Renowned African writers, critics and artists will participate in Mauritania's 3rd international "Literary Encounters", which opens Sunday (December 9th) in Nouakchott.

Senegal's Ken Bugul and Felwine Sarr, Togo'sSami Tchak, Chad's Noël Ndjékéry and other well-known literary figures will attend the 10-day event organised by the "Traversées Mauritanides" association.

Celebrated authors will also visit Mauritanian schools to talk with students. The event includes a poetry slam, roundtables and theatre performances.

Kaédi, in the southern Gorgol region, will host the final two days of the literary festival.