Mauritania, along with the other countries in the Sahel region, was seriously affected by reduced agro-pastoral production in 2011. The consequences of the Sahel crisis are still evident as many remain food insecure in Mauritania. Coupled with this has been the mass movement of refugees from Mali as a result of armed clashes. In consultation with UNHCR, the Mauritanian Government established a refugee camp approximately 50 kilometres from the border in M’Bera, near Bassikounou.
Given the vast distances between areas of operation and that road travel is not safe, the humanitarian community requested the activation of WFP/UNHAS air services in April 2012. WFP/UNHAS services over 40 humanitarian organisations, ensuring rapid and secure access to beneficiaries in remote and insecure locations in the country. WFP/UNHAS Mauritania operates one B1900 and one Let 410.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Amara Fofana, Chief Air Transport Officer, WFP/UNHAS Mauritania
Tel: +222 20 89 88 56