Post by : Badri Ariffin

As twilight descends over the arid Mauritanian landscape, a dedicated group of men stands resolute. With precise movements, they rhythmically strike the dry earth with slender branches, their actions echoing across the lifeless terrain. There's no blaze to combat today, yet this team of volunteers continues their rigorous training, acutely aware that bushfires can ignite unexpectedly.

These brave individuals are refugees from Mali, who, alongside support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), join Mauritanians in safeguarding the environment they collectively rely upon. Their objective, though fraught with risk, is straightforward—prevent fires from ravaging homes, livestock, and vital crops.

Fierce Flames in a Stark Landscape

Located in West Africa, Mauritania is predominantly covered by the Sahara Desert, resulting in a parched environment with limited vegetation. Bushfires can ignite in mere moments and can rage for days, decimating the scarce foliage essential for both human and animal sustenance.

Currently, over 250,000 Malian refugees have made Mauritania their home, coexisting alongside local herders. With both groups relying heavily on restricted grazing areas, a single bushfire can obliterate food sources for countless livestock, leading to scarcity and rising tensions.

A Legacy of Courage

One of the younger volunteers, Hantam Ag Ahmedou, found refuge in Mauritania at the age of 11, having fled from conflict in Mali. Settling in the Mbera camp, close to the border, he witnessed the rapid spread of bushfires and felt the helplessness of the populace.

Motivated by a desire to repay the kindness of the Mauritanians, his father initiated a volunteer firefighting unit comprised of refugees. While Mauritanians had experience combating fires, the Malians introduced a novel technique—extinguishing flames with branches instead of water.

Ag Ahmedou highlights the unpredictability of water accessibility, emphasizing that fires frequently erupt far from any water source. Instead, they utilize branches, particularly from acacia trees, to quell the flames.

An Expanding Brigade

Since 2018, their group has received formal backing from the UNHCR. European Union funding has bolstered their training, provided essential gear, and facilitated the construction of firebreaks—cleared strips of land designed to hinder fire spread.

Today, this brigade consists of over 360 refugees, collaborating with local officials and firefighters. When a fire threatens, teams hurriedly climb into trucks, with a 20-member crew directly confronting the blaze while others stand by to relieve weary personnel.

Beginning at just 13, Ag Ahmedou supported the effort by transporting supplies. At 18, he battled his inaugural fire, now having faced numerous confrontations. He's aware of the dangers yet firmly believes the mission is essential.

He warns that failure could mean the flames engulf the refugee camp or nearby villages, resulting in the loss of livestock, lives, and the local economy.

Climate Strain Intensifies Fires

Climate change is exacerbating heat extremes, drought, and desertification in Mauritania. The diminishing rainfall and increasing aridity allow fires to spread more rapidly and endure longer.

UNHCR representatives caution that even native Mauritanian herders face challenges in feeding their livestock. As resources dwindle, competition for grazing and water intensifies, occasionally leading to conflict.

More than 150,000 refugees reside in the Mbera camp, with an equal number scattered throughout adjacent villages. In some contexts, refugees outnumber locals by a ratio of ten to one. Cooperative efforts are pivotal in mitigating clashes.

Restoration through Reforestation

The refugee firefighting team is not solely focused on extinguishing blazes; they are also contributing to environmental recovery. Volunteers like Abderrahmane Maiga engage in reforestation, planting hardy acacia trees and increasingly, lemon and mango saplings.

By nurturing trees, they provide shade, bolster soil fertility, and combat desertification. Maiga emphasizes the importance of this work, inspired by the community's support in their survival, leading them to give back.

He recalls a harrowing fire in 2014 when dedicated individuals battled for nearly two days. Many succumbed to exhaustion, yet their efforts preserved homes and livestock.

Staying Despite Challenges

Amid ongoing violence in Mali, returning home isn’t a viable option for many refugees. They've established new lives amid Mauritania’s desert, despite the hardships. Ag Ahmedou remarks that he was born into a world of sand and scarcity; escape isn't feasible. They must defend the land that has become their safe haven.

He harbors no aspirations of fleeing to Europe, believing that survival necessitates resilience, unity, and optimism.

“We must persist,” he claims. “We must protect our homeland and support the people who have reached out to us.”

The refugee firefighters from Mauritania represent unwavering bravery and community spirit. They risk their lives to combat fires, safeguard livestock, and alleviate conflict. With the backing of the UN and the European Union, they train, equip themselves, and restore the land they cherish.

Their endeavor illustrates how refugees can evolve from victims of strife to stewards of their newfound homeland. In an era dominated by climate challenges and resource scarcity, their role is essential.

They combat not just for the preservation of flora but for harmony, dignity, and a sustainable future in one of the most challenging environments on earth.

#Global News