Nouakchott, Mauritania – Former Mauritanian president Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz has been sentenced to 15 years in prison on charges of corruption, illicit enrichment, and abuse of power, following a court of appeal ruling on Wednesday, 15 May 2025.
The verdict comes after both the state and Aziz’s legal team contested the initial five-year sentence handed down in December 2023, with the state arguing that the punishment was too lenient and the defence claiming that only a high court of justice could try a former head of state.
Coup Leader Turned President
Abdel Aziz came to power in a 2008 military coup and subsequently won two presidential elections in 2009 and 2014. He ruled Mauritania for a decade, positioning himself as a key ally of Western nations combating Islamist extremism in the Sahel region.
Despite his initial popularity and role in stabilising the country, his post-presidency years have been marred by serious corruption allegations, which culminated in a historic trial last year.
Legal Battle and Political Fallout
Wednesday’s decision by the Nouakchott court of appeal significantly lengthens Abdel Aziz’s sentence and marks one of the most consequential corruption rulings against a former African head of state in recent history.
Abdel Aziz has consistently denied all charges, with his defence team slamming the verdict as politically motivated.
“It is a decision that reflects the pressure the executive branch exerts on the judiciary,” said defence lawyer Mohameden Ichidou, who confirmed plans to appeal to the Supreme Court.
In contrast, the plaintiff lawyers representing the Mauritanian state welcomed the ruling.
“All the evidence has established that the former president, who single-handedly ruled the entire country, is the perpetrator of illicit enrichment, abuse of power, and money laundering,” said Brahim Ebety, a lawyer involved in the prosecution.
Peaceful Transfer of Power — Then Prosecution
Aziz’s successor, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, was initially seen as a loyal ally. However, relations soured after Ghazouani’s administration opened the door to parliamentary investigations, which eventually led to formal charges being brought against the former president in 2021.
The charges stemmed from Aziz’s alleged misuse of public resources, illicit acquisition of wealth, and the manipulation of state institutions during his presidency.
What Comes Next?
With a Supreme Court appeal now expected, the saga may not yet be over. However, the 15-year prison sentence represents a significant moment in Mauritania’s history—marking a rare example of high-level accountability in a region often plagued by impunity for political elites.
Aziz’s imprisonment also sends a strong signal to other African leaders that stepping down from power no longer guarantees immunity from prosecution.
