Mauritania: Thousands protest land grabbing in Brakna region August 22

Event

Thousands of residents in the Brakna region have been protesting for several days as of Saturday, August 22, against alleged land grabbing. Reportedly, participants in the demonstrations have come largely from Dar el Barka and Regbé 1 and 2 in Brakna, with some 9200 people taking part in the action. Residents claim that the land they live and work on is being sold to foreign companies and investors. Reports indicate that the Brakna government met the representatives of the residents of Dar el Barka and those of Régbé on August 22 in order to begin discussing a path forward. The demonstrations have so far remained peaceful.

Localized disruptions are to be anticipated in areas of Brakna in the coming days, and a heightened security presence is possible.

Context

Since 2015, an investor, who is working with two Mauritanian businessmen, has held a land permit for the development of an area of 3200 hectares (7907 acres) of agricultural land in Brakna; however, the project is being blocked due to the actions of the local populations.

Advice

Those in Brakna are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.