NATO supports Mauritania in enhancing its crisis management system
Mauritania, like other countries in the Sahel region, is confronted with many security challenges, ranging from trafficking to terrorism. The crisis management centre implemented through the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme (SPS) can contribute to the fight against these threats. The system could also serve as a model for the neighbouring countries and regional organisations which have shown interest in this innovative centre.
The national centre will improve civil protection, operational watch, and early warning of the population against threats and risks, and enhance preparedness against crises affecting national security. It also supports emergency response by compiling and analysing information from various sources, using modern technology and simulations.
It is based on a system which provides modern communication equipment for crisis monitoring, alert and management. Operators, technicians and other personnel in charge of the system have been trained, at technical and operational levels, so as to be able to implement their responsibilities and follow their missions.
This comprehensive system has been referred to as an example for the entire Sahel region.
“It is with great satisfaction that I see this project achieved,” said Inspector Mohamed Lemine Haidara of the Mauritanian General Directorate for Civil protection. “This project was developed for the Mauritanian Civil Protection in cooperation with the NATO SPS Programme and my French counterparts. I want to pay tribute to all those who were deeply committed to make this project advance and succeed. Its recognition went beyond Mauritania's borders and it is considered as a model by the countries in the Sahel region,” he continued
General (Ret.) Denis Opplert of the French General Directorate for Civil protection and Crisis Management concluded, “For me, this project has represented an exceptional human and technological challenge. I was happy to see the progressive and complete takeover of the system by its users and managers. I want to thank them, as well as the French experts for their contribution”.
The four regional operational coordination centres across the country located in Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, Rosso and Néma have also been supplied with portable kits for mobile crisis coordination. The system facilitates situational awareness in the different provinces of Mauritania. The centres are receiving and processing emergency calls, track incidents, and share the information gathered at the national level and in other regions affected by a particular event.
The crisis management centre financed within the framework of the NATO SPS Programme also received substantial national contributions from France and Canada.