The Mauritanian General Delegation for Civil Security and Crisis Management has become a member of the International Mechanism for Cooperation in the Field of Natural Disaster Prevention and Emergency Management. This development came after participants at a conference held in Beijing, China, on November 6, 2026, approved Mauritania's request for membership. The conference was held under the Belt and Road Initiative, with representatives from 25 countries and 8 international organizations in attendance.
The Mauritanian delegation was led by Colonel Mohamed Ould Hanani, Director of Prevention and Control at the General Delegation, on behalf of the General Delegate, Brigadier General Abu El Maali Al-Hadi Sidy Ould Ammar. Membership in this mechanism will enable the Mauritanian agency to exchange basic data and risk maps, particularly those related to earthquakes, floods, and heatwaves. This will also facilitate the updating of monitoring technologies and the dissemination of early warnings to populations in isolated or high-risk areas.
The International Mechanism for Cooperation in the Field of Natural Disaster Prevention and Emergency Management has yielded impressive results, with over 1,800 professionals from developing countries benefiting from its training programs. The mechanism's efforts have been praised by participants, who acknowledge the crucial role of China in establishing cooperation frameworks and training programs to address cross-border disasters.
Mauritania is prone to recurring natural risks, including seasonal floods in the interior regions, grassland fires, and rising sea levels that threaten parts of Nouakchott's coastline. In recent months, the General Delegation has been working to enhance its vigilance and operational management capabilities with the support of international partners. This development comes on the heels of a fire that destroyed approximately 254 hectares of grassland west of the Rكيز.
The new membership is expected to provide Mauritania with opportunities to adopt strict safety standards for major infrastructure projects and benefit from technical training programs. The country's participation in the mechanism is seen as a strategic move to bolster its disaster risk reduction and management capacities. This cooperation is also expected to facilitate the sharing of best practices and expertise in disaster prevention and emergency response.
The conference in Beijing was attended by representatives from various countries and international organizations, who discussed ways to enhance cooperation and coordination in disaster risk reduction. The event provided a platform for participants to share experiences and expertise in addressing natural disasters. Mauritania's membership in the mechanism is expected to strengthen its partnerships with other countries and international organizations in the region.
The General Delegation for Civil Security and Crisis Management plays a critical role in coordinating disaster response efforts in Mauritania. With its new membership in the international mechanism, the agency is expected to enhance its capabilities in disaster prevention, early warning, and emergency response. This development is seen as a significant step towards strengthening Mauritania's resilience to natural disasters and promoting sustainable development.
Key points
- 25 countries and 8 international organizations participated in the Beijing conference.
- Over 1,800 professionals from developing countries have benefited from the mechanism's training programs.
- The mechanism's efforts have yielded impressive results in disaster risk reduction and management.
