Mauritania has a long history of french influence and according to reports is considered part of the Sahel and the Arab maghred. The Sahel which translates to shore is a corridor which stretches from the Sudan, through Chad, Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Burkino Faso and Senegal. According to a report, since 1999 Mali’s main export has been gold.
Reportedly in July 2021 France said they would halve their military presence in the region by early 2022, and some bases in Mali would close to be followed by a european special forces presence in Niger. According to a report Niger holds France’s main source of uranium for its nuclear industry.
Reportedly past problems have been massacres and the poisoning of wells. According to a report many in Burkino Faso, Mali and Niger are facing displacement and hunger. A major problem reported in the Sahel is land degradation leading to no food. In September 2020 the eu pledged €1.7 billion in humanitarian support.