The Mauritanian government on Saturday dissolved the opposition Union of Democratic Forces - New Era (UFD-NE) party, accusing it of inciting violence, Communications Minister Rachid ould Saleh said.
The decision was taken during an extraordinary cabinet meeting, Saleh told a press conference.
Saleh, who is also the government spokesman, said the party, set up when multi-party politics was introduced in the northwest African country in 1991, had worked "against the interests" of the country and threatened national security.
He said the government move was prompted by UFD leader Ahmed ould Daddah's remarks at a demonstration on Friday in Nouadhibou, in the far north of the country.
Daddah reportedly said that Friday's demonstration -- which called on the government to sever diplomatic ties with Israel -- would be the last "peaceful" one, claiming that he was ready for "confrontation and violence ... to achieve the change that people want."
UFD-EN sources said party leaders were meeting Saturday over the government decision.
Daddah this week described the situation in Mauritania as an "explosive cocktail" -- NOUAKCHOTT (AFP)
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