Morocco and Mauritania: Neighbors and the Sahara
Mauritania once shared in administering the southern territory but withdrew in 1979. Today it stays officially neutral while deeply tied to Morocco by trade through the Guerguerat crossing.
From claimant to neutral
Mauritania took a southern slice under the 1975 Madrid Accords, then renounced it in 1979 amid Polisario pressure.
Since then it has avoided taking sides.
Trade ties
The Guerguerat road makes Morocco-Mauritania commerce vital to both, anchoring West African trade flows.
Stability at the crossing is a shared interest.
Frequently asked
Did Mauritania claim part of the Sahara?
Yes, until it withdrew in 1979.
What links the two countries now?
Trade through the Guerguerat crossing.
See it on the map: explore the full territory of Morocco — coast to Sahara — on our interactive map of Morocco →