Mauritania: Constitutional referendum August 5

Event

Mauritania's constitutional referendum is set to be held on Saturday, August 5; campaigning has been ongoing since July 21. The proposed constitutional amendments have been heavily criticized by the Coordination for the Democratic Opposition, a coalition of political parties, trade unions, and civil society organizations and significant protests have taken place in the past month. Former President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi has claimed the vote would be a "constitutional coup." Further demonstrations, which have the potential to turn violent, are expected in the run up to and during the referendum. Police may use force to disperse such protests.

Context

The proposed amendments to the country's constitution, which has been in force since 1991, would abolish the Senate, likely replacing it with regional councils, as well as three judicial bodies: the High Court of Justice, the High Islamic Council, and the Mediator of the Republic. It would also change the design of the national flag and the national anthem to recognize the violence endured during the country's struggle for independence from France. The National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, approved the proposed amendments while the Senate, the upper house that would be abolished if approved, rejected them in March.

Advice

Individuals present in Mauritania, particularly in Nouakchott, are advised to monitor the situation and to avoid all political events and public gatherings as violence may flare up without warning.