Mauritania: Protest at Mali embassy planned in Nouakchott March 28

Event

Protesters will gather in front of the Malian embassy in Nouakchott on Thursday, March 28, at 11:00 (local time) to protest recent violence in central Mali. Activists held a smaller rally on Tuesday, March 26, that was dispersed by police. A heightened security presence and associated disruptions, including traffic congestion, is possible near the embassy on Thursday. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces and arrests cannot be ruled out.

Context

More than 150 people were killed on Saturday, March 23, in an attack on a Fulani village in central Mali's Mopti region. Ethnic violence in the region has resulted in the deaths of more than 600 people and displaced thousands more since March 2018.

Advice

Individuals in Nouakchott are advised to avoid all political and public gatherings, anticipate heightened security presence and transportation disruptions near the protest, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.