Historical Context and Legal Framework
Slavery In Mauritania History
Mauritania "Slavery's last stronghold"
Slavery in Mauritania has deep historical roots, linked to the capture and forced servitude of Black Africans by Arab-Berber tribes (Beydanes). Despite multiple proclamations of abolition—1905 (French colonial government), 1961 (post-independence Constitution), and 1980 (President Mohamed Khouna Ould Haïdallah)—slavery continues to thrive, particularly in rural areas. These proclamations, while legal in theory, have failed to dismantle the entrenched system due to weak enforcement, lack of economic reforms, and cultural barriers.
The 1980 decree declared slavery officially abolished and promised full rights for freed individuals. However, it was primarily a public relations move, influenced by international pressure, rather than a genuine effort to eradicate the practice. Successive governments have shown little political will to enforce abolition or punish those who perpetuate slavery.
Traditional Slavery
Slavery in Mauritania follows a hereditary system, where enslaved people are born into bondage and considered the property of their masters. This system is based on maternal lineage, meaning children of enslaved mothers are automatically enslaved and remain under their master’s control for life. Haratines who remain under the direct control of their enslavers receive no pay, have no rights, and are treated as property. Enslaved people can be rented out, loaned, given as gifts in marriage, or inherited by their master’s children. Men primarily herd cattle or work on farmland, while women engage in domestic labor or shepherd small herds of animals.Modern Forms of Slavery
Slavery in Mauritania has deep historical roots, linked to the capture and forced servitude of Black Africans by Arab-Berber tribes (Beydanes). Despite multiple proclamations of abolition—1905 (French colonial government), 1961 (post-independence Constitution), and 1980 (President Mohamed Khouna Ould Haïdallah)—slavery continues to thrive, particularly in rural areas. These proclamations, while legal in theory, have failed to dismantle the entrenched system due to weak enforcement, lack of economic reforms, and cultural barriers.
The 1980 decree declared slavery officially abolished and promised full rights for freed individuals. However, it was primarily a public relations move, influenced by international pressure, rather than a genuine effort to eradicate the practice. Successive governments have shown little political will to enforce abolition or punish those who perpetuate slavery.
Modern Slavery in Mauritania
According to CNN, Tens of thousands of Black Mauritanians, especially Haratines (descendants of slaves), remain under the de facto control of their masters. This includes:
- Forced labor: Working long hours without pay.
- Lack of rights: Denied access to education, freedom to marry, or any form of personal agency.
- Dependence and fear: Many remain enslaved due to ignorance of their rights, fear of reprisals, and economic destitution.
Even when slaves flee, they often face poverty, homelessness, and social ostracism, as no economic or social support systems are in place to facilitate reintegration.
The Reality of Abolition
Mauritanian authorities claim slavery no longer exists, using terms like “Haratines” (freed people) instead of “slaves.” In reality, the system persists under different names:
- Slaves are referred to as “domestics” or “wards” to mask their servitude.
- Terms like “blues” or “Sudanese” are used as euphemisms for enslaved populations.
An escaped slave described the enduring exploitation to Human Rights Watch/Africa:
“We still work for the same master, doing the same labor, without pay. The only thing that has changed is the words they use. Slavery still exists because we lack education and economic means to break free. In rural areas, most slaves don’t even know they have rights.”
The Anti-Slavery Society estimated in 1981 that Mauritania had at least 100,000 slaves and 340,000 semi-slaves or freed individuals still economically dependent on their former masters. Recent efforts to reform have made little progress, with slavery remaining a pervasive and systemic issue.
Religious Manipulation and Conditioning
Religion has been used as a tool of control, with enslaved individuals taught that servitude is a religious duty and that obedience to their masters guarantees a place in paradise. Common sayings like “The path to paradise lies under your master’s foot” reinforce this ideology. Religious leaders, including qadis (Islamic judges), have often sided with masters, legitimizing the institution of slavery under the guise of religious doctrine.
A religious leader explained the cultural dependency:
“Slaves believe their master is their only connection to dignity and salvation. They have been conditioned to see their servitude as a divine obligation.”
“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.”
Malcolm X
Punishments and Torture
The punishment of slaves for perceived disobedience is central to maintaining control. Routine punishments include whipping, deprivation of food, and exposure to the elements. However, more extreme methods are employed for “serious” offenses, such as:
- Camel treatment: The slave’s legs are tied around a camel’s body, which is then given water after being deprived of it. As the camel’s stomach expands, the slave’s legs are dislocated.
- Burning coals: The victim is buried up to the waist, and burning coals are placed between their legs, causing severe burns to their thighs and genitals.
- Wire binding: Genitals are wrapped tightly with wire, causing irreparable damage.
One survivor recounted witnessing a 17-year-old boy who was punished for allegedly having relations with his master’s daughter:
“His genitals were wrapped with wire for two days, and he was beaten and doused with water. He was so mutilated that his master eventually ‘freed’ him because he could no longer work.”
Economic Exploitation
Slavery persists not only as a physical institution but also as an economic structure. Freed slaves often remain economically dependent on their former masters, who control access to resources and jobs. Without education or opportunities, many have no choice but to continue working for their former owners.
A former slave explained:
“There’s physical slavery and economic slavery. Even if the physical chains are removed, economic chains keep us bound. Without land, education, or resources, freedom is just a word.”
The 1983 land reform, touted as a step toward economic independence, instead allowed Beidane elites to seize fertile lands from Black Mauritanians, including freed slaves, further entrenching their economic subjugation.
Challenges to Abolition
Efforts to combat slavery have been hindered by:
- Weak enforcement: Courts and local authorities often side with slaveholders. Even when slaves escape or seek justice, they are frequently returned to their masters.
- Lack of awareness: Many enslaved individuals are unaware of their rights or the abolitions due to deliberate isolation by their masters.
- Inadequate reforms: Policies like the 1980 abolition decree and subsequent land reforms have failed to address the economic and social roots of slavery.
The Role of the International Community
Mauritania is a party to several international treaties that explicitly prohibit slavery, including the 1957 Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. However, these commitments remain largely symbolic, as the government has not implemented measures to enforce abolition or punish violators.
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery has repeatedly called for systemic reforms, including:
- Economic support for freed slaves, such as land ownership and job training.
- Educational programs to raise awareness of rights among enslaved populations.
- Prosecution of slaveholders and those complicit in maintaining the institution.
The Movement for Freedom
The El Hor movement, founded in 1974 by Haratines, remains a critical voice in the fight against slavery. While its influence has waned due to government co-optation and repression, it continues to advocate for:
- Land reforms and agricultural cooperatives to empower freed slaves economically.
- Education and training to break cycles of dependency.
- Justice and accountability for slaveholders.
Conclusion
Slavery in Mauritania is not just a relic of the past; it is a modern atrocity. The failure of successive governments to address this issue reflects a lack of political will and complicity in perpetuating an oppressive system. International pressure, combined with grassroots advocacy, is essential to dismantle the psychological, economic, and social structures that sustain slavery in Mauritania. Without bold and systemic reforms, the promise of abolition will remain unfulfilled, and thousands will continue to suffer in silence.