Keep army out of political debates: Mauritania minister

Defense minister issues appeal in run-up to parliamentary polls slated for June

By Mohamed al-Bakay

NOUAKCHOTT (AA) - Mauritanian Defense Minister Diallo Mamadou Bhatia on Monday urged politicians to avoid involving the country’s armed forces in politics.

He made the appeal at a joint press conference held in the capital Nouakchott with Sidi Mohamed Ould Maham, the leader of the ruling Union for the Republic Party.

Bhatia also heads up the ruling party's reform committee, which was set up last month by President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz to prepare for parliamentary polls slated for June.

The Mauritanian opposition frequently warns against intervention in politics by the country’s influential military establishment.

Mauritania is set to hold parliamentary and municipal elections in June, with presidential polls slated for mid-2019.

The country’s main opposition parties have announced their intention to take part in the polls after boycotting the last election in 2013.

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