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Converts from Islam to Christianity face severe opposition from their families and surrounding communities. Public expressions of faith by non-Mauritanian Christians can be viewed as proselytising Muslims. This can lead to imprisonment and deportation. These realities make it largely impossible for anyone to live out their faith in public.
The government has indicated it will enforce strict apostasy laws. Since 2018, these laws include the death penalty, with no possibility of leniency based on repentance – making execution mandatory for any Muslim convicted of leaving Islam or committing blasphemy, though no executions have yet taken place.
Some foreign-born Christians are allowed to worship in specific places but are not permitted to share their faith in any way. Indigenous converts from Islam are the most vulnerable to persecution, particularly in rural areas (though the risk is high even in the capital city). Most converts are forced to hide their faith as, in Mauritania’s nomadic society, loss of family and clan can make it difficult to survive.
"I was sad, overwhelmed by fear and insecurity. Life had no meaning or value for me. But God helped me overcome all of that. He gave meaning to my life. I tasted true joy and true peace when I entrusted my life to the Lord Jesus Christ."
"Yasmina" from North Africa
Mauritania rose by two positions on this year’s World Watch List, and persecution increased slightly. Recent incidents have shown just how much pressure Christians live under in Mauritania. There has been ongoing social backlash following the publication of a baptism video. In another incident, people dug up the dead body of a believer who had converted from Islam. Mauritania continues to be an extremely difficult place to follow Jesus.
In cooperation with local partners and churches, Open Doors supports believers in North Africa through leadership and discipleship training, trauma counselling, prayer and livelihood assistance.
Lord, we pray for our brothers and sisters in Mauritania. We know it can be so difficult for them to follow You, so we ask that You keep them safe, give them comfort and help them to overcome the daily stress of simply living as a Christian. Give underground believers the chance to meet and worship with other Christians and sustain this small body of believers as they walk alongside You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.