Interview by Mayo Sow, Nouakchott.
Ambassador of the European Union in Mauritania since September 2024, Joaquín Tasso Vilallonga spoke with Financial Afrik. The Spanish diplomat believes that one of Mauritania’s main assets lies in its stability. “Mauritania is an exceptional country in the Sahel sub-region, having successfully contained the terrorist threat,” he points out.
According to him, it is of strategic interest for Europe that this country, at the crossroads of the Maghreb and West Africa, remains stable, both internally – by consolidating democracy – and externally, by contributing to regional security.
On the migration issue, cooperation appears essential, explains Joaquín Tasso Vilallonga: “In Mauritania, there are two distinct phenomena: first, that of refugees, about 320,000 people, mostly Malians, 86% of whom are women and children, located in the southeast of the country, particularly in Hodh El Chargui.” The ambassador praises “the enormous generosity of Mauritania.” The European Union supports these populations, not only in the Mbera camp but also in host villages.
The second phenomenon concerns irregular migration. On this point, the EU’s approach is to support Mauritania in respecting standards and rights.
Overall, the European Union remains the main partner of Mauritania, the ambassador reminds. The areas of cooperation are numerous: renewable energies, green hydrogen – destined to play a key role, especially in the transformation of iron – as well as infrastructure, such as the project of electrical interconnection between Mauritania and Mali.
Finally, Joaquín Tasso Vilallonga emphasizes the necessary conditions for economic attractiveness: “Investors need a favorable business climate and better understanding of investment codes.” He also mentions the challenge of human capital, where Mauritania still faces a deficit. The European Union is thus assisting the country in modernizing its vocational training system to enhance the employability of young people.
