Nouakchott - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Not really. There are lots of beggars, but they are harmless. Typical good judgement like any place will get you far. There are places in the US where I feel far less safe than I do in Nouakchott. Every house also has a 24/7 guard. Gendarmerie are in just about every trafficked intersection of the city, particularly around where all the embassies are and diplomats live. - Jan 2023
Partly because of the culture (i.e., no public parks, few public spaces) but also COVID lately, you aren't really going into crowds. The main expat beach is fine, and going around town to run errands during the day just requires good judgment (windows up, doors locked, don't rummage through your purse at the market). - Aug 2021
Overall it’s pretty secure just be aware of your surroundings and stay out of heavily populated areas. Be smart. - Aug 2021
Security briefings will provide insights but one can walk on the streets during the day and feel very safe. I felt very safe during my two years at post, but traffic is sometimes chaotic but that is to be expected as traffic lights sometimes fail and other road hazards are occasionally present. - Sep 2020
Check out travel.state.gov Mauritania page for safety and security info. - Apr 2019
Definitely. The Regional Security Officer (RSO) does not want us to walk in public, but honestly, there really isn't any place to walk here anyways. You can go to the beach and walk there, but as far as strolling a few blocks from your house down to a grocery store, that is frowned upon due to violent crime. No taxis or buses are allowed either. All residences have 24-hour Embassy security guards and barbed wire. All travel outside of the city must be first approved by RSO. - May 2016
It is considered a high threat post. However, I've felt less safe in some U.S. cities. Don't walk - the driving there is unbelievable. You truly must see it to believe it. There are guards 24/7 at the residences. - Dec 2015
Yes. Terrorism is always on everyone's mind. Crime seems to be increasing too but most of the information about crime is anecdotal or gathered by embassy security people. - Apr 2014
Terrorism is a constant concern. An American was killed here in 2009 by terrorists. The terrorists were arrested and convicted and are now in prison for life. Most people counter this threat by staying in Nouakchott. It is also notable that the Mauritanian government is very active against terrorism. Crime is not a major concern - at least not worse than any big city in the US. - Aug 2011
There is always a threat of AQM harrassing westerners. - Dec 2009
