The Persistent Issue of Slavery in Mauritania: Cultural, Economic, and Legal Barriers
Despite laws passed in 1981, 2007, and 2015, the practice of slavery remains deeply rooted in Mauritanian society. This cultural and historical issue is a stark reality that has not been effectively addressed due to a complex interplay of cultural, economic, and legal factors. This article delves into the reasons why slavery persists in Mauritania, drawing on key historical and contemporary sources.
Cultural and Religious Perceptions of Slavery
Slavery is not just a legal issue but a deeply ingrained cultural value in Mauritania. A documentary titled "The Dark Untold History The Arabs Have Tried To Erase" provides a compelling insight into the cultural and historical dimensions of this issue. The documentary underscores that slavery is seen as an accepted and even sacred practice among many in the country. Islam and the practices of Muhammad, where slavery was not outright condemned, have played a significant role in perpetuating these beliefs. This legacy is so deeply entrenched that it is difficult for many to view slavery as a crime against human rights.
Economic Dependence and Illiteracy
Another reason for the persistence of slavery in Mauritania is the stark economic inequality. Slaves are often illiterate and ignorant, lacking a basic understanding of their rights. Outside the institution of slavery, they have no concept of a life outside of servitude. Additionally, many former slaves are too poor to support themselves once freed. The slavemaster serves as the primary provider, offering food, shelter, and other necessities. This reliance on the slavemaster creates a situation where former slaves may choose to remain in their slavery out of sheer desperation.
Legal and Enforcement Challenges
Even if a slave attempts to leave the condition of servitude, the legal framework in Mauritania presents significant barriers to effective enforcement. For instance, a slave must prove that they are a slave or have been mistreated by filing a complaint. This requirement is clear evidence of the legal challenges in addressing this issue. The fact that slaves are often illiterate makes it nearly impossible for them to file complaints or seek legal redress. Furthermore, the nomadic and rural nature of much of Mauritania means that the police have limited resources and are often unable to enforce laws effectively, especially in the vast deserts.
Legal and Social Inertia
The law in Mauritania has not yet abolished the practice of children being born into the status of slaves, which means that the system perpetuates itself across generations. This legal inertia further compounds the issue. Additionally, the cultural and social norms that support the practice of slavery continue to exert a powerful influence, making it difficult to achieve a genuine dismantling of this system. The deeply entrenched cultural and social beliefs have not yet undergone the necessary transformation, despite the legal changes.
In conclusion, the persistence of slavery in Mauritania is a multifaceted issue that requires comprehensive and sustained efforts to address. Combating it will necessitate not only legal changes but also significant shifts in cultural and social attitudes. Only by addressing these multiple layers of the problem can genuine progress be made in eradicating this practice.
Keywords: slavery in mauritania, cultural barriers, legal challenges