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*{{FRA}} - When asked a question about the coup at a press conference, ] ] replied, "You know how attached we are to Mauritania’s stability. It is too soon to describe the situation. Let me remind you nevertheless of France’s attachment to preserving the rule of law in all circumstances and its hostility to the seizure of power by force."<ref>{{cite news |title=Mauritania / Statement of the French minister of Foreign Affairs|url=http://appablog.wordpress.com/2008/08/06/mauritania-statement-of-the-french-minister-of-foreign-affairs/ |publisher=African Press Organization |date=2008-08-06 |accessdate=2008-08-06}}</ref> A statement in French from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier in the day also said, "We are in contact with our embassy in Nouakchott and monitoring the situation with the greatest attention in conjunction with all our partners. Steps are being taken locally to ensure the safety of French nationals. The safety recommendations will be distributed according to the changing situation."<ref>{{cite news |title=France / Ministère des Affaires Etrangères / Situation en Mauritanie (6 août 2008) |url=http://appablog.wordpress.com/2008/08/06/france-ministere-des-affaires-etrangeres-situation-en-mauritanie-6-aout-2008/ |publisher=African Press Organization |date=2008-08-06 |accessdate=2008-08-06}}</ref> *{{FRA}} - When asked a question about the coup at a press conference, ] ] replied, "You know how attached we are to Mauritania’s stability. It is too soon to describe the situation. Let me remind you nevertheless of France’s attachment to preserving the rule of law in all circumstances and its hostility to the seizure of power by force."<ref>{{cite news |title=Mauritania / Statement of the French minister of Foreign Affairs|url=http://appablog.wordpress.com/2008/08/06/mauritania-statement-of-the-french-minister-of-foreign-affairs/ |publisher=African Press Organization |date=2008-08-06 |accessdate=2008-08-06}}</ref> A statement in French from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier in the day also said, "We are in contact with our embassy in Nouakchott and monitoring the situation with the greatest attention in conjunction with all our partners. Steps are being taken locally to ensure the safety of French nationals. The safety recommendations will be distributed according to the changing situation."<ref>{{cite news |title=France / Ministère des Affaires Etrangères / Situation en Mauritanie (6 août 2008) |url=http://appablog.wordpress.com/2008/08/06/france-ministere-des-affaires-etrangeres-situation-en-mauritanie-6-aout-2008/ |publisher=African Press Organization |date=2008-08-06 |accessdate=2008-08-06}}</ref>
*{{NGA}} - President ] stated "Nigeria totally condemns the event that took place today in Mauritania. Nigeria will not recognize any government that did not come to power through constitutional means."<ref></ref> He also said, "Our sub-region has made great advances in terms of peace and security and sustenance of democracy at great cost to our peoples that we cannot afford the hand of the clock to be turned back again.” <ref>{{cite news |title='Nigeria will not recognise new military government in Mauritania' |url=http://www.afriquenligne.fr/%27nigeria-will-not-recognise-new-military-government-in-mauritania%27-2008080610267.html|publisher=Afrique en ligne |date=2008-08-06 |accessdate=2008-08-06}}</ref> *{{NGA}} - President ] stated "Nigeria totally condemns the event that took place today in Mauritania. Nigeria will not recognize any government that did not come to power through constitutional means."<ref></ref> He also said, "Our sub-region has made great advances in terms of peace and security and sustenance of democracy at great cost to our peoples that we cannot afford the hand of the clock to be turned back again.” <ref>{{cite news |title='Nigeria will not recognise new military government in Mauritania' |url=http://www.afriquenligne.fr/%27nigeria-will-not-recognise-new-military-government-in-mauritania%27-2008080610267.html|publisher=Afrique en ligne |date=2008-08-06 |accessdate=2008-08-06}}</ref>
*{{RUS}} - The ] said, "Moscow acts on the assumption that a change of power by force is unacceptable. As is known, this is also the position of the international community, including the African Union. Such anti-constitutional actions deserve condemnation." The ministry further said that Russia hoped the country's new leadership, which has pledged to hold democratic presidential elections, would honor its pledge and give the Mauritanian people "an opportunity to continue stable development within the bounds of the Constitution and in the interest of all sections of Mauritanian society."<ref> ] Retrieved on August 7, 2008</ref> *{{RUS}} - The ] said, "Moscow acts on the assumption that a change of power by force is unacceptable. As is known, this is also the position of the international community, including the African Union. Such anti-constitutional actions deserve condemnation." The ministry further said that Russia hoped the country's new leadership, which has pledged to hold democratic presidential elections, would honor its pledge and give the Mauritanian people "an opportunity to continue stable development within the bounds of the Constitution and in the interest of all sections of Mauritanian society."<ref> ] Retrieved on August 7, 2008</ref>
*{{flagicon|Senegal}} ] - President ] urged the coup leaders to ensure the personal safety of President Abdallahi, Prime Minister Waghef and their families.<ref name=twa> {{cite news |first=|last=|title=President overthrown in Mauritania coup|url=http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=2&ContentID=89638 |work= ] |publisher=]|date=2008-08-07 |accessdate=2008-08-06}}</ref> A spokesperson for President Wade said that coup leader Gen. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz had telephoned him at 2:40pm local time to inform him of the situation "in his capacity as a close neighbour and African leader."<ref name=twa/> Wade stated that he would inform the African Union about what he discussed with Aziz during the phone call.<ref name=twa/> *{{flagicon|Senegal}} ] - President ] urged the coup leaders to ensure the personal safety of President Abdallahi, Prime Minister Waghef and their families.<ref name=twa> {{cite news |first=|last=|title=President overthrown in Mauritania coup|url=http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=2&ContentID=89638 |work= ] |publisher=]|date=2008-08-07 |accessdate=2008-08-06}}</ref> A spokesperson for President Wade said that coup leader Gen. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz had telephoned him at 2:40pm local time to inform him of the situation "in his capacity as a close neighbour and African leader."<ref name=twa/> Wade stated that he would inform the African Union about what he discussed with Aziz during the phone call.<ref name=twa/>
*{{ZAF}} - A spokesperson for the department of foreign affairs said, "South Africa has never countenanced the use of military coups to settle political issues and joins the entire international community in expressing its outright and unequivocal condemnation of such unconstitutional transfer of power," adding, "South Africa like the rest of humanity calls for an immediate return to democracy and the rule of law."<ref>{{cite news |title=SA condemns Mauritania coup |url=http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=6&art_id=nw20080806162900991C536561|publisher=IOL |date=2008-08-06 |accessdate=2008-08-06}}</ref> *{{ZAF}} - A spokesperson for the department of foreign affairs said, "South Africa has never countenanced the use of military coups to settle political issues and joins the entire international community in expressing its outright and unequivocal condemnation of such unconstitutional transfer of power," adding, "South Africa like the rest of humanity calls for an immediate return to democracy and the rule of law."<ref>{{cite news |title=SA condemns Mauritania coup |url=http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=6&art_id=nw20080806162900991C536561|publisher=IOL |date=2008-08-06 |accessdate=2008-08-06}}</ref>

