Mauritania: Senate abolished August 15 following referendum /update 1

Event

President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz abolished Mauritania's Senate on Tuesday, August 15, in accordance with the results of the country's August 5 constitutional referendum. The legislative body's role has been merged into that of elected regional councils, with ownership of Senate property being transferred to the state. Protests regarding the constitutional reform are likely and violent clashes are possible.

One senator was arrested on August 11 but no official reason for his arrest has been released.

Context

On August 5, approximately 85 percent of Mauritanian nationals reportedly voted "Yes" on a referendum held to amend the constitution. According to the electoral commission, the national participation rate was of 53.75 percent. Some of the lowest participation rates were recorded in the capital Nouakchott (36 percent), likely due to the opposition boycott of the vote. Opposition members have denounced the results and announced that they would not be accepted until it can be proven that no voting fraud was committed.

The campaign period ahead of the vote was tense, marked by numerous protests and related violence with security forces. The approved amendments to the country’s constitution, which has been in force since 1991, abolish the senate as well as three judicial bodies: the High Court of Justice, the High Islamic Council, and the Mediator of the Republic.

Advice

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