Mauritania and the European Union have signed a €100 million ($103.6 million) agreement to promote development and address irregular migration.
The deal was formalized in Nouakchott, Mauritania’s capital, by the country’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Sidi Ahmed Ould Abouh, and the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Sikela.
Ould Abouh outlined the allocation of funds, emphasizing their focus on fostering social cohesion, enhancing stability, driving economic growth, and improving health care.
The agreement also targets the root causes of migration and seeks to bolster institutions tasked with combating irregular migration while safeguarding the rights of migrants and refugees.
“This direct budget support reflects the confidence the international community has in our national mechanisms,” Ould Abouh remarked.
Sikela highlighted the inclusion of green hydrogen development as a key element of the funding. This initiative is expected to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and attract European investment to Mauritania.
“This funding demonstrates the EU’s swift commitment to fulfilling its promises to Mauritania,” Sikela added.
The agreement underscores the EU’s growing interest in Mauritania, particularly as tensions with other Sahel nations escalate. Mauritania has become a critical transit point for African migrants, with the city of Nouadhibou emerging as a hub for those attempting to reach Europe.
The country has previously partnered with European nations, including Spain, to curb irregular migration, strengthening its role as a strategic ally in migration management.
