More than 1,100 people fleeing mounting insecurity in Mali crossed into Mauritania this week, the United Nations refugee agency reported. UNHCR said the new arrivals face harsh conditions, placing growing pressure on limited services in Mauritania’s border regions.
The agency said 7,310 refugees have entered Mauritania over two months after armed blockades disrupted daily life in Bamako. Several blockades have been imposed by an armed group linked to Al-Qaeda, further restricting movement and access to basic supplies.
The group has carried out violence since 2012, deepening Mali’s prolonged instability alongside widespread criminal activity. Civilians are frequently caught between rival forces, facing attacks and reprisals amid accusations of cooperating with opposing sides.
UNHCR said refugee arrivals have steadily increased since late October as Mali’s security situation remains highly unstable. This week, 188 families crossed into Mauritania, bringing the total since October 24 to at least 1,161 families.
The agency warned the true number is likely higher due to widespread use of informal and unmonitored border crossings. Most of the displaced are women and children, with a growing number of elderly people among the arrivals. UNHCR said irregular crossings hinder registration and aid delivery, calling for additional resources to protect and assist refugees.