Mauritania continued to face a difficult humanitarian situation during 2025, with insecurity in the Sahel region (especially in neighbouring Mali), climate shocks, and economic pressures making living conditions difficult for many communities. The eastern Hodh Chargui region was particularly affected because of its proximity to Mali and the arrival of large numbers of Malian refugees. By June 2025, Mauritania was hosting over 300,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with nearly 293,000 living in Hodh Chargui.

The situation worsened at the end of October 2025 as new waves of people arrived in Bassiknou – mostly women and children.

Many families arrived after several days of travel with little food, water, or shelter, putting additional pressure on already vulnerable communities.

Food and nutrition conditions also deteriorated. Humanitarian analysis estimated that more than 35,000 people in Bassiknou could face serious food shortages, while a nutrition survey revealed worrying levels of acute child malnutrition, indicating a nutrition emergency in the area.

In response, Action Against Hunger continued to support vulnerable communities through programmes combining emergency assistance with longer-term development work. In Hodh Chargui, activities focused on FSL, nutrition, health services, WASH, protection, and support to livestock and agriculture. These actions aimed to strengthen essential services and support peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities.

In other regions such as Guidimakha and Gorgol, Action Against Hunger supported community health, nutrition services, farming and livestock activities, and women’s economic empowerment through training, equipment, and support to cooperatives.

In Nouakchott and other areas, we helped women and young people develop income-generating activities and improve their access to economic opportunities.