In August 2005, a military junta engaged in a bloodless coup in Mauritania that ousted President Maaouya Sid’ Ahmed Ould Taya. Supporters and critics of this coup both explain this event in terms... Show moreIn August 2005, a military junta engaged in a bloodless coup in Mauritania that ousted President Maaouya Sid’ Ahmed Ould Taya. Supporters and critics of this coup both explain this event in terms of a struggle for democracy. According to the author this analysis can neither explain the coup nor the popular support of it. Instead, she argues that environmental catastrophe has long acted as a catalyst for political change in Mauritania, just as in other countries in North Africa. Political instability in other countries will surely follow in the wake of more bad harvests. Show less
The “League of Mauritanian Ulama” (LMU) was established in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in 2001. The period between its foundation and the presidential election of 2003 delineates a definite... Show moreThe “League of Mauritanian Ulama” (LMU) was established in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in 2001. The period between its foundation and the presidential election of 2003 delineates a definite change in the way Islam has been organized in Mauritania. It has become fundamental to incorporate actors not directly related with the official religious hierarchies in religiously focused discussions, and theologians have been approaching religious issues from a centralized state logic. Show less
