In this section
In this sectionThe situation in Mauritania
The ongoing crisis in Mali continues to displace people into Mauritania, particularly into the south-eastern region of Hodh El Chargui, where Mbera refugee camp is located. As the camp has reached full capacity, new arrivals are settling in neighbouring villages. This requires UNHCR and other organisations to adapt their response to address needs both inside and outside the camp.
This influx of people has placed additional pressure on services and natural resources in a region where many households already experience multi-dimensional poverty. Increased and reliable energy access is essential for supporting communities that are already vulnerable to climate-related shocks, and energy access for operational purposes is a critical enabler of service delivery and an improved quality of life for displaced people in Mbera camp. However, limited investment to date has made sustainable energy access challenging, and greater support from humanitarian actors is needed to meet growing demand.
Sustainable energy for humanitarian operations
“Increasing access to sustainable energy will play a major role in the successful operation of organisations, schools, health centres, and community facilities, as well as improving the daily lives of refugees in Mbera camp.” -38-year-old man from Mali living in Mbera Camp, Hodh El Chargui
Reliable energy infrastructure underpins the essential services that enable a safe and functional camp. It supports both community facilities and operational uses, for example, by powering solar pumping systems for boreholes that supply water to communities. Reliable power also enables the work of health facilities, including those run by WHO, through the use of medical equipment and the refrigeration of medicines. Public lighting can support the work of protection organisations and reduce safety risks in the camp, particularly for women and children at night.
To expand sustainable energy access for humanitarian operations in the camp, more investment is needed in projects that can reduce operational costs and strengthen service delivery for humanitarian actors (such as TAAZOUR, UNHCR, WFP, and local NGOs). Renewable energy systems can power offices, improve digital data management, facilitate the deployment of ICT tools, enable internet connectivity, and support coordinated management of services such as health, food distribution, and security. This can improve communication and collaboration between organisations, government actors, and refugee-led associations.
Energy access for livelihoods
“Access to energy is a driver of development, resilience, and dignity for refugees. It strengthens the capacity of humanitarian actors to provide basic services and supports rights to health, education, protection, and economic development.” -38-year-old man from Mali living in Mbera Camp, Hodh El Chargui
Energy projects can also create green jobs linked to the installation, operation and maintenance of equipment, while supporting entrepreneurship and income-generation. These projects can also support small businesses such as hair salons, welding workshops and shops with refrigeration, as well as enabling access to information by charging mobile phones, radios and televisions. They can also improve access to energy, which can enhance domestic and daily life, from safer home lighting, particularly for women and children at night, to cleaner cooking and food preservation using refrigerators or electric stovetops.
This contributes to resilience and self-reliance for displaced people and host communities and can complement other activities undertaken by UNHCR and other organisations in the camp. Expanding solar energy projects, therefore, represents a sustainable solution, appropriate with local conditions, that can benefit displaced people in Mbera Camp.
The article is written by Arby Kane, Associate Researcher at UNITAR/GPA.
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Last updated: 13/01/2026