The African Development Bank's Board of Directors has approved a $500,000 emergency humanitarian grant to Mauritania to support Malian refugees and their host communities in the vulnerable Hodh El Chargui region.
The funding will support urgent water, sanitation, and hygiene needs for refugees, returnees, and host populations. Nearly 36,000 people--more than half of them women and children--living across 18 localities in the Moughataas of Adel-Bagrou, Timbédra, Djigueni, and Amourj are expected to benefit.
The United Nations Children's Fund will implement the project in partnership with Mauritanian authorities to ensure services meet international humanitarian standards. Planned interventions include the installation of 250 semi-durable latrine and shower blocks, the distribution of 1,500 hygiene kits, the establishment of 50 management committees, and the promotion of sound hygiene practices.
"This emergency assistance demonstrates our solidarity with Mauritania and our commitment to protecting the dignity of the most vulnerable populations," said Malinne Blomberg, the Bank Group's Deputy Director General for North Africa. "By partnering with UNICEF and national authorities, we are delivering a rapid and concrete response to the essential needs of refugees and host communities."
The programme has a strong gender focus, with infrastructure adapted to the specific needs of women and girls, and support for survivors of gender-based violence. It aligns with the Bank's 2022-2026 Strategy for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience in Africa.
Mauritania has hosted tens of thousands of Malian refugees since 2012, as insecurity forced people to flee across the border. Their arrival has placed severe demographic pressure on already fragile host areas, exacerbated by drought and food insecurity.
With this new support, the African Development Bank Group is reaffirming its commitment to assisting Mauritania in addressing humanitarian pressure while contributing to stability and sustainable development in the Sahel.
