SA condemns Mauritania coup

2008-08-06 20:23

Johannesburg - South Africa joined the international community on Wednesday in condemning the military coup in Mauritania, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said South Africa noted the military coup with serious concern.

"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.

"South Africa like the rest of humanity calls for an immediate return to democracy and the rule of law," he said.

The department would monitor the situation closely, he said.

The Associated Press reported on Wednesday that army officers in Mauritania staged a military coup, overthrowing the government and announcing a new junta that will be led by the head of the country's presidential guard.

According to the report the coup took place after the president and prime minister fired the country's top four military officials.

President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi was being held by renegade soldiers at the presidential palace in Nouakchott, according to presidential spokesperson Abdoulaye Mamadouba.

Soldiers also detained Prime Minister Yahya Ould Ahmed Waqef, he said.

"State radio and television went off air and witnesses said soldiers were deployed throughout the capital. No violence was immediately reported."

- SAPA