Mauritania - President Abdelaziz Flies To France After Shooting

Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz has been flown to France for medical treatment after he was shot in what officials say was an accident.

He had surgery in the capital, Nouakchott, and will get more treatment at a French military hospital. Before leaving, Mr Abdelaziz, 55, appeared on television from his hospital bed to say he was OK.

A military patrol is said to have mistakenly opened fire on the presidential convoy late on Saturday. "I want to reassure the citizens of Mauritania that the operation I underwent yesterday [Saturday] evening was a success thanks to the efficiency of the medical team that carried it out," he said.

Earlier, Communications Minister Hamdi Ould Mahjoub said Mr Abdelaziz was injured in the arm and that his life was not in danger.

A medical source told AFP news agency that he had had a bullet removed.

The country is being run by the prime minister in the president's absence.

He is expected to open an inquiry into the shooting and two army officers have reportedly been detained on suspicion of involvement.