New Delhi, April 22 -- Two female opposition lawmakers in Mauritania have been charged with insulting the president after accusing him of adopting a discriminatory attitude towards Black people and descendants of slaves in the West African nation.

The lawmakers also were charged Monday with inciting violence, attacking the symbols of the state and calling for gatherings with a view to undermining public security via social networks, according to the prosecutor.

Slavery remains a sensitive topic in Mauritania years after it was formally abolished.

Marieme Cheikh Dieng and Ghamou Achour had posted messages on social media critical of President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. They were detained over 10 days ago.

Biram Dah Abeid, leader of the In...