Humanitarian service points established by the Mauritanian Red Crescent are providing critical support to thousands of Malian refugees fleeing conflict and insecurity as they arrive in eastern Mauritania.
Located near the Mali border in the Hodh El Chargui region, these centres offer a first place of safety for families making difficult journeys under extreme conditions. Supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the humanitarian service points provide emergency assistance, healthcare support, and essential supplies to people in urgent need.
For many refugees, the journey to Mauritania involves days of travel through harsh environments, with high temperatures and limited access to food, water, and medical care. The humanitarian service point in Dweinkara has become a vital stop where newly arrived families can rest, receive assistance, and prepare for the next stage of their relocation.
The ongoing refugee crisis is linked to years of insecurity and conflict in Mali. Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes as violence, food shortages, and deteriorating living conditions continue to affect communities across several regions of the country.
Mauritania has received large numbers of Malian refugees over recent years, with many settling in the Hodh El Chargui region. The growing refugee population has increased pressure on local resources, including access to water, healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities for both refugees and host communities.
To respond to these challenges, the Mauritanian Red Crescent, with IFRC support, operates humanitarian service points in Dweinkara and Adel Bagrou. These facilities provide immediate assistance, including first aid, health consultations, referrals to medical services, hot meals, clean water, and essential household items.
Since opening in October 2025, the Dweinkara centre has supported more than 2,000 refugees arriving from Mali. Volunteers and humanitarian workers help families address their immediate needs while providing information and guidance about available support services.
Beyond emergency relief, the centres offer refugees a place to recover physically and emotionally after difficult journeys. The support provided helps restore dignity and gives families a sense of safety as they decide whether to move to refugee camps, settle in host communities, or reunite with relatives.
The IFRC has been supporting the Mauritanian Red Crescent’s humanitarian response since 2024 and has called for continued international support as refugee needs increase. A dedicated emergency appeal is helping expand assistance in areas such as healthcare, water access, financial support, and essential relief distribution.
The humanitarian service points in eastern Mauritania demonstrate the importance of rapid, community-based assistance during displacement crises. For refugees arriving after dangerous journeys, access to basic necessities and a safe place to recover can be the first step towards rebuilding their lives.
