Mauritania: Opposition protests in Nouakchott Nov. 25

Event

Opposition parties have called for anti-government protests to be held on Saturday, November 25, in the capital Nouakchott to denounce what they claim is the authoritarian regime of President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. Further details regarding specific scheduled times and locations of the planned gatherings have not yet been made publicly available. An increased security presence and related traffic disruptions are likely, and associated violence is possible.

Context

On November 10-11, opposition parties reportedly held demonstrations to pressure Abdel Aziz to refrain from running for a third term in 2019, and the next day called for "popular uprising" against the government.

Mauritania's next presidential election is scheduled to take place in 2019. Abdel Aziz announced in October 2016 that he did not plan to run for a third term (which would be prohibited by the constitution). However, opposition groups claim constitutional amendments approved following a controversial referendum in August 2017 allow him and his party to consolidate power and leave open the possibility of him running for a third term or selecting a successor.

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.

On a more general note, individuals present in Mauritania should remain vigilant due to various security concerns. Due to the threat of kidnapping, it is critical that foreigners remain discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc.