Magharebia

A clash between Mauritanian security forces and copper mine workers left one protestor dead and six others injured Sunday (July 15th) near Akjoujt, ANI reported.

A 36-year-old miner died after authorities used tear gas and truncheons to break up a sit-in at the Copper Mines of Mauritania (MCM) headquarters in Guelb Moghrein. Several demonstrators were also arrested.

The miners began their protest action last Thursday to demand better wages and benefits.

As local tensions escalated, President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz on Sunday dispatched two ministers to deliver his condolences and meet with a union delegation, AFP reported.

"We have ordered that all those arrested be freed as a token of peace," Akjoujt Governor Diallo Amadou Omar said, adding that an official inquest would also be conducted.