Mauritanian police clashed with pro-democracy demonstrators March 8 in Bloc Square, central plaza of the capital, Nouakchott. Police used tear gas and clubs to disperse the protest, organized by the February 25 Youth Co-ordination group, leaving at least 18 hospitalized. The government had allowed young protesters to rally freely in the square since Feb. 25, but on March 4 announced that all public demonstrations must be authorized. Thousands continued to gather in the square daily, without an official permit, chanting "People want reforms, change or you will be changed!" (Magharebia, March 10; Middle East Online, March 9)

See our last posts on Mauritania, the Sahel states and the regional wave of revolution.

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