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.

Govt 17 April said first round of presidential election will take place 22 June and possible run-off vote 6 July.

Ahead of presidential election planned for later this year, Defence Minister Mohamed El Ghazouani 1 March confirmed he would be ruling majority’s candidate. Leaders of opposition platform including National Forum for Democracy and Unity (FNDU) and Rally of Democratic Forces (RFD) 12 March failed to reach agreement on common candidate; 27 March called for dissolution of electoral commission and formation of new one with greater opposition representation. Former PM Sidi Mohamed Ould Boubacar 30 March said he would stand in presidential election as independent candidate, with support from opposition Islamist party Tewassoul.

Political manoeuvring continued ahead of presidential election planned for later this year. Opposition platform, including among National Forum for Democracy and Unity (FNDU) and Rally of Democratic Forces (RFD), continued consultations to agree on common candidate. In document submitted to govt early Feb, opposition demanded reform of electoral commission, audit of electoral register and national dialogue to ensure free and fair election.