Mauritanians are preparing to cast their votes in an upcoming election that highlights the deep-seated divisions within the country, with incumbent President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani vying for a second term amidst regional security challenges and persistent allegations of human rights violations.
Ghazouani, hailing from an Arab Mauritanian background, assumed office in 2019 after the country’s initial democratic transition, having previously served as a military leader.
In the previous year, Ghazouani’s El Insaf party secured a significant win in the legislative elections, claiming 107 out of 176 seats in the National Assembly.
While Ghazouani is widely anticipated to emerge victorious in the election, his primary opponent, Biram Dah Abeid, a Black activist advocating against slavery, has accused him of mismanaging the nation and fostering corruption and repression among the populace.
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Abeid has criticized Ghazouani’s handling of issues such as unemployment, emigration, and the agreement with the European Union to curb migration, labeling it as detrimental to both the EU and Mauritania.
The human rights situation in Mauritania has drawn international scrutiny, with ongoing reports of slavery persisting despite its official abolition in 1981, as highlighted by human rights organizations and the Global Slavery Index.
The speaker highlighted the entrenched nature of slavery in Mauritanian society, emphasizing the significance of the status of slaves, free individuals, and slaveholders.
Abeid, who comes from a lineage of slaves, shared the personal story of his grandmother and father’s experiences with slavery, including the heart-wrenching account of his father witnessing his wife and children being sold.
Abeid expressed his commitment to continuing his father’s fight against slavery, stating that he made a promise to dedicate his life to combating this pervasive issue.