Revision as of 17:32, 7 August 2008

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Politics of Mauritania

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A coup d'état took place in Mauritania on 6 August 2008 when Mauritanian President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi was ousted from power by a group of high ranking generals he had dismissed from office earlier that day.

Background

Location of Mauritania

General Muhammad Ould ‘Abd Al-‘Aziz was one of the leading figures in the August 2005 coup that ended the 21-year presidency of Maaouya Sid'Ahmed Ould Taya. Aziz backed Abdallahi's candidacy in the subsequent March 2007 presidential election, which Abdallahi won. Abdallahi soon angered General Aziz and his supporters, however, by reaching out to Islamic hardliners, by freeing several suspected terrorists, and by using state funds to build a mosque on the grounds of the presidential palace.

In May 2008, Abdallahi appointed 12 ministers who had been part of President Taya's former government, some of whom had been accused of corruption. This, together with the inclusion of members of opposition parties in the government (headed by Prime Minister Yahya Ould Ahmed El Waghef) and the government's failure to present a programme, led many members of the pro-Abdallahi ADIL party in the National Assembly to file a censure motion against the government on June 30 2008. The government resigned on July 2 before a no-confidence vote was held, and Abdallahi immediately reappointed Waghef to form a new government. The government announced on July 15 included no members of the opposition; it also excluded the former associates of Taya whose presence in the previous government had attracted criticism.

