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Mauritania Ready to Join Fight Against Sahel Extremism

In reaction to extremist and terrorist activity that threatens to spill across its borders from Mali, the Mauritanian government is joining other regional authorities in the fight against militant radicals, writes Kaci Racelma.
Mauritanian military soldiers wait for the start of the Spanish humanitarian organisation Barcelona Accio Solidaria caravan in Nouachott December 2, 2009. Mauritania has denied reports that it has located three Spanish aid workers, distributing computers and other equipment to poor communities for the Barcelona-based aid organisation, who were abducted at the weekend, the Spanish government said on Tuesday. REUTERS/Rafael Marchante  (MAURITANIA CONFLICT POLITICS) - RTXRD7R

Mauritania and Senegal recently decided to join forces in the fight against terrorism and organized crime. In this, they follow Algeria, which is exerting greater efforts and acting with vigilance after the bloody attack against the gas plant of In Amenas that killed 38 foreigners.

This fight, however, is inefficient without the involvement of the citizens, who are targeted by a comprehensive public-awareness campaign against terrorism and organized crime along the border. Both banks of the Senegal River, which geographically unites the two neighboring countries are part of an intense campaign calling on citizens to join their efforts with the joint military missions to combat the acts of terror that are gradually spilling into the Sahel region.

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