AU Seeks Return to Democracy in Mauritania

The African Union (AU) has began actively seeking the reinstatement of democratic rule in Mauritania, weeks after the government was overthrown in a military coup. AU Commission Chairman Jean Ping met the country’s new military leader, General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, in Nouakchott, and expressed optimism that a solution could be found to the political crisis caused by the coup, which has been backed by parliament but has been opposed by ordinary Mauritanians through street demonstrations. Ping will also meet opponents of the coup, as well as deposed President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi, who has been in detention since the coup leaders took over on August 6. [PE]