'Facebook Generation' continues Mauritania protests

[Tx4obama]

Source: CNN

Nouakchott, Mauritania (CNN) -- Young Mauritanians pushing for social and political reforms continued a sit-in Saturday in the capital a day after a street protest demanding change.

Police dispersed hundreds of protesters early Saturday, but after a few hours the crowd returned to spend the night at Blocat Square in Nouakchott's city center, despite one earlier arrest and the possibility of forces returning.

"The purpose of the youth demonstrations that we are leading (is) aimed at pushing the ruling regime to make urgent social, economic and political reforms for the sake of better life conditions," said protester Mohamed Ould Sidie. "We don't belong to any one of the political parties, and we don't want to.

"Mauritania is a very rich country, but unfortunately the huge riches of the country, including gold, oil, minerals, fish, are mismanaged by the corrupt, political regimes," said Sidi. "It's time to make a change."

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/26/mauritania.protest/index.html?hpt=T2

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Mauritania is in Africa (South-West of Algeria)
Map: http://geology.com/world/africa-satellite-image.shtml

[xchrom]

1. Recommend

[jberryhill]

2. It's long past time to legalize Mauritania

Legalize it, tax it, and close the budget deficit

[David__77]

3. Per capita GDP (PPP): $2,099

For reference, other per capita GDP (purchasing power parity) figures:

Libya $14,878
Tunisia $9,488
Egypt $6,367

Mauritania is much, much poorer than even Egypt, and Libya is (economically) a paradise by comparison. If the flames of revolt spread to the poorest countries of Africa, things could take a different dynamic. Neighboring Mali has a per capita figure of $1,206.

Life expectancy too, should be known: in Libya, life expectancy is 74 years, in Mauritania it is 64 years, in Mali just 50 years! "Freedom" means the right to life! Revolution for much of the world is a matter of survival. I am hopeful that revolutionary storms will be followed by vigorous economic development, particularly industrial development, and that social solidarity and unity will prevail, putting the interests of society firth.