Post-election unrest left several dead as opposition contested re-election of President Ghazouani.

After announcement of provisional results showed incumbent President Ghazouani re-elected for second term in 29 June poll, demonstrators 1 July protested in opposition strongholds of Bogué, Kaédi and Nouadhibou cities as well as some neighbourhoods in capital Nouakchott; in Kaédi, security forces clashed with demonstrators as protests turned violent amid acts of looting and vandalism, arresting unconfirmed number. Interior ministry next day said three protesters had died, two while in detention and third later in hospital, without providing further details about their deaths. Constitutional Court 3 July confirmed Ghazouani’s win with 56.12% of vote. Opposition candidate and activist Biram Dah Abeid – who body said won 22.1% of vote – refused to recognise results, citing alleged irregularities including ballot stuffing and accusing electoral commission of giving Ghazouani thousands of extra votes. Although unrest died down in following days, authorities 1-24 July restricted access to mobile internet.

Tensions with Mali remained high over cross-border incidents.

Following April incident in which Malian soldiers and allied Russian paramilitary Africa Corps, formerly Wagner Group, reportedly killed and wounded Mauritanian civilians in cross-border anti-jihadist operations, govt 2 May said it was ready to defend “territorial integrity of the country” and said it would protect its citizens; military 5 May said it had held military exercises along border with Mali.

Govt summoned Malian ambassador amid cross-border attacks against jihadists that harmed civilians.

Malian soldiers and allied Russian paramilitary Africa Corps, formerly Wagner Group, 7 April reportedly wounded and killed several civilians in Madallah village in Fassala commune in south east during cross-border anti-jihadist operations. Govt 19 April summoned Malian Ambassador in protest; following day, Defence Minister Hanena Ould Sidi travelled to Malian capital Bamako for talks.

Diplomatic row erupted as govt accused Mali’s army of crimes against Mauritanians. Dozens of people 8 March demonstrated outside presidency in capital Nouakchott to protest reported disappearance in early March of Mauritanian citizens on Malian side of border south of Adel Bagrou town. Govt later same day said it had summoned Malian ambassador “to protest the recent criminal acts perpetrated by regular Malian forces against our defenceless and innocent citizens in Malian territory”. Bamako 9 March said there was “no proof” of Malian armed forces’ involvement but promised investigation into disappearances. Malian FM Abdoulaye Diop 11-12 March led high-level delegation to Nouakchott in bid to appease tensions; neighbours agreed to establish joint mission to investigate disappearances; delegation of Mauritanian experts 16 March arrived in Mali’s capital Bamako to take part in mission.

At G5 Sahel (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger) meeting in France 13 Jan, President Ould Ghazouani and other G5 Sahel heads of state reiterated commitment to fighting terrorist groups and support for French military presence in region.

Tensions within ruling party Union for the Republic (UPR) increased as President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz competed for influence. Security forces late Nov arrested presidential guard commander and his deputy, both Abdel Aziz loyalists. Ghazouani won outright backing of ruling party during party congress in capital Nouakchott 28-29 Dec. Party delegates renewed all party’s governing bodies including National Council and entrusted them to Ghazouani’s close allies, and elected Ghazouani’s chosen candidate, Sidi Mohamed Ould Taleb Amar, as party president.

In first peaceful transition since independence, newly-elected President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani took office 1 Aug.

Constitutional Council 1 July rejected opposition petition against 22 June presidential election results and confirmed ruling majority’s candidate Mohamed Ould Ghazouani as president. Police next day released unknown number of activists and opposition members it had arrested late June during protests against election outcome. Govt 3 July restored internet access after imposing blackout late June. Police 3 July arrested journalist Ahmedou Ould al-Wadea for unknown reasons, released him 15 July.

In presidential election 22 June, defence minister and ruling majority’s candidate Mohamed El Ghazouani won absolute majority with 51.5% of vote. Opposition candidates said they saw “worrying signs” of election irregularities and would use “every legal means” to contest results.

Constitutional Council 12 May confirmed list of six candidates for 22 June presidential election. Over 100 people 15 May held sit-in in front of Nouakchott prison to call for release of two bloggers held since March on charges of defamation against president.