Mauritania: security forces linked to post-election violence and deaths

Mauritanian security forces are believed to have played a role in post-election violence and at least three deaths after last week’s presidential election victory of incumbent Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.

The interior ministry confirmed the deaths of the three protestors last week. The deaths occurred amid unrest in the southern city of Kaedi, a region with significant opposition support.

Riots, looting and vandalism erupted after the announcement of Ghazouani’s victory. The ministry reported that two demonstrators died in custody, while a third succumbed to injuries in hospital. The authorities cited “limited options” for detaining the large number of rioters due to the late hour.

The African Union and EU had deployed observers to monitor the election. The US State Department acknowledged Mauritanians’ commitment to voting but urged a full investigation into the deaths and accountability for those responsible. The department’s 2023 annual report highlighted serious human rights abuses in the country, including arbitrary killings and harsh prison conditions.

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Out of 1.9 million registered voters from a population of 4.6 million, around 40 per cent cast their votes. Despite this, opposition figures such as anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid denounced alleged “massive fraud” and vowed to organise peaceful protests. Hamadi Ould Sid’ El Moctar, representing the Islamist Tewassoul party, also condemned election mismanagement.

The aftermath of the 2019 election, which brought Ghazouani to power, was similarly marked by clashes, arrests and a 10-day internet blackout. Currently, the capital Nouakchott remains calm but there is restricted mobile internet access.

The National Electoral Commission confirmed Ghazouani’s re-election with 56 per cent of the votes cast, pending final validation by the Constitutional Council. The 67-year-old former army chief is set for a second term in office.

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