09 Mar 2018 | 04:37 AM UTC
Mauritania: Police arrest seven protesting students in Nouakchott March 8 /update 1
Mauritanian police clash with protesting students and arrest seven in Nouakchott March 8; additional student protests possible in the coming weeks
Event
Mauritanian police forcibly dispersed a student protest in Nouakchott on the morning of Thursday, March 8 (local time). The police reportedly beat the student demonstrators with batons and arrested seven as they marched from the University of Nouakchott to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, protesting a recently passed law regarding university scholarships. Additional student demonstrations are possible in Nouakchott in the coming weeks.
Context
A new law regulating university scholarships was passed in mid-January, reducing the eligibility age from 25 to 22 and thus excluding nearly 60 percent of students.
Several related student protests have been held in Nouakchott in recent weeks, notably on January 23, January 25, February 1, and March 1.
Advice
Individuals present in Mauritania, particularly in Nouakchott, are advised to monitor the situation and to avoid all demonstrations 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.
