Page "Politics of Mauritania" Paragraph 1

Personalities have long exercised an important influence in the politics of Mauritania-the effective exercise of political power in the country depends on control over resources ; perceived ability or integrity ; and tribal, ethnic, family, and personal considerations.

Conflict between white Moor, black Moor, and non-Moor ethnic groups, centering on language, land tenure, and other issues, continues to pose challenges to the idea of national unity.