Dakar, 19 September 2026 – The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, today concluded a mission to Mauritania, conducted from 14 to 19 September 2026 as part of his good offices mandate and the United Nations’ efforts to promote peace, stability and dialogue in the subregion.
In Nouakchott, Mr. Simão held discussions with H.E. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad. He also met with the Coordinator of the National Dialogue, as well as representatives of the ruling majority and the opposition.
The Special Representative also exchanged views with members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Mauritania and held a meeting with the United Nations Country Team, with a view to strengthening coordination and fostering a common understanding of the country’s priorities and regional challenges.
With his interlocutors, Mr. Simão discussed political and security developments in Mauritania and the subregion, including the evolving situation in the Sahel and its implications for security, stability, and regional cooperation.
Mr. Simão commended Mauritania’s efforts to preserve its stability in a challenging regional environment and underscored the importance of dialogue, conflict prevention, and regional cooperation. He also reaffirmed the United Nations’ readiness to support, in full respect of national processes, efforts to strengthen social cohesion and dialogue.
During his mission, Mr. Simão visited the Hodh El Chargui region, including Néma, Bassiknou and the Mbera refugee camp where he met with local authorities, refugees, host communities, as well as humanitarian and development partners.
The visit provided the Special Representative with an opportunity to observe efforts to strengthen resilience, livelihoods, education, economic inclusion, and access to energy. He commended Mauritania for its hospitality towards Malian refugees and stressed the importance of supporting both refugee populations and the communities hosting them.
“Peace and stability cannot be built through security responses alone. They also require investment in the resilience of communities, development, inclusion, and social cohesion,” Mr. Simão said.
The Special Representative stressed that the situation in Hodh El Chargui underscores the importance of an integrated approach that brings together humanitarian action, development and peacebuilding, particularly in regions affected by the consequences of regional crises.
At the conclusion of his mission, the Special Representative reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to strengthening its partnership with Mauritania on peace, security, dialogue, development, and resilience, and to continuing efforts to promote regional cooperation and stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
