INTERNET services were restricted in several areas across Mauritania, including the capital Nouakchott, on Tuesday following protests against the presidential election results. Eyewitnesses reported that mobile internet services were cut off in certain cities, while landline internet services remained functional. Mauritanian authorities and telecommunications companies have yet to comment on the issue.
The protests erupted on Monday in multiple cities, including Nouakchott, led by supporters of candidate and human rights activist Biram Ould Dah Abeid, who finished second in the presidential election. Abeid has rejected the election results, describing them as an ‘electoral coup.’
The National Independent Electoral Commission announced on Monday that incumbent President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani won the presidential election with 56.12 percent of the vote, while Biram Ould Dah Abeid secured 22.10 percent. The election, held on Saturday, saw Mauritanians choose a new president from among seven candidates.
Mauritania, located in North Africa, has a history of political instability, experiencing several coups between 1978 and 2008. The 2019 presidential election marked the first peaceful transfer of power between elected presidents since the country gained independence from France in 1960.
As tensions rise, the situation remains volatile, with internet restrictions adding to the uncertainty. The response from the Mauritanian authorities and the resolution of the protests will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers.
