Mauritania: Opposition marches in Nouakchott July 15, elsewhere July 18

Event

The National Forum for Democracy and Unity (FNDU) opposition group has announced that it plans to hold marches in the national capital Nouakchott on Saturday, July 15, and in regional capital cities on Tuesday, July 18, in opposition to a constitutional referendum scheduled to occur on August 5. Government security personnel have used force to disperse similar gatherings recently, making clashes likely. Increased security measures and localized transportation delays are expected in Nouakchott and elsewhere on the mentioned dates.

A coalition of opposition parties that oppose the proposed amendments announced on Monday, July 10, that they had decided to boycott the upcoming referendum instead of participating as part of a “No” campaign. It is unclear whether or not FNDU joined the boycotting coalition.

Context

On March 11, the FNDU, along with other opposition parties, carried out a demonstration against the amendment in Nouakchott, with thousands of protesters participating in the event. FNDU has been the most vocal group among the coalition that opposes the proposed amendments, which it claims would strengthen the ruling government while weakening oversight. 

On April 20, the government announced that a constitutional referendum would take place on July 15 before later rescheduling it for August 5. The proposed amendment to the country’s constitution, which has been in force since 1991, would abolish the Senate, likely replacing it with regional councils, as well as three judicial bodies: the High Court of Justice, the High Islamic Council, and the Mediator of the Republic. It would also change the design of the national flag and the national anthem to recognize the violence endured during the country’s struggle for independence from France. The National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, approved the proposed amendments while the Senate, the upper house that would be abolished if approved, rejected them in March.

Mauritania’s next presidential election is scheduled to occur in 2019. President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz announced in October 2016 he does not plan to run for a third term, which would be prohibited by the constitution, but opposition groups claim the amendments would allow him and his party to consolidate power ahead of the election and leave open the possibility of him running for a third term or selecting a preferred successor.

Advice

Individuals present in Mauritania, particularly in Nouakchott, are advised to monitor the situation and to avoid all political events and public gatherings as violence may flare up without warning.

On a more general note, individuals present in Mauritania should remain vigilant due to various security concerns. Due to the threat of kidnapping, it is critical that foreigners remain discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc.