As Mauritania is experiencing first-hand the consequences of the aggravation of the situation in Central Sahel, with an increase in the number of refugees and returnees crossing the border from Mali since the end of 2023, the Commission will provide €4 million in initial humanitarian aid for 2025. This brings total EU humanitarian assistance in Mauritania to €159 million since 2007.
The new funding will support the urgent needs of Malian refugees, Mauritanian returnees and the most vulnerable host populations.
Assistance includes:
- food aid,
- water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions,
- provision of shelter,
- refugee registration, protection assistance and adapted psychosocial support.
Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib said: “For years, Mauritania’s government and host communities have shown remarkable solidarity in welcoming refugees. Yet ongoing insecurity in Mali continues to force families to flee, straining resources and complicating coexistence. We remain committed to supporting the most vulnerable—refugees, Mauritanian returnees, and local communities—working with development partners to strengthen resilience.”
Background
The EU has been providing humanitarian assistance in Mauritania since 2007, initially focusing on malnutrition interventions. Following the rapid influx of refugees from Mali in 2012, the EU significantly expanded its response, addressing growing humanitarian needs. In 2024, EU Humanitarian Aid allocated €7.2 million to continue supporting vulnerable Malian refugees and provide assistance during the lean season.
Mauritania is home to the largest refugee camp for Malians who have fled their country since 2012 due to violence and instability. With no end to the conflict in sight, the refugee influx continues, and people’s prospects for return remain limited. A significant portion of the Malian refugee population—approximately 242,000 individuals—has been living in Mauritania for over a decade.
In 2024, over 955,000 people in Mauritania were in need of humanitarian assistance due to population displacements, extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, and ongoing food and nutrition crises. Nearly 375,000 people are projected to face acute food insecurity during the June to August 2025 lean season, when food stocks are at their lowest.
EU humanitarian aid supports refugee registration, protection services, emergency cash assistance, and access to safe water and sanitation. Part of this funding also supports the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), which provides a vital lifeline. Thanks to UNHAS, humanitarian workers and supplies can reach those in need within 2.5 hours, rather than the 3 days required by road.