SA condemns Mauritania coup
2005-08-04 12:14
Pretoria - South Africa has condemned the coup d'etat in Mauritania on Wednesday, calling for the return of the rule of law and constitutionality in that country.
"We join the international community, and the African Union in particular, for the return to the rule of law and constitutionality in Mauritania," said Ronnie Mamoepa, spokesperson for the department of foreign affairs.
"The South African government reiterates the AU position that any unconstitutional transfer of power will not be countenanced by leaders of the African continent."
Mauritania's President Maaouyia Ould Taya was toppled by troops in Nouakchott on Wednesday, who seized power in Taya's absence.
The coup has drawn condemnation from world leaders.
- SAPA