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  Mauritania /
Political situation
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Presidents
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| Moktar Ould Daddah |
1961-1978 |
| Mustafa Ould Mohammed Salek |
1978-1979 |
| Mohammed Mahmud Ould Luly |
1979-1980 |
| Mohammed Khuma Ould Heydalla |
1980-1984 |
| Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed Taya |
1984-2005 |
| Ely Ould Mohamed Vall |
2005-2007 |
| Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi |
2007-2008 |
| Ould Abdel Aziz |
2008- |
Prime Ministers
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| Moulaye Ould Mohamed Laghdaf |
2008- |
| Moulaye Ould Mohamed Laghdaf |
2008- |
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Until 2005, Mauritania had an active democracy, where several parties participated. The country also had freedom of speech. All this, was a result of international pressure, as Mauritania relied much upon the goodwill of Western countries.
In few years, there have been two military coups, one in 2005, the second in August 2008. In the latter one, the democratically elected president and the prime minister were removed from power. The president put under house arrest, and the prime minister imprisoned.
There are promises of free elections "within the shortest time possible".
In retaliation of its political instability and unpredictability, Mauritania's membership in the African Union has been suspended. Also, some of the most important contributors, like France, have frozen all non-humantarian aid to the country.
Many public demonstrations were staged between August and October against the coup, but have since then been outlawed.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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