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A promising youth

Fighting radicalization in Mauritania

By United Nations Development Programme

April 6^th, 2019

"I could not picture any future for me," Salah*, 23, is unemployed, sees the Nouakchott youth centre in Mauritania’s capital city as his second chance.

Very religious, Salah admits having been "tempted in the past by extremist ideas because of intense frustration". However, having heard about the centre from a friend, he began to participate in debates and training sessions. "Little by little, my perspective changed, I realized that extremists were distorting Islam. I also understood that there is a place in society for young people like me," he says.

* Not his real name

A promising youth

Mauritania is known for the terrorist attacks that rocked the country during the 2000s, which ended up cancelling the Paris-Dakar rally in 2008.

Since then, few efforts have been spared by the Mauritanian government to overcome this threat, with impressive results: the last terrorist attempt took place in 2011 and it was foiled.

A promising youth

However, even after almost a decade without any incidents, the danger of radicalization remains very real: like other Sahelian countries, unemployment rate among 15 to 24-year-olds is high. In 2017 it was 18.57 percent. This often marginalized and helpless youth is particularly vulnerable to calls to extremism and violence. Young Mauritanians themselves are aware of the main reasons justifying the appeal of extremism:

"Family dislocation is the first cause of terrorism," says a young woman in Nouakchott.

Poverty, unemployment and the low participation of young people in political and civic life are other reasons why radicalization can seem attractive.

A promising youth

The Ministry of Youth and Sport, in partnership with UNDP, has launched a National Strategy for Youth and Sport (2015-2020) which aims to promote youth participation in civic culture, citizenship and helps fight radicalization.

The strategy also aims to address the root causes of young people’s vulnerability by educating them and giving them the means to seize their own future.

A promising youth

A promising youth

UNDP is working with the Mauritanian government through a series of projects, funded in the most part by the Japanese government.

The "Consolidation of Peace, Security and Justice" initiative tries to establish a dialogue with young people, especially the marginalized youth, through centres like the one in Nouakchott.

A promising youth

The centre aims to create a sense of belonging, a safe space where young people can meet to talk about their problems, dreams and aspirations, but also to train for useful skills, such as computing.

A promising youth

"My dream is to become a doctor later, even [maybe] a surgeon. My current studies do not prepare me for it, but I am ready to redouble my efforts to achieve my goal,” says Mariem, a high school student.

A promising youth

Saleck Dedé, a 6th year student, wants to become a teacher. "I was struck by the ignorance that still exists in poor suburbs, and by the lack of teachers in rural areas, which is why I want to be a teacher and help our society move forward," he says.

The centre also offers discussion forums, training young people to resist the appeal of extremist rhetoric, encouraging them to initiate a dialogue with others in their community.

A promising youth

"I'm no longer afraid to speak in public, I want to fight against extremism, I come here for that," says Diallo, 18.

"I like this place because I see my friends, we play football, it's really a welcoming environment. I meet plenty of interesting people here, people who I believe will change our country someday," he says.

A national action plan has been developed to fight the radicalization of youth with a survey among young people who may have been receptive to the extremist rhetoric in the past.

A network of young mentors has been created to encourage dialogue, promote citizenship and the role of youth in social and economic issues.

Young people like Salek, Mariem and Diallo relish the opportunity to become a positive force for their country. Youth centres, like the one in Nouakchott, offer them a chance to shape their future and be part of the solution rather than the problem.

Youth centres, like the one in Nouakchott, offer them a chance to shape their future and be part of the solution.

Photos by UNDP / Freya Morales

© 2026 United Nations Development Programme

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