How did Islam serve as a hoped-for unifying force after Mauritanian independence?

Following its independence in 1960, Mauritania faced the significant challenge of unifying a population characterized by diverse ethnic groups and hierarchical social structures. To address this, the state was declared an Islamic republic, a move that reflected a political aspiration to use the shared faith of the citizenry as a unifying force.12

Because almost all Mauritanians are Sunni Muslims, the government utilized this common religious identity as a centripetal force to help foster a national culture. This shared confession was intended to bridge local barriers to cooperation and help integrate the country's highly differentiated communities. While the nation remains deeply influenced by Sufi brotherhoods such as the Qādiriyyah and Tijāniyyah, the overarching religious identity continues to serve as a foundational element in the country's efforts to create a cohesive national identity.12