Mauritanian president to run for new term

Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz announced yesterday his intention to run in the presidential elections scheduled for this summer.

Abdel Aziz said in a press statement: “A decree was issued to call the Elections Committee on April 20 and open candidacy for those interested to run. As president of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, I will run for a new term.”

Speaking in the capital Nouakchott, the president said: “If anyone intends to boycott the elections, I am not interested in their plans.”

Abdel Aziz is a former general who came to power in a coup in August 2008; he was elected for a five year term a year later, amidst protests from opposition groups.