Mauritanian Coup Leaders Assume Presidential Powers

The military leaders that overthrew Mauritania's first democratically elected government have adopted a law giving themselves presidential powers.

The law announced Tuesday formalizes the governing powers of the military's 11-member "High State Council."

Mauritania's junta leader Gen. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz waves to the crowdsin Nouakchott before addressing his first speech, 07 Aug 2008

Coup leader Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz overthrew President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi on August 6, shortly after the president announced the dismissal of top army officers.

Abdel Aziz has said the military takeover was necessary because the president mismanaged the economy and democratic institutions, and was lenient with terrorists.

The president, his prime minister and three other senior officials were detained. All but the president were released Monday.

Speaking to thousands of supporters after his release, deposed prime minister Yahya Ould Ahmed Waghef vowed to restore the country's constitution.

The coup leaders have promised to hold new elections as soon as possible, but have not given a date.

The French and U.S. governments have suspended millions of dollars in aid to the West African country until democracy is restored. The African Union also has suspended Mauritania's membership.