Pray for Mauritania

About Mauritania

The capital is Nouakchott. People speak Arabic, Pulaar, Soninke and Wolof, with French widely used. The largest faith is Islam.

Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.

Prayer briefing for Mauritania

Last updated October 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.

Current events

Prices for food, fuel and transport have risen sharply in 2026, and the World Bank expects poverty to rise this year. In April police in Nouakchott used tear gas on a protest against higher transport fares, and about 60 people were reported detained. In July the government drew up a revised budget for 2026. Mauritania also continues to host many refugees from Mali.

We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.

Leadership and politics

Mauritania is an Islamic republic with a strong presidency. The President is Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, re-elected in June 2024, and the Prime Minister is Mokhtar Ould Djay. In May 2026 two members of parliament were sentenced to four years in prison for insulting the President, and press freedom groups have raised concern about limits on protest.

We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.

Economic health

The World Bank estimates growth slowed to about 3.6% in 2025 and expects about 4.6% in 2026 as new offshore gas production rises. Iron ore, gold, copper and fishing are major sources of income. Poverty is projected to rise to about 24% in 2026 as prices climb, and Mauritania remains one of the poorer nations despite its mineral wealth.

We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.

Social and cultural issues

Mauritania is made up of the Haratin (about 40%), the Bidhan (about 30%), and Halpulaar, Soninke, Wolof and other peoples. The legacy of slavery remains a deep divide, and reports say it still persists. About 309,000 refugees and asylum seekers lived in Mauritania by mid 2025, many having fled Mali.

We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.

Spiritual landscape

Almost all Mauritanians are Sunni Muslim, about 99% by 2026 Open Doors figures, and Islam is the state religion. Christians are about 0.2%, about 11,000 people. Most are foreigners from neighbouring sub-Saharan countries, many of them Catholic, and the few Mauritanian believers from a Muslim background usually keep their faith hidden.

We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.

Religious freedom

The Penal Code forbids apostasy and blasphemy, and since a 2018 change both can carry the death penalty, although it has not been carried out in recent years. Open Doors ranks Mauritania 21st on its 2026 World Watch List. Foreign Christians may worship only in set places and may not share their faith with Mauritanians. Converts can face rejection by family and tribe, loss of work and detention.

We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.

Historical wounds

Mauritania became independent from France in 1960 and has seen military coups in 1978, 2005 and 2008. From 1989 to 1991 violence followed the border war with Senegal, and thousands of Black Mauritanians were expelled to Senegal and Mali. Slavery was abolished by decree in 1981 but made a crime only in 2007. Mauritania gave up its claim in Western Sahara in 1979.

We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.

Let us pray together

Our Father, we come to You together for Mauritania. Provide relief for families struggling with rising prices, and care for every refugee. Give wisdom, integrity and justice to the President, the Prime Minister and all in authority. Grant honest stewardship of gas, minerals and fish, so that every household is provided for. Bring reconciliation between all peoples, and free and protect all who still live with the legacy of slavery. Let the hope and truth of Your love be known across the land. Keep believers safe and give them courage and freedom to worship. Heal the wounds of 1989 to 1991 and of past injustice, and lead Mauritania in forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Sources

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