Senegal: Violence over fisherman's death in Saint-Louis April 7

Event

On Saturday, April 7, several shops belonging to Mauritanian nationals were ransacked in Saint-Louis (north) over the death of a local fisherman who was killed in a confrontation with the Mauritanian coast guard, allegedly in Mauritanian territorial waters. Further protests with the potential to turn violent are possible in the coming days.

Context

A fishing agreement between Senegal and Mauritania lapsed in January 2016 due to the refusal of the Senegalese authorities to adhere to new Mauritanian regulations. Senegalese fishermen, especially those from Saint-Louis, are currently facing a scarcity of fish due in particular to overfishing and have become heavily dependent on fishing in Mauritanian waters. Incidents between the Mauritanian coast guard and fishermen, often accused of violating Mauritanian maritime borders, have become frequent in recent years. On January 29, hundreds of people protested in Saint-Louis over the death of another local fisherman by Mauritanian coast guards.

Advice

Individuals in Senegal are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the potential for violence and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.