Prosecutors in Mauritania have appealed to the country’s appeals court, asking for former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz to be sentenced to 20 years in prison for abuse of office. This comes as part of his appeal against a five-year sentence handed down to him in 2023, after he was convicted of using his position as president to amass a vast fortune during his time in power from 2008 to 2019.
The prosecution, led by Sidi Mohamed Ould Di Ould Moulay, argued that Aziz had “transformed the presidency into an office for blackmailing investors.” The former president is suspected of accumulating an estimated $70 million in assets and capital during his tenure.
In addition to seeking a longer prison term for Aziz, the prosecution has called for the dissolution of Rahma, a charity founded by Aziz’s son, which they claim was established for illicit purposes.
Aziz, who has been in custody since the trial began in January 2023, appeared in court alongside several former high-ranking officials and advisers. These individuals face similar charges, including abuse of office, illicit enrichment, influence peddling, and money laundering.
Throughout the trial, Aziz has denied the charges against him, maintaining that the accusations are politically motivated. His case has become emblematic of Mauritania’s efforts to confront corruption and push for greater accountability within the country’s leadership.
The outcome of this case holds significant importance for the future of Mauritania’s political landscape, as it represents a major step toward addressing systemic corruption at the highest levels of government. The case continues to attract national and international attention due to its high-profile nature and potential implications for governance in Mauritania.
