Mr. President Islamic
Republic of Mauritania
Nouakchott

14 March, 2011.

Dear Mr. President,

Call for urgent and genuine dialogue

The ITUC-Africa has been monitoring the developments from the protests organised by trade unions, students and youth in Mauritania about the uncertainty of the fate and future of young persons and the demand for greater freedom and enthronement of participatory democracy. The recent ‘National Day of Action’ organised in active participation of the students and rural populace bear eloquence to the popularity of these demands and the need for government to act inway that will reassure citizens and interest groups.

ITUC-Africa condemns Police attacks on peaceful protesters and calls on government to reprimand persons responsible for these attacks.

Social dialogue is a veritable vehicle to progress. Accordingly, the ITUC-Africa urges the government to reach out to the aggrieved groups and open channels of communication and consultations as processes to their concerns. Stakeholders must be encouraged to come to the table for discussion to achieve resolutions which must be respected by all.

Similarly, ITUC-Africa calls on the government to commit to urgent and genuine reforms that will open and promote an environment of greater freedom and participatory democratic governance.

Yours Faithfully,

Kwasi ADU-AMANKWAH
General Secretary, ITUC-Africa