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.

With the threat of terrorism expanding at an alarming rate across the world, cross-border crime and weapons and drug trafficking are the focal point for this campaign. According to its organizers, the peace and safety of the villagers rely on the success of their efforts. It is for this reason that they have stepped up their call for more involvement in this fight. These individuals alert civilian and military authorities of any suspicious person or group that might threaten security.

This region, on the banks of the Senegal River, supports fishing as well as pastoral activities shared by both communities. It is probable that the infiltration of Islamist militants would exacerbate the socioeconomic situation of the already fragile Mauritanian and Senegalese societies.