The African Union says it will suspend Mauritania's membership until democracy is restored in the West African country.
AUchief Bernard Membe of Tanzania issued a statement Saturday condemningthe military coup that overthrew Mauritania's democratically electedgovernment.
Mauritanian coup leader Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz isquoted by Reuters news agency saying the military will continue todetain deposed president Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi for what he calledsecurity reasons.
Coup leaders said Friday an 11-man military junta would assume presidential powers until new elections are organized.
Theyalso said they would appoint a new government and issue aconstitutional decree formalizing the powers of what they call the"High State Council."
The United States, European Union and Arab League have all condemned Wednesday's coup.
OnThursday, the U.S. government suspended more than $22 million innon-humanitarian aid to Mauritania, while the EU has said the coupthreatens more than $240 million in aid.
President Abdallahi'schildren have expressed concern about their father's safety andhealth. The ousted president has been in military custody sinceWednesday.
The coup took place shortly after the Mauritanian president announced his intention to replace several top army generals.
OnThursday, at least one thousand people marched in Mauritania's capital,Nouakchott, in support of the coup. Riot police fired tear gas tobreak up a smaller protest by anti-coup demonstrators.
The military leaders have promised to hold "free and transparent" elections as soon as possible.