Bamako – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Mali and Mauritania organized on 24 May 2022 in Bamako the third meeting of the Cross-border Project Technical Committee between the Republic of Mali and Islamic Republic of Mauritania. Tensions and conflicts between pastoral and agricultural populations along the transhumance corridors stem from increased pressure on natural resources due to environmental degradation and limitations of traditional and modern conflict management and resolution mechanisms.

The project “Gestion des conflits et renforcement de la résilience agropastorale à la frontière mauritano-malienne” (Conflict management and strengthening of agro-pastoral resilience on the Mauritanian-Malian border), implemented by IOM and FAO with funding from the Peacebuilding Fund, was set up to address these issues. The 24-month project aims to respond to the increase in conflicts between pastoral, agro-pastoral and agricultural populations in their access to natural resources in the border regions between Mali and Mauritania. To monitor the project implementation, provision has been made for a strategic management and policy guidance mechanism, including a Technical Committee in charge of the strategic orientation, monitoring and quality control of the project activities. The Bamako meeting falls within this framework. It follows the second session held in Nouakchott on 13 September 2021.

This third meeting of the Technical Committee was co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali, represented by Ambassador Dr Madou DIALLO. His counterpart from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Promotion of Productive Sectors of Mauritania was also present. The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Mali and his counterpart from Mauritania also took part in the meeting. During the meeting, the participants reviewed the catch-up plan for the timely implementation of the project and also exchanged with the direct beneficiaries of the project.

After a few months of implementation, the project has achieved significant results. “Ninety percent of conflicts have been resolved in the area, thanks to the creation and operationalisation of 12 village committees and 80 DIMITRA clubs, in their early warning role. A number of community priority needs (water points) have been identified for subsequent funding by the project following the development of 8 Participatory Community Plans,” said the UN System Resident Coordinator in Mali during the opening ceremony. He also praised the multi-actor partnership model between several stakeholders, including IOM, FAO, PBF and the Governments of Mali and Mauritania, which has been achieved through this project for the benefit of the populations.

With a budget of three (3) million USD, the project is implemented by IOM and FAO in partnership with the Governments of both countries in the areas of Guidimakha, Hodh el Garbi, Hodh Ech Chargui, and Assaba in Mauritania, as well as in the Cercles of Kayes, Yelimané, Nioro, and Nara in Mali.

Contacts for media:

Bob Camille QUENUM, Public Information Officer, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission in Mali, bquenum@iom.int; Mobile: +223 90 50 00 06

Mohamed CISSÉ, Communication Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representation in Mali, Mobile: +223 74 57 56 70 Mohamed.Cisse@fao.org;

Aitana CONSTANS BELDA, Communications Officer, United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) in Mali, aitana.constans@undp.org; Mobile: +223 93 58 24 26