Mauritania’s Former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz Sentenced to 15 Years for Corruption

A Mauritanian appeals court has sentenced former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz to 15 years in prison and imposed a $3 million fine for corruption charges. This ruling escalates a previous five-year sentence handed down in 2023 for corruption charges during his tenure as president from 2009 to 2019.

The Corruption Charges

Abdel Aziz was found guilty of money laundering and illicit self-enrichment, with investigators revealing he amassed over $70 million in assets during his decade in office. The former president, who rose to power through two coups, has denied the corruption allegations.

The Trial and Sentencing

The case, which commenced in 2023, has drawn international attention as a rare example of an African head of state being held accountable for corruption while in office. Abdel Aziz’s legal team dismissed the charges as politically motivated, alleging they stem from a falling-out with his successor, President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani.

Reaction to the Ruling

Abdel Aziz’s defence lawyer, Mohameden Ichidou, criticized the decision, stating it reflects the pressure the executive branch exerts on the judiciary. The defence plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. In contrast, Brahim Ebety, one of the plaintiff lawyers for the Mauritanian state, welcomed the ruling, emphasizing that the evidence established Abdel Aziz’s guilt.

Impact on Mauritania’s Political Landscape

This sentencing could mark a pivotal moment in Mauritania’s political and judicial history, signaling a stronger stance against corruption among high-level officials. However, the case remains politically sensitive in a country where institutions are still consolidating democratic norms.

Other Developments in the Case

The court also
Upheld a two-year prison sentence for Abdel Aziz’s son-in-law on charges of influence peddling
Ordered the dissolution of the “Errahma” (Mercy) Foundation, run by Abdel Aziz’s son, and authorized the seizure of its assets
Cleared six high-ranking officials from Abdel Aziz’s former government of any wrongdoing

This development is significant in a country where corruption and poverty coexist, with nearly 60% of the population living below the poverty line. The outcome of this case may have implications for Mauritania’s efforts to strengthen its institutions and reduce corruption.

Source: Africa Publicity