Mauritania Takes Steps to Enhance Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance
Strengthening Cooperation in the Fight Against Crime
Nouakchott, Mauritania - In a bid to strengthen its cooperation with other countries in the fight against crime, Mauritania has implemented several measures aimed at enhancing extradition and mutual legal assistance.
Legislative Updates and Agreements
According to a recent report, Mauritania has updated its legislation to align with international standards on extradition and mutual legal assistance. The country’s Code of Criminal Procedure now provides for:
- The transfer of sentenced persons
- Criminal proceedings between countries
- Simplified extradition procedures in certain cases (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Act)
Mauritania has also signed several agreements with other countries to facilitate extradition and strengthen its effectiveness, including pacts with:
- France
- Mali
- Tunisia
- Algeria
- Morocco
- Spain
- Sudan
Additionally, Mauritania is a member of several regional networks aimed at promoting judicial cooperation and combating organized crime, including:
- Sahel States network for judicial cooperation and extradition
- Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network for West Africa (ARIN-WA)
- Network of West African Central Authorities and Prosecutors against Organized Crime (WACAP)
Central Authority and Confidentiality
Mauritania’s central authority is responsible for receiving and responding to requests for mutual legal assistance, which can be provided on all matters referred to in the Convention, subject to reciprocity. The country’s Anti-Corruption Act also provides for:
- Spontaneous transfer of information
- Maintenance of confidentiality of any received information (Code of Criminal Procedure)
Conclusion
Mauritania’s efforts to enhance extradition and mutual legal assistance are seen as a significant step forward in the country’s commitment to combating crime and promoting international cooperation. These measures will help to strengthen Mauritania’s ability to tackle transnational organized crime and protect its citizens from criminal activity.