Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani has expressed concern that the drought is adding to migration numbers, and contributing to tension and conflict over resources. Mauritania has produced 40% less food than the five-year average, while Mali has seen a decrease of 15% and Burkina Faso about 10%. But beyond agriculture, Mauritania also is heavily livestock-dependent, with the sector contributing 22% of the national gross domestic product. While Mauritania has seen less direct conflict than Mali and other Sahel nations, its pastoral communities have traditionally been able to cross the border into Mali with their flocks and herds. The number of Malian refugees fleeing into Mauritania adds to the crisis, the IFRC report said.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 07, 2022 20:18 UTC