- The European Union has suspended its cooperation with Mauritania for two years saying the ties would resume after the return of a democratic rule, the EU said in a statement.
General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who formerly headed the presidential guards took power on 6 August last year, after overthrowing the democratically elected President Sidi Ould Sheikh Abdallahi.
The EU which among other relations established fisheries firm for export into the EU market said during attempts to achieve constitutional order in October, the ruling junta failed to present satisfactory proposals or commitments towards the sound democracy.
In October 2008, the EU warned the military junta that the country may face serious risk of long-lasting isolation from the international scene if it does not return to democratic rule.
“Without a consensus and a return to constitutional order, there is no possibility of any substantial resumption of EU-Mauritanian cooperation,” the bloc's statement said.
According to the statement, the follow up missions will be conducted during the two years to see if cooperation can restart. The EU has also advised the junta in a letter on the measures needed for that to happen.
In February, the African Union also imposed sanctions on the regime and its civilians. The sanctions followed the junta’s rebellious notions to cast aside threats of isolation and sanctions against the country.
Last month the newly elected AU head, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, promised to renegotiate the continental body to reconsider its decisions, but the African Union rejected the call and maintained sanctions until the democratic rule was reinstated.
Presidential elections have been set for 6 June after the military junta succumbed to pressure.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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