As climate change and violent extremism collide, West Africa faces increasing risks that call for immediate response. With its strategic collaboration with UNICRI, Germany is taking the lead with a focus on Mauritania. This was highlighted at the “Climate Talks” in New York in June 2025. Ambassador Thomas Zahneisen emphasized how resource shortages, food hunger, and social instability are fueled by increasing temperatures—1.5 times the world average—that extremist organizations take advantage of throughout Africa. By implementing stability-building initiatives, the project seeks to lower recruiting risk, taking inspiration from East Africa. Germany backs UNICRI’s phased approach to provide locally driven, workable solutions. More than 60 stakeholders were consulted in Dakar and Nouakchott during phase one, which was finished in 2024. Phase two will target high-risk areas with customized treatments based on field data.
https://unicri.org/news-Nexus.Climate-Change-Violent-Extremism-Mauritania