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Troops in Mauritania, the world's newest oil producer, have overthrown President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi and say they have formed a state council to rule the country. In the capital Nouakchott, tear gas was fired at protesters and troops are on the streets.
Mauritania has a population of over three million and is one of the world's poorest nations, but has been looking to support its economy through oil production. The former French colony has been in political turmoil since a vote of no confidence in the cabinet over two weeks ago.
President Abdallahi was held after he tried to dismiss four senior army commanders, who responded by launching the coup. Troops rounded up the president and Prime Minister Yahia Ould Ahmed El-Waqef on August 6, apparently without the use of force. The first indications of the coup came as state television and radio stations ceased transmission, with unusual troop movements reported in Nouakchott.
The coup has been condemned by the African Union, who responded by sending an envoy to Nouakchott and demanding a return to constitutional government. The European Commission and US state department have also condemned the coup, with the commission threatening suspension of aid to the country.
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