This update covers developments relating to the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly in Mauritania from April 2023 to October 2023.
GENERAL
Slavery: some progress but still not eradicated
The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, Tomoya Obokata, visited Nouakchott and Nouadhibo from 4th to 13th May 2022 and published his report in July 2023, noting Mauritania’s progress in “strengthening its legal and institutional framework to prevent and address slavery,” including the integration of civil society organisations into investigations of slavery claims. However, the report also highlights the persistence of both descent-based and modern forms of slavery in certain parts of the country.
Legislative elections
In May 2023, two rounds of legislative elections were held in Mauritania, with a high turnout of 72%. The ruling party, El Insaf, won the elections, with 107 seats out of 176 parliamentary seats. Tewassoul became the second-largest party in the National Assembly with 11 seats. Six opposition parties demanded the results from a number of locations be rejected due to what they have called ‘tampering’ with the vote.
PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY
Protests following death in custody, internet shut down
On 28th May 2023 protests erupted in various cities following the death of a young Black man, Oumar Diop, in police custody. Diop was arrested after participating in a fight, according to the police. He died a few hours later in hospital after having breathing problems. Activists staged protests in several cities and towns, including Nouakchott, Kaedi, Bababi, Sebkha, Zouerat and Boghe, to demand justice for Omar Diop. It is reported that in Boghe, clashes between small groups of youths and the police resulted in the death of one demonstrator during an attempt to take over a local police station.
The next day the government shut down internet access for mobile phones. According to the authorities, the protests involved “burning tires and damage to public and private property” and the measure served to hinder communication among ‘criminals’. The International Press Institute (IPI) called on authorities to halt shutting down the internet and respect the right to access information.
#Mauritania: IPI calls on authorities to stop shutting down the internet, respect the right to access information. May 31 marked the 2nd time authorities disrupted the internet in the space of 3 months this year.https://t.co/izkuAtsCpF
— IPI - The Global Network for Independent Media (@globalfreemedia) June 1, 2023
Violent dispersion of announced protest
On 27th September 2024, the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement (IRA) staged a peaceful sit-in at the Ministry of Justice to protest the arrest of an anti-slavery activist (see below). Security forces violently dispersed the protesters despite having been notified of the planned action. According to Amnesty International, the IRA reported over 10 injured, with victims taken to various hospitals.
ASSOCIATION & EXPRESSION
Arrest of anti-slavery activist
On 14th September 2023, anti-slavery activist Youba Siby, also known as Youba El Ghaouth, was arrested in Senegal. He was subjected to enforced disappearance for 20 days, with no information on his whereabouts.
On 6th October 2023, Mauritania’s National Human Rights Commission reported that Youba Siby was being held in Nouakchott Civil Prison without legal representation or contact with his family. The Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement (IRA-Mauritania) was only permitted to visit Youba after three weeks in detention. IRA presumes that Youba was subjected to torture and moral harassment whilst in solitary confinement.
Youba was accused of ‘inciting hatred and damaging the morale of the armed forces’ through his social network posts.
Student charged with blasphemy
On 18th July 2023, a 19-year-old student was charged with blasphemy for insulting the prophet Muhammad in a written exam paper, which was later shared by a teacher on social media. The student faces charges of “disrespect and mockery of the Prophet" and using social networks "to undermine (the) holy values of Islam", with the possibility of the death penalty under article 306 of the Mauritanian Penal Code. After the post went viral, several people staged protests and put pressure on the authorities to reveal the student’s identity. The accused student, Mariya Oubed, is part of the Haratin ethnic group.