A version of this article originally appeared on UNOWAS.
To eradicate drug trafficking and its use in the border region between Mauritania and Senegal, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Regional Office for West and Central Africa (UNODC ROSEN), in coordination with national authorities, has launched innovative initiatives aiming at empowering the most vulnerable, particularly young people, and strengthening cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
In the border regions of Mauritania and Senegal, drug trafficking and consumption continue to pose serious threats to security and social stability. These challenges demand more than just law enforcement responses, they require innovative, community-driven solutions that empower those most affected, particularly young people. Rather than being seen as part of the problem, youth are proving to be a key part of the solution, taking active roles in raising awareness and strengthening community resilience.
To reinforce cross-border cooperation and address these issues, the Regional Office for West and Central Africa of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC ROSEN) has implemented targeted initiatives bringing together local actors, security forces, and civil society organizations. The realities on the ground highlight significant obstacles. Drug networks exploit porous borders, making it difficult for authorities to control illicit flows. Security forces on both sides have historically operated with limited coordination, and community’s trust in law enforcement remains fragile. At the same time, the absence of specialized addiction treatment centers in Mauritania leaves those struggling with substance abuse without access to the support they need.
One of the most impactful initiatives launched by UNODC has been the mobilization of young leaders to take ownership of drug prevention efforts. A training session in Rosso brought together youth representatives from civil society organizations across the region, equipping them with the tools to lead awareness campaigns within their own communities. Their efforts are already making a difference, shifting perceptions and promoting preventive measures at the grassroots level.
Another breakthrough has been the facilitation of direct exchanges between security forces from both countries. Previously unfamiliar with one another, officers are now actively sharing intelligence and coordinating responses, marking a significant step toward more effective cross-border governance.
As Dr. Amado Philip de Andrés, Regional Representative of UNODC ROSEN, stated, “securing stakeholders’ engagement and gathering valuable insights through collaboration with local counterparts — including law enforcement, community leaders, and local populations — is key. These initiatives represent a promising journey towards cross-border cooperation, fostering mutual understanding, inclusion, and enhanced collaboration between Mauritania and Senegal, with borders becoming bridges to peace and prosperity for all”.
Despite these advances, long-term solutions require sustained investment. The establishment of an addiction treatment center in Mauritania remains a priority, as well as continued support for youth-led initiatives that reinforce prevention efforts. By strengthening institutional collaboration, fostering trust between communities and authorities, and empowering young people as agents of change, these UNODC-led initiatives are laying the groundwork for a safer and more resilient future along the Mauritania-Senegal border.
For more information on the work of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel visit the UNOWAS website.
