Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz

Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, born on December twentieth, nineteen fifty-six, is a prominent figure in Mauritania's political and military landscape. He served as the eighth President of Mauritania from two thousand nine to two thousand nineteen, marking a significant era in the nation's governance.

A career soldier, Aziz played a pivotal role in the August two thousand five coup that deposed President Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya. His military influence continued with another coup in August two thousand eight, which led to the removal of President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi. Following this coup, he assumed the presidency of the High Council of State, overseeing a political transition that culminated in the July two thousand nine presidential election, which he won decisively.

Taking office in August two thousand nine, Aziz was re-elected in two thousand fourteen but chose not to seek a third term in two thousand nineteen. His leadership extended beyond national borders as he served as the chairman of the African Union from two thousand fourteen to two thousand fifteen.

However, his post-presidency years have been marred by controversy. In June two thousand twenty-one, he was arrested on corruption charges, leading to a five-year prison sentence in December two thousand twenty-three, which was later extended to fifteen years in May two thousand twenty-five.