Mauritania Hosts Training Course on Countering Terrorist Threats to Hydrocarbon Facilities and Maritime Security
As part of the United Nations Global Programme on Countering Terrorist Threats against Vulnerable Targets, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), in cooperation with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), organized a three-day training course in Nouakchott, Mauritania, from 14 to 16 April 2025. This initiative was generously funded by the Kingdom of Spain.
The course aimed to strengthen national capacities in Mauritania for the protection of hydrocarbon infrastructure and maritime and port facilities against terrorist threats. It brought together Mauritanian government representatives, national security agencies, and international experts from INTERPOL, the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre (AU CTC), academia and the private sector.
The training activity built on the national Roadmap for the protection of vulnerable targets, which was jointly developed by UNOCT, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and the Mauritanian authorities. The Roadmap, launched in 2024, identified key priorities in maritime security, crisis management, and the protection of critical energy infrastructure.
The opening session featured remarks by representatives from the Government of Mauritania, the Embassy of Spain, UNOCT, and IMO, reaffirming the importance of international cooperation in addressing complex security challenges.
Over three days, participants explored a range of critical issues, including vulnerabilities of offshore platforms and refineries and threats to port facilities. Sessions addressed best practices for crisis management, inter-agency coordination, and the importance of human rights and gender considerations in the protection of critical infrastructure. Experts also highlighted international legal frameworks such as the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and challenges associated with their implementation in Mauritania.
A key feature of the course was a national tabletop crisis management exercise simulating a coordinated terrorist attack on hydrocarbon and maritime infrastructure. Participants were divided into working groups representing different ministries and agencies to practice strategic decision-making and operational coordination in response to complex scenarios.
The training emphasized the importance of regional and international cooperation, particularly in information sharing, joint training exercises, and technical assistance. Experts from the African Union and the Spanish National Police shared insights on integrated approaches to regional threats and the importance of robust threat monitoring systems.
The training concluded with a forward-looking dialogue on strengthening Mauritania’s efforts to counter terrorist threats to vulnerable targets through the implementation of the Roadmap.
