Marrakech – Morocco’s southern neighbor Mauritania has been on edge since the official announcement of the presidential election results, which granted President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani a second term with 56.12% of the vote.
The aftermath of the election has been marred by protests, arrests, and a concerning development – the death of three individuals in custody.
According to the Mauritanian Ministry of Interior, the city of Kaédi in the Senegal River Valley, witnessed acts of looting and vandalism on the night of July 1-2.
Security forces confronted the “rioters” and made several arrests. Tragically, two of those arrested died in detention, while a third passed away later in the hospital.
The ministry provided no further details on the circumstances surrounding these deaths, only stating that the “rioters” were placed in detention based on the circumstances at the time, late at night and with a high number of protesters.
Opposition candidate Biram Dah Abeid, who reportedly came in second in the election, has been vocal in his condemnation of the electoral process.
He accuses the electoral commission of being in the pocket of the ruling power and has called the election a “masquerade.”
Abeid urged Mauritanians to “remain standing” and “protest peacefully,” expressing his willingness to engage in dialogue with the authorities to resolve the crisis.
In addition to the unrest in Kaédi, dozens of people were arrested following disturbances in the capital Nouakchott and the northern city of Nouadhibou on Monday evening.
According to the Mauritanian Ministry of Interior, more than 200 people were arrested in the aftermath of these events, with 100 arrests made in the capital Nouakchott and another 100 in Nouadhibou. A source close to the police indicated that many of those arrested were foreigners.
The situation in Nouakchott was calmer on Tuesday, with businesses open and people going about their daily activities. However, mobile internet remains cut off since the night of July 1, with no explanation provided by the authorities.
The 2019 election, which also saw Ghazouani emerge victorious in the first round, was similarly followed by clashes, arrests of opponents and residents of neighboring countries accused of participating in demonstrations, and an internet shutdown lasting about ten days.
Read also: Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani Re-elected in First Round
