EAC MEETS IN RESPONSE TO REPORTED COUP

UNCLAS NOUAKCHOTT 000408 SENSITIVE DEPT FOR S/ES-O, DS/DSS/C, AF/W, DS/RD/AF, OCS/ACS, S/CT DEPT ALSO PASS PEACE CORPS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC CASC MR SUBJECT: EAC MEETS IN RESPONSE TO REPORTED COUP ¶1. (SBU) The EAC met at 1015hrs to discuss reports of a coup and Mission security posture. Reports indicate that at approximately 0900hrs today, the President and Prime Minister were removed from their physical offices at the direction of General Mohamed Abdel Aziz. General Aziz has been Personal Military Chief of Staff to the Presidency and has effective control over the most important tools of the military, security and intelligence services. ¶2. (SBU) The situation in town is calm despite a heavy deployment of security services throughout the city. There has been some movement of members of the general population to the area where the Presidency and many ministries are located. Though there have been reports of arrests, the situation appears to be under the effective control of security services. Marine Security Guards have been recalled to the Embassy as a precaution until the intentions of the general population in the area of the Presidency and ministries can be determined. ¶3. (SBU) Post has issued a warden message advising American citizens to remain at home for today. ¶4. (SBU) Peace Corps volunteers in Nouakchott are on "standfast", volunteers outside Nouakchott are restricted from traveling to Nouakchott and are "on alert". ¶5. (SBU) There are several DOD elements in country, though located outside of Nouakchott, engaged in mil-to-mil training and support. All DOD elements have been contacted and will remain at their sites for the time being. Boulware