THE JAPANESE NON-REACTION TO THE COUP IN MAURITANIA

The military coup in Mauritania has passed with very little comment in the Japanese press. The MOFA press secretary issued a statement on the coup, but it too was very spare: “It seems that in Mauritania on 3rd August, part of the armed forces seized power by force. Such an action runs counter to democratic procedures. Japan expresses deep concern about it, and stresses that the situation should be settled peacefully through the democratic process.”

Japan and Mauritania have had diplomatic relations since November 1960, although it seems that a high-level delegation of Japanese officials have never visited the country. Japan exports automobiles and machinery to Mauritania, and receives chromium ore and sea products like octopus and squid in return. On occasion, Japan has provided ODA for Mauritania as well. Most recently, last month, Japan provided a grant of US$11.6 million to build schools and provide water for villages in Mauritania.

The lack of interest in the political situation that is evident in the Japanese press is disappointing.