This will be interesting! The UN, African Union and the US have condemned the military coup that took over Mauritania, yesterday.
President Taya made this visit to Niger yesterday. He was overthrown at home while he was away at King Fahd’s funeral.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said he rejected any attempt to change a government unconstitutionally.
The AU said it strongly condemned any seizure of power, while the US called for a peaceful return to order under President Maaouiya Ould Sid Ahmed Taya.
The Mauritanian army said on Wednesday that it had ended the “totalitarian regime” of President Taya.
It said it had set up a governing council to rule the West African state for two years, after which it would organise free and fair elections.
The council named security chief Colonel Ely Ould Mohammed Vall as the new leader.
There were street celebrations in the capital, Nouakchott, following the announcement on national radio.
More on the Coup d’état:
Army Coup d’état in Mauritania!