re: read the mauritania post This is a current article in the...

re: read the mauritania post This is a current article in the Mauritania Post

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Failed coup in Mauritania?


Tuesday 10 August 2004, 2:05 Makka Time, 23:05 GMT


Seizing power in 1984, the president survived a coup in 2003


Mauritanian troops have been confined to barracks in the capital Nouakchott after unconfirmed reports of a foiled putsch.


An opposition deputy and a human rights lawyer on Monday said there was talk more than a dozen army officers had been arrested.

The apparent attempt to kill President Muaawya walad Sidi Ahmad Taya took place at the airport as he was leaving for France.

"We've been consigned [to barracks]," said a lower-ranking soldier in the capital, where people were going about their business as usual.

There was no official confirmation. Neither the presidency nor military police were immediately available for comment.

Relative calm

There was no sign of increased security at the presidency in the capital or at the main army base.

Mauritania's pro-Western leader seized power in a 1984 coup and has ruled the West African country with an iron fist ever since.

Renegade soldiers tried to depose Taya in June last year, but the uprising was crushed in two days of street battles.

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I expect that the proving there is no more bad news today that the price will recover. So far, this incident has not resulted in any street fighting. Last years attempted coup had fighting in the streets, etc.. and the price recovered.

Everyone must remember the whole of africa is potentially unstable and this type of event will continue to happen. Look at Algeria, Angola, Nigeria, Equitorial Guinnea, Kenya, etc..

I believe the big short risk at the moment would be if there is some street fighting resulting in Woodside suspending drilling for some indefinite time.

Long term, even with a change of Government, the new Government would most likely honour any previous agreement with Woodside etc. Unfortunatley this would delay the development some years.

Lets see what tommorrow brings in the Mauritania Post(find it on Google)

Dennis