NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania

Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani has tested positive for coronavirus, according to his office on Tuesday.

The presidency said in a statement that Ghazouani showed mild symptoms and was in a stable condition.

Mauritania has registered a surge in the number of COVID-19 infections in recent days.

On Monday, the Mauritanian football association banned fans from attending football matches, amid a rise in the number of infections in the North African nation.

According to official estimates, Mauritania has registered 42,182 virus cases, including 872 fatalities.

Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara