The Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) conducted a high-level visit to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania on 12 August 2025 as part of the procedures preceding the start of a mutual evaluation of Mauritania’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) system. The engagement centred on senior-level discussions of readiness for the assessment process, with Mauritanian authorities reiterating political commitment to strengthening AML/CFT effectiveness in line with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. The MENAFATF delegation included President Samya Abousharif, Vice President Hamid Al Zaabi, Executive Secretary Suliman Aljabrin, the Co-Chair of the Mutual Evaluation Group, and the Executive Officer of the Mutual Evaluation Division. Meetings brought together the Minister of Economy and Finance, the Governor of the Central Bank of Mauritania in his capacity as chair of the national AML/CFT committee, and representatives from bodies involved in combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing, including the financial intelligence unit, supervisory authorities, judicial and law enforcement agencies, and professional bodies such as the National Bar Association and the National Notary Association. MENAFATF noted Mauritania’s willingness to engage throughout the assessment stages and to provide resources and capabilities in line with MENAFATF procedures derived from FATF. The visit was positioned as part of joint presidency priorities to strengthen MENAFATF’s role in preparing for and delivering the third round of mutual evaluations and supporting member states ahead of upcoming assessments.

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