08 Jul 2019 | 03:27 AM UTC
Mauritania: Inauguration planned for August 1 /update 5
President-elect Mohamed Ould Ghazouani will take office on August 1 to begin a five-year term; heightened security and related disruptions likely, protests possible
Event
Mauritania will hold an inauguration ceremony on Thursday, August 1, to swear-in President-elect Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. High-level foreign delegations and domestic political leaders are expected to attend the ceremony in Nouakchott. Related disruptions are likely, including a heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions. Protests in the coming weeks and on August 1 are also possible; in the event of demonstrations, clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out. Telecommunication disruptions are also possible.
Context
Opposition groups have denounced the results on the June 22 election, in which the ruling party gained 52 percent of the vote, and alleged electoral fraud. The Constitutional Court upheld the election in a ruling on July 1. Several election-related protests have been held since June 22.
An internet blackout was imposed for 10 days beginning June 25 in response to protests.
Advice
Individuals in Mauritania, particularly in Nouakchott, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate telecommunication disruptions and a heightened security presence, maintain redundant modes of communication, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.
