A sit-in protest was held in Nouakchott, Mauritania, on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in solidarity with the family Koumé, who were forcibly evicted from their home at Îlot L on October 21, 2026. The family, including women and children, have been living on the streets since then. Three young members of the family were arrested and imprisoned, sparking widespread outrage and calls for justice.
The family Koumé claims that the eviction was carried out using fraudulent documents and false allegations. They have demanded the immediate release of the three imprisoned young people, the return of their home, and protection for the women and children who have received death threats. A woman from the family reportedly suffered a miscarriage due to the trauma caused by the eviction.
The Mauritanian authorities have been urged to intervene in the matter, with President Mohamed Cheikh El-Ghazouani being called upon to take personal action. The family Koumé has requested an independent investigation into the eviction, the arrest of those responsible, and compensation for the damages they have suffered.
The sit-in protest, which was organized by human rights organizations, lawyers, and civil society groups, aimed to draw attention to the plight of the family Koumé and to pressure the authorities to take action. Protesters demanded the immediate release of the imprisoned young people, the return of the family's home, and protection for the women and children.
The case has sparked widespread concern and outrage in Mauritania, with many calling for the authorities to take responsibility for the actions of the police and judiciary. The family Koumé has been supported by various organizations and individuals, who have expressed solidarity with their cause.
According to the family Koumé's lawyer, an audience was held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, to examine the situation of the three imprisoned young people. However, their fate remains uncertain, and the family's future is still unclear. The Mauritanian government has yet to comment on the matter.
The family Koumé's case has highlighted the need for greater accountability and transparency in Mauritania's justice system. Human rights organizations have expressed concern about the use of force and the lack of due process in the eviction and arrest of the family members. The outcome of the case remains to be seen, but it has already sparked a national conversation about justice and human rights in Mauritania.
Key points
- The family Koumé was forcibly evicted from their home at Îlot L on October 21, 2026.
- Three young members of the family were arrested and imprisoned.
- The family demands the immediate release of the imprisoned young people, the return of their home, and protection for the women and children.
