Mauritania cancels Chinese patrol boats deal amid U.S. sanctions pressure

The Mauritanian Government cancelled a contract with a subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned conglomerate Poly Group for the sale of patrol boats, following mounting pressure from the United States, according to a report by Africa Intelligence.

The subsidiary, Poly Technologies, has been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for its alleged support of Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. As a result of the sanctions, Washington intervened to block a €40 million payment from the Mauritanian Government to the Chinese firm, frustrating both officials in Nouakchott and the Chinese company.

Mauritanian authorities have reportedly made unsuccessful attempts to have the U.S. sanctions lifted, a fact which has prevented Mauritania from acquiring vital equipment for the development of the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) offshore gas field.