As part of the procedures preceding the commencement of the mutual evaluation of the AML/CFT system in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, a delegation from the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), the regional group responsible for implementing mutual evaluations of countries in the region, visited the Islamic Republic of Mauritania on August 12, 2025. The delegation included Her Excellency Ms. Samya Abousharif, MENAFATF President; His Excellency Mr. Hamid Al Zaabi, MENAFATF Vice President; Mr. Suliman Aljabrin, MENAFATF Executive Secretary; Mr. Emad Bayoumy, Co-Chair of MENAFATF Mutual Evaluation Group; and Dr. Mohammad Alrashdan, Executive Officer of the Mutual Evaluation Division at MENAFATF Secretariat.

The visit included a high-level meeting between the MENAFATF delegation and the Mauritanian government, represented by His Excellency Mr. Sid’ Ahmed Ould Bouh, Minister of Economy and Finance; His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Lamine Ould Dhehbi, Governor of the Central Bank of Mauritania and Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism; and senior officials and executives from national institutions involved in combating money laundering, the financing of terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. These included members of the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism, the Chairman and members of the National Committee for Combating Terrorism, and the National Taskforce for Mutual Evaluations. The meeting also included heads of professional bodies represented, including the National Bar Association and the National Notary Association, as well as relevant ministries, the Mauritanian Financial Intelligence Unit, regulatory and supervisory authorities, judicial authorities, and law enforcement agencies.

During the meeting, the Mauritanian authorities emphasized the strategic importance of the mutual evaluation process and reiterated their high-level political commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of the AML/CFT system in line with international standards issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

MENAFATF delegation commended the high-level political commitment of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to enhancing the effectiveness of its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) system. They also noted the serious willingness and keen interest shown in all stages of the assessment, and their clear commitment to providing the necessary resources and capabilities to ensure the success of this process, in accordance with MENAFATF approved procedures, which stem from the FATF. They also noted the commitment to developing a sound and effective system for combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.

This visit falls within the context of the Joint Presidency Priorities, particularly with regard to strengthening the MENAFATF role in preparing and implementing the third round of the mutual evaluation process and supporting upcoming member states.