Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08NOUAKCHOTT408
2008-08-06 13:21:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Nouakchott
Cable title:  

EAC MEETS IN RESPONSE TO REPORTED COUP

Tags:  ASEC CASC MR 
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O 061321Z AUG 08
FM AMEMBASSY NOUAKCHOTT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7456
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUCNMGH/MAGHREB COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC IMMEDIATE
RHMFISS/CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE IMMEDIATE
RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE IMMEDIATE
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE
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

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