Aid agencies highlight plight of Mali refugees; seek more assistance for Mauritania

Relief Web has called on the international community to help recognize the growing demands on Mauritanian as it houses increasingly larger numbers of Mail refugees. The internal conflict affecting northern, central, and southern Mali has intensified, leading to the increased displacement of civilians into Mauritania. As of 30 September, more than 272,000 refugees and returnees had entered the country. The Hodh El Chargui region of Mauritania is currently hosting the largest number of Malian refugees, most of whom are arriving from the Timbuktu, Segou, and Koulikoro regions of Mali. Even before the arrival of refugees, the local population faced challenges in meeting minimum food requirements, accessing safe water and feeding their livestock. If not rapidly addressed, the situation could threaten the basic standards of living of some 189,000 people in host communities and could further exacerbate tensions between Malian and Mauritanian communities and authorities.