On October 21, at around noon, a group of police officers and a court bailiff arrived at the home of the Koumé family, located in the heart of the Ilot L neighborhood, just a short distance from Mauritanie-Couleurs. The family was ordered to vacate the premises immediately, without any prior notice or opportunity to dispute the eviction. The sudden and forceful expulsion has left the family, including vulnerable members such as a young woman who had recently given birth, struggling to cope.
The dispute centers on the ownership of the house, which is claimed by Ahmed Salem Ould Sidi. However, according to Mr. Thiam, a court official who has been following the case, Mr. Sidi's claim is based on dubious grounds. The house was originally purchased by the late Mr. Koumé, a wealthy businessman and diamond trader, after he took out a loan from the BMDC bank. Although he partially repaid the debt, the outstanding amount was settled through an intermediary, B.H, a former high-ranking government official.
The Koumé family's troubles began after Mr. Koumé's death, when his heirs were left to navigate a complex web of documents and claims. The house was adjudicated to the ARCB, a state agency, which subsequently lifted the mortgage on the property. However, Mr. Sidi appeared 17 years after the fact, claiming to have acquired the property for 3 million ouguiyas, despite lacking any supporting documentation. Mr. Thiam alleges that Mr. Sidi's documents are forged and that his attempts to pursue the matter through the courts have been unsuccessful.
The Koumé family has been left to fend for themselves on the streets, with police harassment and intimidation adding to their distress. All the young men in the family have been taken to police stations, with five of them currently being held overnight. The family is calling for the authorities to intervene and restore their rights, citing concerns about the rule of law and the reputation of the justice system.
The case has sparked widespread concern and outrage, with many questioning how such a situation could occur in a country governed by the rule of law. The Koumé family's ordeal has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the justice system, as well as the protection of citizens' rights to property and due process.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Mauritanian authorities face mounting pressure to resolve the dispute and restore the Koumé family to their home. The case has raised important questions about the role of the justice system in protecting the rights of citizens and the need for greater oversight and accountability in the handling of property disputes.
The Koumé family's lawyer, Bakari Gueye, has called for calm and urged the authorities to take swift action to resolve the situation. The case is set to continue, with the Koumé family determined to clear their names and secure their rightful place in their home.
Key points
- The Koumé family's eviction has sparked concerns about the rule of law and the protection of citizens' rights in Mauritania.
- The dispute centers on the ownership of the house, with the Koumé family claiming they have the necessary documents to prove their ownership.
- The authorities have been urged to intervene and restore the Koumé family's rights, citing concerns about the reputation of the justice system.
