A wounded presidency

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The inside view

An unexpected unity of purpose has emerged in the international reaction to General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz’s 6 August putsch in Mauritania against elected President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi. The United States, France and the Arab League all back the African Union’s ultimatum to Gen. Mohamed’s junta: restore constitutional rule by 6 October or face sweeping economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation. Gen. Mohamed rejected the AU’s demand and threatens to try President Sidi Abdallahi for high treason. The AU’s efforts are led by two Algerians, Commissioner for Peace & Security Ramtane Lamamra and UN Representative in West Africa and ex-AU Commissioner Said Djinnit. They have led the pressure on Gen. Mohamed and are trying to devise a face-saving exit for the putschists. One possible sanctuary would be Morocco, which has maintained diplomatic support for the junta in defiance of its fellow African states. Some suspect a deal between the Mauritanian junta and the Kingdom on Western Sahara. Others say there are blood ties with Morocco’s ruling elite. Alone among Europeans, Spain recognises the junta, having reached a lucrative accord on fishing rights with it. Given the AU’s overwhelming reluctance to use force in anywhere bigger than Comoros, Nouakchott’s defiance will be a practical test of the AU’s political will and the efficacy of sanctions and diplomatic ostracism.