Mauritania: Opposition warns against 'constitutional coup'

Mauritania’s opposition has accused the country’s authorities of attempting to revise the constitution so as to allow President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz to run for a third term.

The opposition claims this intention has been made known during speeches made in an ongoing forum on national dialogue.

Following repeated controversy on the issue, the government spokesman confirmed on Friday that the issue of presidential mandate is on the agenda of the ongoing national dialogue which has brought together a cross section of opposition leaders.

Earlier this week a ruling party MP pleaded for a modification of the article which limits the presidential mandate to two terms.

The radical opposition which has boycotted the talks, sees in these latest statements the beginning of a constitutional coup.

Opposition parties participating in the dialogue have threatened to withdraw if the original agenda is no longer respected.

President Abdel Aziz expected to complete his second five year term in 2019, had recently assured his citizens that he will respect the constitution.