Mauritanian security forces arrested several activists and seized broadcasting equipment belonging to journalists during a peaceful protest organised by the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement (IRA) on April 16, 2026.
The demonstration came eleven days after another protest against rising fuel prices on April 5, which ended with the arrest of nearly 60 people.
According to the IRA, the April 16 march was organised to protest the worsening social and economic conditions in the country. Protesters called for the release of detained parliamentarians, lower fuel and gas prices, reduced food costs, and the lifting of restrictions on individual and collective freedoms.
As with the earlier demonstration, security forces dispersed the gathering, leaving several people injured and around 40 activists arrested, according to the movement.
Those reportedly arrested included Al-Mouloud Biyat, IRA coordinator for the Amboud district; Badien Ould Mchino, chair of the Real Estate Commission; Mahfoudh Habib, member of the IRA executive board in Toujounine; Mohamed Nour El-Din Semet Abiyai, chair of the Rak Party Youth Commission; Al-Haj Ould Abdallah, an IRA member; Ramdan Ambarak, adviser to IRA President Biram Dah Abeid; Al-Bakhari Ould Abdou, member of the Media Commission; Al-Salik Al-Tawai, member of the IRA executive committee; Abdallah Ould Hamdi, activist within the movement; Biram Ould Sidi, member of the IRA executive committee in Tiyaret district; Hachem Sidi Ab, member of the IRA executive committee; and Sidi Ali, member of the Peace Commission.
Journalists covering the protest were also targeted. The Independent Press Agency reported that security forces confiscated live broadcasting equipment belonging to its reporting team while they were covering the march.
In a Facebook post written in Arabic, the outlet stated: “Security forces intervened to prevent the agency team from continuing the live broadcast of the march, and they seized the broadcasting phone.” The outlet added that another team quickly launched an alternative livestream using a different device in order to continue reporting from the scene.
The crackdown adds to growing concerns about shrinking civic space and deteriorating respect for fundamental freedoms in Mauritania. In its 2025 World Press Freedom Index, Mauritania ranked 50th globally, down from 33rd place in 2024, reflecting what observers describe as a significant decline in press freedom and civic rights.
Mauritania now finds itself at a crossroads, torn between persistent tensions with the opposition, increasing repression of civil society actors, and a national dialogue intended to strengthen social cohesion and consolidate democracy, but which remains on hold.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) strongly condemns the arrests of peaceful protesters and the seizure of journalists’ equipment during the April 16 demonstration.
The organisation calls on the Mauritanian authorities to immediately release those detained for exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and expression, and to return or compensate for the confiscated equipment belonging to the Independent Press Agency.
The MFWA further urges the authorities and all political stakeholders to prioritise meaningful dialogue and respect for fundamental freedoms in order to reduce tensions and strengthen democratic governance in Mauritania.
