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07 December 2017

Richard Danziger, IOM Regional Director for West and Central Africa Visits Mauritania

Khadijetou Mbarek Fall (left), Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Responsible for Maghreb, Africa and Mauritanians Abroad, in discussion with Richard Danziger (centre), IOM Regional Director for West and Central Africa and Anke Strauss (right), Chief of Mission IOM Mauritania. Photo: S.Desjardins / UN Migration Agency 2017

Mauritania - In 2007, IOM's mission in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania - which falls under the Dakar regional office, covering 23 countries in West and Central Africa - was established. Ten years later, IOM Mauritania which is located in three cities: Nouakchott, Bassikounou and Sélibabi has more than 50 staff. This rapid growth of the mission demonstrates the importance of migration in Mauritania as a country of origin, transit and destination.

During his recent official visit, Richard Danziger, IOM Regional Director for West and Central Africa, met with the Prime Minister, the Minister of the Interior (MIDEC), the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MAEC), the Minister of Employment, the Minister of Youth and Sports, the UN Country Team, and the G5 Sahel.

During his visit, Mr. Danziger reiterated his ''willingness to continue a fruitful collaboration in order to develop projects that reflect the needs and priorities of the beneficiaries with the involvement of the actors of migration in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, such as researchers, civil society actors, United Nations, Ministries and others.''

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania is a vast territory with more than 5,000 km of borders and with a long-standing tradition of migration and hospitality. Due to its geographical position, the country has become an important transit site for migratory movements, including for irregular migrants journeying to Europe.

Government authorities have expressed their request to IOM for support with migration management. In response, IOM developed a comprehensive approach designed to reinforce the capacities of the concerned government institutions in order to strengthen the border management capacities of the Mauritanian government.

IOM has also developed projects seeking to enhance security in the Sahel region by reinforcing the development of joint border management capabilities in Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.

For more information please contact: DUCROS Momme Ould Helly – mducros@iom.int - Tel: +222 45.24.40.81