I. INTRODUCTION
The first ministerial meeting on the enhancement of security cooperation and the operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) in the Sahelo-Saharan region, held in Nouakchott, Mauritania, on 17 March 2013, outlined a series of measures to address the security challenges facing the region. In particular, it was agreed that the relevant Ministers would meet at least once every six months, while the Heads of Intelligence and Security Services (HISS) would meet once every two months. The Conclusions of the Nouakchott ministerial meeting are herewith attached as Annex.
At their 3rd meeting held in Niamey, Niger, on 19 February 2014, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the region proposed the holding of a Summit of the countries participating in the Nouakchott Process, to mobilize greater political support to the Process and enhance its ownership by the countries of the region. Following consultations between the relevant Mauritanian authorities and the Commission, it was agreed that the proposed Summit would take place on 18 December 2014, in Nouakchott, and that it would be preceded by a preparatory meeting at ministerial level, on 17 December 2014.
This report first presents a general overview of the situation in the region, before taking stock of the implementation of the Nouakchott Process and outlining the next steps towards its enhancement. The report concludes with observations on the way forward