The effectiveness of local integration as a durable solution : the situation of Mauritanian refugees in Senegal

Abstract

A conflict that ensued between Senegal and Mauritanian in 1989, led many Mauritanians to seek refuge in Senegal. Though the exact number is not known, an estimated 20,000 Mauritanian refugees continue to live in northern Senegal 16 years after being expelled from their home country. The exact number could not be ascertained because the attempted registration exercise which started in December 1999 was unfortunately abandoned in 2000.