How did the 2017 referendum change Mauritania’s legislature and flag?

In 2017, a national referendum in Mauritania introduced significant changes to both the country's legislative structure and its national flag.12

Regarding the legislature, the referendum resulted in the abolition of the Senate. Prior to this change, Mauritania utilized a bicameral legislative system consisting of the Senate and the National Assembly. Following the referendum, the National Assembly became the sole chamber of the legislature.2

The referendum also approved modifications to the national flag. The updated design added two red bands—one at the top and one at the bottom—to the existing green flag, which features a star and crescent. The red bands were included to symbolize the blood shed during the nation's struggle for freedom from France. This new design was officially adopted by the National Assembly on October 12, 2017, and was first raised during Independence Day celebrations on November 28, 2017.3