Former President of Mauritania sentenced to 15 years in prison: appeal court increases sentence

In Mauritania, the court ruling against the country’s former president, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, has been significantly toughened. While he was previously sentenced to five years in prison, the appeals court has now sentenced him to 15 years. This was reported by the local outlet Sahara Medias.

The court session was held on May 14, with Abdel Aziz himself and several of his close associates in attendance. During the appeals process, the criminal chamber of the court reviewed the earlier decision and substantially increased the sentence.

According to the outlet, the court also issued a verdict against the former president’s son-in-law, sentencing him to two years in prison.

At present, Abdel Aziz’s legal team is preparing to file an appeal with the Supreme Court — the highest judicial authority in Mauritania. The case is expected to again spark widespread public discussion.

Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz served as president from 2009 to 2019. His tenure is considered one of the most controversial periods in Mauritania’s modern history. In 2020, he was investigated and charged with corruption, illegal enrichment, embezzlement of state funds, and abuse of power.

In December 2023, he was sentenced to five years in prison, but the appeals process began on November 13, 2024.

The court also upheld the decision to confiscate Abdel Aziz’s assets and revoke his civil rights.

This case holds a special place in Mauritania’s political history. The country experienced several military coups between 1978 and 2008. Only in 2019 did power transfer peacefully through elections — when Mohamed Ould Ghazouani won and currently continues to serve as president.

Zamin.uz editorial team will continue to monitor developments. Only time will show the outcome of this historic political process. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!