"Changes"

Aw ni ce. I just got some fun (and belated) news. Apparently, there was a recent (bloodless) coup d'etat in neighboring Mauritania. According to Peace Corps Mali's Country Director, "As coups go, it was pretty quick, neat and clean. " Lol. You know, as coups go... Actually, I think I'll let him fill you in on the rest of the details:

Dear Volunteers,
As you may have heard by now, yesterday morning at 4:00 a.m. there was a coup d'etat in Mauritania. As coups go, it was pretty quick, neat and clean. The national radio and television stations were taken over, as was the airport and presidential palace. The president was arrested and replaced by an army general. From all accounts, it all happened without a shot fired. Supposedly the military junta that seized power will be organizing democratic elections in the near future. Needless to say, hold off for the time being on that dream vacation you were planning to Mauritania. Below you can see a summary of where things are at vis-a-vis PC/Mauritania.

Hope you're all doing well, and hey, we could be in Mauritania...

Peace Corps:
-Standfast has been lifted and Volunteers are returning to their villages & sites.
-PCV travel to Nouakchott is restricted without advance approval from PC/Mauritania.
-Volunteer mood is expressed as relief that the coup was calmly executed without incidents of violence.
-Previously scheduled Mid Service IST has been cancelled -A few COSing Volunteers may be able to leave today.
-Volunteers encouraged to contact their families to let them know they are safe -All staff on hand.
-CD returning as scheduled on Friday (tomorrow).

Country:
-Transfer of power seems to be complete and there is some public support for the military junta. -Airport is now open (was closed yesterday), and the borders are open, all is calm and business as usual.
-The American Ambassador in Mauritania expressed that Mauritania may receive less foreign assistance and lose international prestige, but that there are no safety and security concerns at this time. There are scheduled political demonstrations for both sides (supporting the new and old presidents). These demonstrations are expected to be orderly.


I'm sure the new Malian trainees are glad the situation in Mauritania is stable. The last time there was trouble in the region, Mali's training center (Tubaniso, for those of you in the know) became the home for ALL of Guinea-Conakry's volunteers for over three months. And there ain't no way our new kids are sleeping two to a bed and sharing their nyegens for those jokesters in Mauritania. They're mean AND they stink at softball. Take THAT, Nouakchott!