On August 4 2008, 25 of the 49 ADIL deputies in the National Assembly, along with 24 of the party's 45 senators, announced that they were leaving the party, thereby depriving it of its parliamentary majority.

The immediate catalyst for the coup was Abdallahi's announcement on the morning of August 6 that he was firing several generals, including Aziz (who had been the head of the presidential guard) and army chief of staff General Mohamed Ould Sheikh Mohamed. Mauritania has experienced more than 10 coups or attempted coups since achieving its independence from France in 1960.

Details

President Abdallahi

Early in the morning of August 6, Abdallahi announced that he was firing several senior army officers, and at 9:20 a.m. he was seized from his home by members of the Presidential Security Battalion (BASEP for Bataillon de la sécurité présidentielle) in a military coup. Presidential spokesman Abdoulaye Mamadouba said in a statement that President Abdallahi, Prime Minister Waghef, and Interior Minister Mohamed Ould R'zeizim had been arrested by renegade senior army officers, unknown troops, and a group of generals, and were being held under house arrest at the presidential palace in Nouakchott. Of the apparently successful and bloodless coup d'état, Abdallahi's daughter, Amal Mint Cheikh Abdallahi said: "The security agents of the BASEP came to our home and took away my father."

The coup plotters were fired senior officers in the security forces, including General Abdel Aziz, General Muhammad Ould Al-Ghazwani, General Philippe Swikri, and Brigadier General (Aqid) Ahmad Ould Bakri. State television reported that the country was now being led by a new military State Council, which would be run by Abdel Aziz. The State Council said that Abdallahi was now the "former president."

General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz issued a statement on the al-Arabiya international television station and issued what he called, "communiqué No. 1" which reversed the "former president's" firing of the military officers. Al-Aziz was also reportedly holding talks with the President of the Mauritanian National Assembly, Messaoud Ould Boulkheir, on the feasibility of holding potential new elections in two months.

Police reportedly fired tear gas at about 50 people who had gathered near the main market of Nouakchott. Otherwise, the city remained calm.

All state television and radio stations in Nouakchott reportedly ceased broadcasting as the coup began. The Nouakchott international airport was also closed.

According to an official statement released on August 7, Abdallahi's powers were terminated and Mauritania would be governed on a transitional basis by an 11-member High Council of State, with Abdel Aziz as the President of the Council, until a new presidential election was held "as soon as possible". The Council promised that this election would be "free and transparent" and that it would consult with the national institutions, the political class, and civil society. Furthermore, the Council gave an assurance that it would "respect all treaties, international agreements and conventions to which Mauritania has subscribed". The members of the Council were listed as:

  • General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz (President of the Council)
  • General Mohamed ould Cheikh Mohamed Ahmed
  • General Felix Negré
  • Colonel Ahmed Ould Bekrine
  • Colonel Mohamed ould Cheikh Ould El Hadi
  • Colonel Ghoulam ould Mahmoud
  • Colonel Mohamed Ould Meguet
  • Colonel Mohamed ould Mohamed Znagui
  • Colonel Dia Adama Oumar
  • Colonel Hanena Ould Sidi
  • Colonel Ahmedou Bemba Ould Baye

