Mauritania's authorities suppress students demonstration over ties with Israel

Hundreds of university students in Nouakchott on Wednesday held a demonstration in protest of the recent rapprochement between Mauritania and Israel.

AFP quoted journalists close to the incidents as saying that the demonstrating students were soon dispersed by the police force and a number of students were injured.

To disperse the protesters the police used tear-gas bombs and heavy clubs, sources said, adding that traffic was closed at crossroads leading to the university.

Meanwhile, AFP added, quoting an official source in Nouakchott as saying on Wednesday that an official mission from Mauritania headed to Israel on Wednesday. AFP added that the mission is led by the secretary general of the Ministry of Health and includes several Health Ministry officials.

This demonstration is considered the most violent ot be witnessed by Nouakchott University, which the authorities wanted to open this week, but the demonstrating students refused.