NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania (AP) — Two female opposition lawmakers in Mauritania have been charged with insulting President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani after they made accusations against him concerning his treatment of Black people and descendants of slaves in the country. The charges come amidst ongoing societal tensions related to the legacy of slavery, which continues to be a sensitive topic in Mauritania, despite being officially abolished years ago.
The lawmakers, Marieme Cheikh Dieng and Ghamou Achour, were charged on Monday with multiple offenses, including inciting violence, attacking state symbols, and calling for public gatherings with the intent of undermining public security through their social media posts. Their detention occurred over ten days prior to the charges being filed.
Biram Dah Abeid, the leader of the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement, has publicly condemned the government's actions, describing them as a witch hunt targeting elected officials of slave descent. This statement reflects broader concerns about the treatment of minority groups within the country, particularly those connected to the historical context of slavery in Mauritania.
Both lawmakers are affiliated with the abolitionist coalition, which is not a formally registered political party. They have allied with the Sawab party to gain electoral support. However, the prosecutor has claimed that the gravity of the charges against Dieng and Achour has led to the forfeiture of their parliamentary immunity. This assertion has been contested by the lawmakers' legal team, who argue that the charges are a politically motivated effort to settle scores with dissenting voices in the government.
The situation highlights the ongoing struggles within Mauritania regarding race relations and the socio-political ramifications of its historical ties to slavery. The public's reaction to the charges against these lawmakers may further shape the national discourse surrounding equality and representation in Mauritanian politics.
