Mauritania’s Nouakchott Court of Appeal has sentenced former president Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz to 15 years imprisonment for corruption charges significantly increasing his initial 5-year sentence from December 2023.
The ruling comes after both prosecutors and the defense appealed the original verdict in the high-profile Mauritanian corruption case that has gripped the West African nation.
The appellate court found Abdel Aziz guilty of multiple economic crimes in Mauritania, including illicit enrichment, abuse of power, and money laundering during his decade-long rule. Defense lawyer Mohameden Ichidou condemned the decision as politically motivated, telling Reuters the judiciary faced pressure from the executive branch. The legal team plans to appeal to Mauritania’s Supreme Court, maintaining that only a special high court should try former presidents.
Abdel Aziz’s Political Background: From Coup Leader to Convicted Felon
Abdel Aziz first seized power in a 2008 military coup in Mauritania before winning elections in 2009 and 2014. Once a key Western ally in the Sahel counterterrorism efforts, his fall from grace began after the 2019 election of current president Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, his former protégé. The Mauritanian parliament later authorized corruption charges against Abdel Aziz, marking a rare case of post-presidential accountability in Africa.
State prosecutor Brahim Ebety hailed the verdict as justice served, stating evidence proved the ex-president “single-handedly ruled the entire country” while committing financial crimes.
The case involved allegations of misusing state resources and diverting public funds, though Abdel Aziz maintains his innocence. Observers note the ruling reinforces Mauritania’s anti-corruption stance but raises questions about political motivations behind the prosecution.
As defense lawyers prepare their Supreme Court appeal, the case continues to test Mauritania’s judicial independence and democratic institutions. The 15-year sentence sets a precedent for governance accountability in West Africa, where former leaders rarely face consequences for alleged misconduct.
The outcome of this final appeal will determine whether the once-powerful ruler serves what amounts to a life sentence for the 66-year-old in Mauritania’s prison system.
