Nouakchott, Mauritania – Tadateru Konoé, the president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has undertaken his first mission to Mauritania where he witnessed first-hand the work the Mauritanian Red Crescent is doing to combat food insecurity in the region. The National Society has developed a range of solutions which are having a significant impact on vulnerable communities, including those living in remote areas of the country.
Mr Konoé said the organization’s efforts to work with both government and local communities was paying dividends. “After the terrible food crisis that affected over 1 million people last year, the twin-track approach which combines emergency food aid and long-term projects is paying off,” he said. “I’ve been amazed to see – in the midst of a desert – flourishing community gardens that enable women to access clean water and generate an income that will improve their ability to cope with any upcoming crisis.”
The President was visiting the region of Brakna, which has the highest malnutrition rates in the country. He saw a number of projects managed by the Mauritanian Red Crescent which are improving lives in communities. He heard that many women working on communities garden were earning between 242-1,400 US dollars per year, up from 35 US dollars a few years ago. The money is used to invest in improving the gardens, rehabilitating solar powered water points and funding childrens’ schooling.
During his mission, Mr Konoé was received by the Minister of Social Affairs and Family, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Interior and Decentralization. He also had a meeting with Prime Minister Moulaye Ould Mohamed Laghdaf. Mr Konoé said the National Society had a vital role to play in the ongoing development of Mauritania. “With a network of 3,500 trained volunteers, expertise and strong leadership, the Red Crescent gas the potential for a growing partnership with the government, especially in remote areas,” he said. “The IFRC is determined – with its partners from other Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies – to increase its presence and support for community resilience programmes.”
Mr Konoé also stressed the important role Red Crescent volunteers can play in supporting refugees from Mali who may not be able to return home for several months. He said more than 120 volunteers were already working with refugees and host communities. “I realize that taking care of more than 70,000 refugees represents a heavy burden for the country which has opened its borders and welcomed these refugees,” he said. “I am convinced that even stronger collaboration between the National Society and public authorities could foster greater hope for these vulnerable people.”
For more information or interviews contact:
In Mauritania:
Katherine Mueller, Communication Manager, IFRC Africa
Mobile: +251 930 033 413, +222 416 543 82
Email: katherine.mueller@ifrc.org
Moustapha Diallo, Senior Communication Officer West Africa, IFRC
Mobile: +221 774 501 004, 416 847 06
Email: moustapha.diallo@ifrc.org