Mauritania Newspapers
National Newspapers
A Guide to the Press of Mauritania: A Digital-First Media Landscape
Welcome to your guide to the newspapers and news outlets of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, a nation with a dynamic and complex media environment that is overwhelmingly digital. Situated at the crossroads of the Arab world and Sub-Saharan Africa, Mauritania’s press is a lively forum for political and social debate, publishing in both Arabic and French.1 While traditional print newspapers exist, the country’s news consumption is dominated by a host of influential online portals that serve as the primary source of information for Mauritanians at home and abroad.
The Dominance of Online News
In Mauritania, the concept of a daily newspaper has largely migrated to the internet. A competitive ecosystem of online news agencies and portals drives the national conversation, providing real-time coverage of the country’s fast-moving political scene. These digital platforms are the go-to sources for breaking news and analysis.
- Alakhbar: One of the most prominent and widely read news sources in the country, Alakhbar is an independent news agency with a powerful online presence, known for its extensive coverage of Mauritanian and regional Sahelian affairs.
- Sahara Medias: A major player in the digital landscape, Sahara Medias provides comprehensive news and analysis in both Arabic and French, and is a key source for understanding local and regional developments.
- CRIDEM (Carrefour de la République Islamique de Mauritanie):3 A long-standing and respected news portal, CRIDEM aggregates news from various sources and produces its own content, offering a broad overview of the issues shaping the nation.
- Agence Nouakchott d’Information (ANI): Another significant private news agency that contributes to the flow of information with its dedicated online reporting.
The Independent and State-Run Print Press
While the print sector has a limited circulation, primarily centered in the capital, Nouakchott, it includes several important and often critical voices.
- Le Calame: A leading independent French-language weekly, Le Calame is renowned for its critical perspective, in-depth analysis, and investigative reporting, often challenging the official narrative.
- L’Authentique: Another key independent weekly that provides commentary and opinion on the political and social issues of the day.
The Mauritanian state also operates its own media outlets. The Agence Mauritanienne d’Information (AMI) is the official state news agency, disseminating government information. The government also publishes a national newspaper, Horizons, which provides the official state perspective on events.
A Challenging Environment for Journalism
The Mauritanian media operates in a context of relative freedom compared to its early history, with no prior censorship. However, significant challenges remain. Journalists often face economic precarity, which can affect editorial independence, and a restrictive legal framework can lead to self-censorship, particularly on sensitive topics such as corruption, the military, and slavery.7 Despite these pressures, the independent press continues to play a vital watchdog role.
From the immediate, 24/7 cycle of its leading news portals to the thoughtful analysis of its weekly papers, the media of Mauritania offers a unique and essential window into the Sahel. Explore our collection on w3worldnewspapers.com to connect with the diverse voices of this nation.