Mauritanian government to compensate victims of ethnic violence

The Mauritanian government has announced plans to provide financial compensation to Afro-Mauritanians who were victims of ethnic violence between 1989 and 1991, according to the Moroccan government-friendly North Africa Post on October 21.

The plan follows reports of executions and torture targeting Black Mauritanians excluded from the Arabic-speaking majority. The government pledged over 27 billion ouguiyas (€59 million) in reparations which is below the 35 billion requested by activists.

Whilst seen as a step toward acknowledging past injustices, rights groups criticised the proposal for lacking truth and accountability. Activist Maimouna Alpha Sy stated, “Money cannot replace what was lost.”

The North Africa Post, Maghrebi.org