Clashes erupt in Mauritania ahead of referendum

‘Police and opposition activists clashed Thursday in Mauritania’s capital on the final day of campaigning for a controversial constitutional referendum.
Authorities had refused to give the green light for protests opposing the constitutional changes in Nouakchott and three regions of the west African country, leading to what activists said was “excessive” use of tear gas in an area to the west of the capital.
A coalition drawn from a broad political spectrum including extremists and anti-slavery activists in the conservative West African nation opposes measures including abolishing the senate and changing the national flag, and some are boycotting Saturday’s vote.
Saleh Ould Henenna, a spokesman for the protesters, said, “We have to inform the authorities of our activities but we don’t have to wait for their approval,” denouncing “the dictatorship which governs this country.”‘
Read more: Clashes erupt in Mauritania ahead of referendum