Security forces clash with anti-coup protesters in Nouakchott

Security forces clashed with anti-coup protesters in the capital, Nouakchott, on 7 October 2008, the second such incident since 5 October. Police used tear gas and beat union members who had gathered at a local market in the downtown area to protest the ruling military junta that took power in August 2008. At least two people were injured in the incident. Unions organized the protest despite a recent decree banning all protests and demonstrations in the country. Another anti-coup protest was held on 5 October and also resulted in clashes with police who attempted to break up the demonstration. The military junta led by Gen. Mohammed Abdelaziz took power in a coup in August 2008, ousting the country's first democratically elected government and detaining President Sidi Abdallahi, who remains under house arrest. The junta has promised to hold free and transparent elections but no exact date has been set for the vote.