The abolitionist movement IRA (Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement) denounces a wave of repression in Mauritania. This escalation follows the revelation, in early February, of a slavery case involving an 11-year-old child.

The facts: A human "dowry" in Nouakchott

The alert was raised on February 4 concerning Nouha Mohamed , a young girl from the Haratine community. According to IRA president and MP Biram Dah Abeid, the child was allegedly "given" as a wedding gift to a couple of teachers in the capital.

1. The scale of the case: In addition to the girl, her mother and her four sisters (including an infant) are also believed to be involved.
2. The evidence presented: The NGO claims to have photos, videos and testimonies from neighbors corroborating the exploitation of the family.

Repression and arrests

Despite the opening of an investigation, the suspected couple was released. However, the security response was swift and brutal against the activists.

1. Arrests: Six IRA members and two whistleblowers have been detained for a week.
2. Official reasons: The justice system cites "disturbance of public order" and "spreading of false information".
3. Allegations of torture: Biram Dah Abeid raises alarm about detention conditions, citing injuries linked to acts of torture and a deprivation of medical care.

A persistent crime against humanity

Although Mauritania was the last country in the world to officially abolish slavery in 1981, the gap between law and reality remains deep:

Legal background: Since 2015, slavery has been recognized as a crime against humanity in Mauritania, punishable by 20 years in prison.

However, international organizations estimate that thousands of people, mostly from the Haratine community, still suffer under this yoke. The government and the IRA accuse each other of exploiting this sensitive issue for political ends.