Democracy, Islamicity and Tribalism in Mauritania

Abstract

The young democratic experience of Mauritania is threatened to be undermined by two forces, one of internal and the other of external origin, that are continuously gaining strength: neo-tribalistic tendencies that turn the elected government into a 'sultanic power', and Islamic fundamentalism that is successfully attracting the interests of all social groups and layers that do not profit from the modest democratic achievements nor from the neo-tribal activities. To support not only the growth of democratic structures but also of national identity concepts are needed that combine Western-borne values with congenial Islamic values.