International reaction

International Organizations

  • Arab Maghreb Union - The Arab Maghreb Union asked its own Secretary General Habib Ben Yahia to visit Mauritania immediately in order to assess the situation and "contact the various parties" involved in the coup.
  •  African Union - In a written statement the group immediately condemned the coup: "The African Union (...) condemns the coup d'Etat and demands the restoration of constitutional legality." The African Union's Peace and Security Commissioner, Ramtane Lamamra, will soon travel to Nouakchott to assess the situation and to determine the best way to return democracy to the country.
  •  European Union - The European Commission said in a statement that it "is very concerned by the situation in Mauritania, which puts into question the remarkable democratic progress in this country." Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel also said that "this situation could put into question our policy of cooperation with Mauritania," and could threaten the 156 million euros of aid allocated for Mauritania for 2008-2013.
  • Organisation of Islamic Cooperation OIC - The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has expressed his concern over the military take over staged against the democratically elected goverrnment in Mauritania today and detention of President and Prime Minister by the army officers. The Secretary General stated that he was particularly dismayed by this development as Mauritania had been exhibiting examplary development towards the entrenchment of democracy and rule of law in the country with the visible positive role and support of its armed forces. Therefore, he said, he would have wished that all matters related to the conduct of political process in the country to be handled within the democratic principles and supremacy of law. He reminded that all Mauritanians and international community, as well as the OIC, had invested heavily in the democracy project in Mauritania and hoped that the armed forces would continue their positive role in favour of democracy. He called for the restoration of democratic process as soon as possible including an immediate release of the President, Prime Minister and other members of the government.
  •  United Nations - Through a spokeswoman, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon stated that he "deeply regrets" the coup. Also, Ban's spokeswoman said he "deeply regrets the overthrow of the Government of President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi," and called for "the restoration of constitutional order,".

States

  •  Chile - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a press statement, informing that "the overthrowing -by the military- of the first ever democratic president elected in all history of Mauritania, constitutes a setback to the cause of democracy in the world. Chile longs for to have restored, as soon as possible in Mauritania, the state of law, the legitimate, constitutional and democratically elected government, and the reestablishment of the political and civil freedoms".
  •  France - When asked a question about the coup at a press conference, French Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernard Kouchner replied, "You know how attached we are to Mauritania’s stability. It is too soon to describe the situation. Let me remind you nevertheless of France’s attachment to preserving the rule of law in all circumstances and its hostility to the seizure of power by force." A statement in French from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier in the day also said, "We are in contact with our embassy in Nouakchott and monitoring the situation with the greatest attention in conjunction with all our partners. Steps are being taken locally to ensure the safety of French nationals. The safety recommendations will be distributed according to the changing situation."
  •  Nigeria - President Umaru Yar'Adua stated "Nigeria totally condemns the event that took place today in Mauritania. Nigeria will not recognize any government that did not come to power through constitutional means." He also said, "Our sub-region has made great advances in terms of peace and security and sustenance of democracy at great cost to our peoples that we cannot afford the hand of the clock to be turned back again.”
  •  Russia - The Foreign ministry of Russia said, "Moscow acts on the assumption that a change of power by force is unacceptable. As is known, this is also the position of the international community, including the African Union. Such anti-constitutional actions deserve condemnation." The ministry further said that Russia hoped the country's new leadership, which has pledged to hold democratic presidential elections, would honor its pledge and give the Mauritanian people "an opportunity to continue stable development within the bounds of the Constitution and in the interest of all sections of Mauritanian society."
  • Senegal Senegal - President Abdoulaye Wade urged the coup leaders to ensure the personal safety of President Abdallahi, Prime Minister Waghef and their families. A spokesperson for President Wade said that coup leader Gen. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz had telephoned him at 2:40pm local time to inform him of the situation "in his capacity as a close neighbour and African leader." Wade stated that he would inform the African Union about what he discussed with Aziz during the phone call.
  •  South Africa - A spokesperson for the department of foreign affairs said, "South Africa has never countenanced the use of military coups to settle political issues and joins the entire international community in expressing its outright and unequivocal condemnation of such unconstitutional transfer of power," adding, "South Africa like the rest of humanity calls for an immediate return to democracy and the rule of law."
  •  Spain - In a press release from The Directorate-General for Communication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Office of the Kingdom of Spain, the following was stated, "The Spanish government expresses its condemnation of the coup that took place this morning in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania... also hoped to produce the immediate release of the President and the Prime Minister and the restoration of democratic normalcy."
  •  United Kingdom - Foreign Office minister Dr. Kim Howells said, “The UK is following the situation in Mauritania closely and is concerned by reports of a military coup. We condemn any attempt to seize power by force, and call on all parties to ensure respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and to safeguard the wellbeing of their own citizens and foreign nationals in Mauritania. Britons currently in Mauritania should monitor local press reports and take sensible precautions for their safety.”
  •  United States - US State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said of the coup, "This was a democratically elected, constitutional government and we condemn the act." He also added, "We call on the military to release the president and the prime minister and to restore the legitimate constitutional, democratically elected government immediately." Gallegos said, finally, "We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the Mauritanian military’s overthrow of the democratically elected government of Mauritania." Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice herself said this in a press conference, “The United States condemns the Mauritanian military's overthrow of the democratically elected Government of Mauritania and welcomes the statements by the African Union and the European Union condemning the coup. We call on the military to release President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi and Prime Minister Yahya Ould Ahmed Waghf and to restore the legitimate, constitutional, democratically elected government immediately. The United States looks to all of our international partners to condemn this anti-democratic action." Russell Brooks of the State Department's Bureau of African Affairs had this comment, "Our policy is that this action could have a very serious impact on our aid and cooperation with Mauritania."

