Mauritania: Protesters gather at French Embassy in Nouakchott October 26

Event

Protesters have gathered outside the French Embassy on Rue Ahmed ould Mohamed in Nouakchott on Monday, October 26, to denounce comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron in relation to the recent killing of the teacher Samuel Paty in France in a suspected Islamist attack. There have been no immediate reports of clashes.

A heightened security presence is to be expected in the vicinity of any demonstration. Localized travel disruptions should also be anticipated.

Context

Paty was beheaded in France for allegedly showing cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during his class. French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron has called the teacher a quiet hero, and his comments prompted the demonstration. Seven people have been charged over the death of the teacher. Similar protests have been reported in several other countries.

Advice

Those in Nouakchott are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.