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Sunday
Mar 14th

Mauritania's pro-democracy coalition denounces "arbitrary" arrests

Nouakchott, Mauritania - The National front for the defence of democracy (FNDD), composed of Mauritania's political parties backing ousted President Sidi Mohamed Ould Sheik Abdellahi, Sunday condemned the arrest of several of its members and accused the junta of witch-hunting pro-democracy activists, under the guise of investigating some alleged mismanagement.

Several high ranking officials of the FNDD, including those who headed the liquidated Air Mauritania, were arrested during the past week.

Former Prime Minister Yahya Ould Ahmed Waghef, who once headed the defunct airline, was arrested on Thursday ostensible for interrogation over his role in the liquidation of the company.

Mr. Abdoulaye Mamadou Bâ, a former adviser and spokesperson of the deposed president, was also arrested while he was on his way to see his former boss, who has been released from detention and sent to his village.

FNDD said the arrests were aimed at diverting attention from the fact that the junta is in power illegitimately.

The soldiers who seized power on 6 August had justified their action by saying the former president had lost of lost grip of the affairs of the nation.

But the international community has continued to insist on the return to democratic governance in the country, while refusing to recognise the junta
 
Nouakchott - 16/11/2008

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