Mohamed Ould Ghazouani

Mohamed Ould Cheikh Mohamed Ahmed Ould Ghazouani, born on December 4, 1956, is a prominent Mauritanian politician and retired army general. He has held the esteemed position of the 9th President of Mauritania since June 22, 2019, marking a significant milestone as the first peaceful transition of power in the country since its independence. His leadership has been characterized by a commitment to stability and progress.

Before ascending to the presidency, Ghazouani served as the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of Mauritania from 2008 to 2018 and was the general-director of National Security. His tenure as defense minister from October 2018 to March 2019 further solidified his influence in the military and political landscape of Mauritania, where he was a close ally of former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz.

Since taking office, Ghazouani has focused on enhancing social security and combating corruption, notably through the arrest of his predecessor. His administration has also prioritized the modernization of the military and the elimination of jihadist violence, fostering engagement with local communities and Islamist groups to promote peace and security.

In addition to his presidential duties, Ghazouani has been appointed as the 22nd chairperson of the African Union, serving from February 2024 until February 2025. His leadership continues to shape the future of Mauritania and its role within the African continent.