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Mauritania Erupts in Violence as Protesters Reject President Ghazouani's Reelection

Violent clashes between security forces and protesters in Mauritania have resulted in three deaths and several injuries, following the reelection of President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani.

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Nitish Verma
New Update
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Clashes between security forces and protesters in Mauritania have left three people dead and an unspecified number of people injured, authorities reported on Tuesday. The protests broke out late Monday in parts of the northwestern African country after President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani was declared the winner of the presidential election. Ghazouani's main rival, Biram Dah Abeid, a renowned anti-slavery activist, rejected the outcome and claimed the result was falsified. 

Following the clashes, mobile internet access was blocked on Tuesday as authorities vowed to arrest those behind the violence. The Ministry of Interior stated that security forces in the southern city of Kaedi, an opposition stronghold with an overwhelming Black majority, confronted the demonstrators, leading to several arrests. The ministry did not identify the three people killed in the violence or elaborate on the circumstances of their deaths.

Why It Matters : The outcome of the presidential election in Mauritania has significant implications for the country's future, particularly in regards to the ongoing issue of slavery. Despite being outlawed in 1981, slavery continues to persist in Mauritania, with an estimated 149,000 people held in conditions of slavery. The reelection of President Ghazouani, who has been accused of corruption and mismanagement, may exacerbate the issue, leading to further unrest and instability in the region.

Demonstrations also broke out in the towns of Nouadhibou, Rosso Zoueirat, and Boghe, all strongholds of Abeid's supporters. The Ministry of Interior described the scenes in Kaedi as "violent acts of vandalism and sabotage of public and private property, scenes of looting and a general climate of fear". 

Key Takeaways :

  • Three killed, several injured in Mauritania clashes post-President Ghazouani's contested reelection.
  • Protests erupted over election result disputed by main rival Biram Dah Abeid.
  • Authorities blocked mobile internet, vowed arrests amid violence.
  • Mauritania, outlawing slavery in 1981, still faces significant slavery issues with 149,000 affected.
  • Election outcome crucial for addressing slavery and ensuring regional stability in Mauritania.