Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Mauritania, a major ally of France, has been the latest North African country to
struggle with massive unrest.

The regime of President Mohammed Ould Abdul Aziz has been faced with a
growing protest movement in Mauritania.

The protests have been organized by Muslim Brotherhood-aligned groups, including Tewasoul. The Islamic opposition has demanded democratic reforms and free elections in Mauritania.On April 22, thousands of people pledged to overthrow Aziz, who participated in two coups since 2005.

“The process to accelerate the downfall of the despot is now under
way,” protest organizer Mohammed Fadel said.

The regime has responded by arresting suspected protest organizers. On April 18, at least 40 suspected opposition figures were detained during an anti-regime demonstration.

Abdul Aziz, a senior army officer, led the coup that ousted an elected
government in 2008. A year later, he won in elections denounced by the
opposition as fraudulent.

“We’re ready to oust Aziz,” the protesters chanted during the April 22
march.

  French ally, Major protests in Mauritania backed by Muslim Brotherhood, Mohammed Ould Abdul Aziz, Muslim Brotherhood-aligned groups, two coups since 2005