists of detained and expelled migrants to Spanish officers. Sources suggest his department may have deliberately misrepresented information to hinder migrant interceptions.
- What was the role of the dismissed Mauritanian police commissioner, Mohamed Abdel Fattah Ould Sid Ahmed?
- The dismissed Mauritanian police commissioner, Mohamed Abdel Fattah Ould Sid Ahmed, was the main contact for Spanish National Police in Mauritania. He is suspected of knowing about the corrupt network, possibly providing misinformation to Spanish officials.
- What is the history of collaboration between Spain and Mauritania on anti-migration efforts, and how has the recent corruption case impacted this relationship?
- Spain and Mauritania have collaborated on anti-migration efforts for two decades, intensifying after the 2006 migrant crisis. This cooperation involves joint patrols, training, and funding from the EU and Spain, now tainted by revelations of corruption.