A group identifying as Mauritanian Amazigh citizens has issued a public appeal to the President of the Republic, calling for the official recognition of the Amazigh language, specifically the Sanhaja variety (referred to as “Kalam Aznaga”).
In their statement, they describe the language as an authentic Mauritanian linguistic heritage and a branch of the broader Amazigh language family, which they note is officially recognized in several countries across North Africa, while still lacking formal recognition in Mauritania and Tunisia.
The appeal frames the request as a matter of cultural rights and national inclusivity, emphasizing that acknowledging linguistic diversity would reinforce national unity and strengthen principles of equality among all components of Mauritanian society.
The group concludes by reaffirming its attachment to national unity and expressing hope that authorities will give due consideration to preserving and recognizing what they describe as an important part of the country’s cultural heritage.
As of today, only two North African countries—Morocco and Algeria—have officially recognized Amazigh at the constitutional level, while Tunisia, Mauritania, and Libya have yet to grant the language the same official status. This uneven regional recognition highlights an ongoing gap between the historical and cultural presence of Amazigh across North Africa and its formal acknowledgment in national language policies, amid continuing calls from Amazigh communities for broader recognition.