Three protesters have died after being detained for taking part in demonstrations in Mauritania following the re-election victory of outgoing President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in the presidential vote.
According to a notice issued on Tuesday by Mauritania’s Interior Ministry, the victims were taking part in a march that escalated into “riots and looting” last night in Kaédi, a city about 400 kilometres south of Nouakchott, after the election results were announced on Saturday.
The statement says the so-called “instigators” attacked residents and their property, as well as public services and security facilities. It notes that two of the victims died at a detention centre, while the third died at the hospital, though the cause of death is not specified.
Opposition sources connected to Ghazouani critics told reporters that the protesters may have died due to alleged torture at the detention centre to which they were taken. [Source: Mauritania Interior Ministry and linked opposition statements, as reported by regional media]
The Interior Ministry adds that two police officers were seriously injured during the protests, with one left in a coma, without providing further details. At present, no independent body has confirmed or contradicted the government version of events.
The events followed the announcement that Ghazouani won the first round with an absolute majority of 56 percent of votes, according to the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). In second place was Biram Dah Abeid, an anti-slavery campaigner, with 22 percent, who rejected the results on Saturday night, accusing CENI of collusion with Ghazouani and threatening street action with his supporters.
Late on Monday, Mauritanian authorities cut mobile internet access across the country following the election results to hamper coordination among people and prevent actions that could disrupt public order.