See also

References

  1. "Coup leaders form new state council in Mauritania". France 24. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  2. ^ Mohamed, Ahmed (2008-08-06). "Mauritania army stages coup; junta takes charge". The Associated Press. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  3. "Mauritanian government quits before voting on censure motion", AFP, July 3, 2008.
  4. "Formation d'un gouvernement sans les partis de l'opposition", AFP (Jeuneafrique.com), July 16, 2008 Template:Fr icon.
  5. "Le parti au pouvoir en Mauritanie perd sa majorité au parlement", African Press Agency, August 4, 2008 Template:Fr icon.
  6. "President detained in Mauritania coup". AFP. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  7. "Coup d'Etat militaire en Mauritanie". Le Monde. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  8. "Coup in Mauritania as president, PM arrested". Associated Press. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  9. "Troops stage coup in Mauritania". BBC News. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  10. "Coup under way in Mauritania: president's office". Associated Press. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  11. McElroy, Damien (2008-08-06). "Mauritania president under house arrest as army stages coup". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  12. "Generals Seize Power in Mauritanian Coup". The Media Line. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  13. ^ "Coup leaders form new state council in Mauritania". France 24. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  14. Fertey, Vincent (2008-08-06). "Mauritania forces stage coup after officers sacked". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-08-06. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ "Le Haut Conseil d'Etat rend public un nouveau communiqué", AMI, August 7, 2008 Template:Fr icon.
  16. Malone, Barry (2008-08-06). "African Union condemns coup in Mauritania". Reuters. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  17. Cottey, Peter (2008-08-06). "AU Commission to Meet Over Mauritania Coup De'tat". Voice of America. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  18. "EU condemns Mauritania coup, could withhold aid". Reuters. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  19. "World powers condemn Mauritanian coup". ABC News (Australia). 2008-08-06. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Text "http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/07/2326564.html" ignored (help)
  20. "Gobierno de Chile lamenta Golpe de Estado en Mauritania". IOL. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  21. "Mauritania / Statement of the French minister of Foreign Affairs". African Press Organization. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  22. "France / Ministère des Affaires Etrangères / Situation en Mauritanie (6 août 2008)". African Press Organization. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  23. Reaction to coup in Mauritania
  24. "'Nigeria will not recognise new military government in Mauritania'". Afrique en ligne. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  25. Russia condemns Mauritania coup RIA Novosti Retrieved on August 7, 2008
  26. ^ "President overthrown in Mauritania coup". AFP. The West Australian. 2008-08-07. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  27. "SA condemns Mauritania coup". IOL. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  28. "Golpe de estado en Mauritania". African Press Organization. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  29. "Reports of coup in Mauritania (06/08/2008)". Foreign and Commonwealth Office Newsroom. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  30. "United States condemns coup in Mauritania". Reuters. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  31. "Military Leaders Seize Power in Mauritania". the New York Times. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  32. "US urges release of Mauritanian president". Reuters. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  33. "Rice condemns military coup in Mauritania". Agence France-Presse. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  34. "Reports of coup in Mauritania (06/08/2008)". Reuters. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
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