(http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/121015-mauritanian-pres-1a.photoblog600.jpg)Hoep / AMI via APMauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz recovers at the Ksar Military Hospital in Noukchott, Mauritania, on Sunday before evacuation to France for further treatment for a gunshot wound.By NBC News and wire reportsNOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania -- The president of coup-prone Mauritania was flown to France for medical treatment on Sunday after officials said the Western ally against al-Qaida was accidentally shot by "jumpy" soldiers.
The shooting late Saturday set the northwest African country on edge and President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz appealed to Mauritanians to keep calm in a televised message from his hospital bed.
Although Mauritania has been stable politically since Abdel Aziz seized power in 2008, it lies on the fringes of the Sahara Desert where Islamist gunmen hold increasing sway.
"I want to reassure everyone about my state of health after this incident committed by error," Abdel Aziz said from his bed. "Thanks to God, I am doing well."
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