The African Development Bank’s Board of Directors has approved a $500,000 emergency humanitarian grant to Mauritania to provide support for Malian refugees and their host communities in the vulnerable Hodh El Chargui region. The funding will focus on addressing urgent water, sanitation, and hygiene needs for refugees, returnees, and local populations. Nearly 36,000 people, more than half of them women and children, across 18 localities in the Moughataas of Adel-Bagrou, Timbédra, Djigueni, and Amourj are expected to benefit from this assistance.
The United Nations Children’s Fund will implement the initiative in partnership with Mauritanian authorities, ensuring services meet international humanitarian standards. Planned activities include installing 250 semi-durable latrine and shower blocks, distributing 1,500 hygiene kits, setting up 50 management committees, and promoting safe hygiene practices within communities.
Highlighting the significance of this effort, Malinne Blomberg, the Bank Group’s Deputy Director General for North Africa, said the assistance demonstrates solidarity with Mauritania and a strong commitment to protecting the dignity of vulnerable populations. By working closely with UNICEF and national institutions, the Bank aims to deliver rapid, concrete, and impactful humanitarian relief.
The programme integrates a strong gender-sensitive approach, with infrastructure tailored to the specific needs of women and girls, and includes support for survivors of gender-based violence. It aligns with the Bank’s 2022–2026 Strategy for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience in Africa, reflecting its broader development goals.
Mauritania has been hosting tens of thousands of Malian refugees since 2012, following insecurity that forced many to cross the border. This influx has placed heavy demographic pressure on already fragile communities, compounded by challenges such as drought and food insecurity.
Through this new emergency grant, the African Development Bank Group reaffirms its commitment to supporting Mauritania in managing humanitarian challenges while also contributing to stability and sustainable development across the wider Sahel region.
