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Africa Politics

Military Coup in Mauritania

Most Westerners know very little about the West African country of Mauritania and the news that the first ever democratically elected government in the country has been overthrown by the military has made virtually no impact on the media in this part of the world.

Thankfully, the BBC website continues to keep us informed of events which are happening in less fashionable quarters of the world, while all other eyes are on the Olympics.

Troops in Mauritania have overthrown the country’s first freely-elected leader and say they have formed a state council to rule the country.

President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi was held after he tried to dismiss the military’s top commanders.

Troops are out on the streets of the capital, Nouakchott, where tear gas was fired at about 50 protesters.

President Abdallahi came to power in free and fair polls last year, taking over from a military junta.  Read More