Mauritania: Violent protest in Nouakchott October 8

Event

Police forces violently dispersed a demonstration in front of the National Assembly in Nouakchott, organized by by supporters of the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement (IRA),  on Monday, October 8. Protesters were demanding the release of their leader (and opposition member), Biram Dah Abeid, who was arrested on August 7 over alleged hate speech. Further such protests are likely in the coming days; related violence cannot be ruled out.

Context

A related protest was similarly dispersed on October 1. Demonstrations to denounce slavery practices still in effect in the country, and violent reprisals by government security forces against anti-slavery activists, are frequent in Mauritania.

Advice

Individuals present in Mauritania are advised to monitor local media for updates and to avoid all political events and public gatherings, as violence may flare up without warning.