04-08-2025
Mauritania : Was the Anbaa.info blockade driven by Algerian pressure ?
Since Friday, August 1st, Mauritanian internet users have been unable to access the news site Known for its incisive criticism of Algeria, this media outlet has previously faced sanctions from authorities in Nouakchott.
«We have reached out to the relevant authorities in Mauritania to understand the reasons behind this blockage, but so far, we have not received any official response from either the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority or the bodies overseeing media and digital space, such as the High Authority for Press and Audiovisual (HAPA)», said Cheikh Ahmed Lamine, editor-in-chief of told Yabiladi.
When questioned about who might benefit from this censorship, the journalist was cautious: «We leave it to public opinion to draw conclusions. However, it is legitimate to question the parties that have consistently targeted the site for its independent editorial stance, especially on sensitive issues involving certain neighboring countries», he emphasized.
To recall, in March 2024, the HAPA had reprimanded Anbaa for «harming Algeria», rendering the site inaccessible to Mauritanian internet users for 60 days. The decision was justified by claims of disseminating «false information» about Algeria.
In January 2023, the Algerian embassy in Nouakchott had accused segments of the local press of being at the «service of an enemy state», a veiled reference to Morocco. «These sites are recruited through visas, leisure trips, advertising, corruption, and payments intended for mercenaries of the pen, who lack both credibility and influence over public opinion», the diplomatic mission stated.
Back in September 2021, the former Algerian ambassador had urged the HAPA to take action against certain Mauritanian media outlets deemed «hostile» to Algiers' positions, particularly regarding the Western Sahara issue.
