A crisis in university transportation has erupted in Mauritania, with students from the University of Nouakchott staging a protest on October 22. The demonstration was held in the Arafat district, where students chanted slogans demanding better transportation services and more buses to meet their needs. The protest was dispersed by police, but no arrests or injuries were reported.
The university transport crisis has become a public issue, with approximately 30,000 students affected. On October 23, parliamentarian Al-Mortadha Ould Atfayil stated that providing regular and accessible campus transportation is an "irresponsibility that cannot be postponed." He emphasized that it is unreasonable to leave students to face daily transportation difficulties, especially given the high costs.
The opposition party, Mauritania to the Future, called for an increase in the number of buses, expansion of routes, and publication of fixed schedules. The party noted that overcrowding and irregular bus services cause students to miss lectures and exams. The party's statement reflects growing concerns about the impact of the transportation crisis on students' academic performance.
In response to the crisis, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced new regulatory measures and the deployment of additional buses. On October 16, the ministry decided to cancel manual tickets and limit discounted tickets to the E-Ticket application, with full fares applying to those who do not use the app. The ministry has not yet commented on the October 22 protest.
The University of Nouakchott relies on rapid transit buses on urban lines leading to the campus. Students and politicians are urging the government to address the transportation crisis urgently. The crisis has sparked debate about the government's responsibility to provide adequate transportation for students.
The situation remains unresolved, with students continuing to face transportation challenges. The government has not announced any further measures to address the crisis. The university's administration has not commented on the protests or the transportation crisis.
Key issues remain, including ensuring reliable and affordable transportation for students. The government must balance the needs of students with available resources. The university's growth and development depend on resolving the transportation crisis.
Key points
- Approximately 30,000 students are affected by the university transport crisis.
- The crisis has sparked protests and calls for urgent action from parliamentarians and political parties.
- The government has announced new regulatory measures and deployed additional buses in response to the crisis.
