Islamist opposition joined govt for first time, after new PM Waghf brought RNRD plus leftist UFP into cabinet following PM Zeidane 6 May resignation. But main Islamic opposition RFD rejected PM’s invitation and govt reform program.

2 Apr escape of detainee Sidi Ould Sidna, suspect in Dec 2007 murder of 4 French tourists, prompted series of raids on Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) hideouts; 8 arrested, including Sidna, late Apr; another suspect arrested 10 Apr. Soldiers mistakenly shot French private security guard 17 Apr; security forces on high alert since Dec.

8 briefly detained in connection with 1 Feb Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb shooting attack on Israeli embassy and nightclub in Nouakchott. UN working group on arbitrary detention began 14-day assessment mission 19 Feb.

2 alleged Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb members extradited from Guinea-Bissau in connection with 24 Dec murder of 4 French tourists in southern Mauritania – believed to be 2 of 3 gunmen. 4 others charged for abetting killers 20 January. Paris-Dakar Rally cancelled because of terrorism threat. Gunmen fired at Israeli embassy in Nouakchott 1 Feb; attack followed opposition calls for President Abdallahi to sever ties with Israel amid Gaza blockades.

Government claimed al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb responsible for murder of 4 French tourists south east of Nouakchott 25 December; Senegalese forces later arrested 3 suspects. 3 soldiers manning military checkpoint in north killed by unidentified gunmen, 27 December.

Protests against rising food prices spread to several cities 12 November; 1 killed and 17 injured when army dispersed groups after looting and vandalism in Zouerate.

In ongoing operation against militants linked to al-Qaeda in the Maghreb 10 detained; 3 charged with membership and aiding of extremist organisation.

6 men, including 3 Moroccans, arrested in Nouakchott 28 June on suspicion of terrorist links to al- Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Trial of 14 Islamists ended with court dropping all terrorism charges: 5 sentenced for forgery, 9 acquitted.

Court acquitted 20 Islamists of trying to form al-Qaeda-linked group: 1 found guilty of possessing illegal arms and false documents, given 2-year sentence. Separate trial of 14 Islamists charged with terrorist group collaboration began 25 June; 3 defendants accused of participating in 2005 attack on army base which killed 15.

Trial of 21 suspected Islamist militants began 21 May. Suspects accused of trying to set up wing of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (formerly GSPC) with aim of threatening security “inside and outside” state.