Interior Ministry Condemns Attack on Candidate’s Campaign in Nouadhibou

On 25 June, the Ministry of Interior and Decentralization strongly condemned the riots led by some supporters of a candidate in the presidential elections on 24 June in Nouadhibou against an electoral meeting held by the youth campaign of another candidate.

In a press release sent to the Mauritanian news agency, the ministry indicated that there would be no compromise or indulgence with anyone who dares to undermine the security and tranquility of citizens and their property, stressing the readiness of security services to firmly oppose any attack on security and tranquility, whatever its nature and origin.

Here is the text of this press release:

“Following the riots provoked by some supporters of one of the candidates for the presidential elections, on 24 June 2024, in the city of Nouadhibou, against an electoral meeting held by the youth campaign of another candidate, the Ministry of Interior and Decentralization, as part of its security responsibilities, strongly condemns these acts. It recalls that there will be no compromise, indulgence, and tolerance for anyone – individual or group – who dares to undermine the security and tranquility of citizens and their property.

The security services are perfectly prepared and have all the necessary means. They have received absolute instructions to firmly and rigorously oppose any attack on security and tranquility, whatever its nature and origin. The administrative and security authorities will bluntly confront the perpetrators of this legally criminal behavior, totally contrary to the traditions and democratic standards of electoral campaigns, and will apply the sanctions provided for by the laws and regulations in force in the country.

In this context, the Ministry of Interior and Decentralization affirms that its eagerness to ensure appropriate conditions for the conduct of competitors’ campaigns while respecting public freedoms guaranteed by law is equaled only by its determination to establish security, stability, and tranquility and reassures all citizens that all necessary measures have been taken and will be strengthened to guarantee the exercise of their constitutional right to express their opinions and vote for the candidate of their choice freely and comfortably, without fearing for their safety or their property.”