Mauritanian Coup

I know absolutely nothing about Mauritanian politics. But in the true tradition of this blog, try and see if you can reconstruct the history. (Taya is the current leader)

NOUAKCHOTT (Reuters) - Members of Mauritania's presidential guard took over state television and radio on Wednesday and blocked streets in the capital Nouackchott in what a diplomat said could be a coup attempt. ....

Taya seized power in a 1984 coup. He has angered many Arabs in the country, which straddles black and Arab Africa, by shifting support from former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to Israel and Washington in the 1990s.

Mauritania -- which hopes to start pumping oil early next year -- is one of only three Arab League member states that have established diplomatic ties with Israel.

It is also one of the most repressive countries in the region toward Islamist movements, analysts say. .....

The United States has been sending military experts to train soldiers in Mauritania and other countries in the region to combat militants thought to be operating in the Sahara.