Mauritania’s Former President Sentenced to 15 Years for Corruption

In a historic and politically sensitive ruling, former Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined $3 million on Wednesday following his conviction for corruption, money laundering, and illicit enrichment.

The verdict was delivered by an appeals court in the capital, Nouakchott, following a challenge from both the state—seeking a harsher penalty—and Aziz’s defence, which argued that only a high court of justice could try a former head of state.

Aziz, who led two coups before assuming the presidency in 2009, governed Mauritania until 2019. He was a key Western ally in counterterrorism efforts across the Sahel and presided over what critics now call the “Decade of Corruption”.

The latest ruling replaces the initial five-year sentence imposed in December 2023, after Aziz was found to have illegally amassed more than $70 million in assets during his decade-long presidency. Authorities froze approximately $100 million in assets as part of the investigation, more than half of which were reportedly linked to Aziz and his family.

Landmark Ruling in African Judicial History

The trial, which began in January 2023, is considered the longest in Mauritania’s history and is seen as one of the few examples on the continent where a former leader has been convicted for corruption while still alive. Legal experts and international observers are calling it a potential turning point for accountability and the rule of law in West Africa.

“This verdict confirms that even those at the highest levels of power are not above the law,” said Brahim Ebety, one of the lawyers representing the state. “All the evidence has established that the former president abused his power for personal gain.”

In addition to the prison sentence, the court dissolved the Al-Rahma (Mercy) Foundation, a charity headed by Aziz’s son, and ordered the confiscation of its assets. The ruling also upheld a two-year prison term for Aziz’s son-in-law, who was found guilty of influence peddling.

However, six high-ranking former officials were cleared of wrongdoing, a move some observers interpret as an attempt to contain the political fallout from the case.

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A Rift in Mauritania’s Political Elite

Aziz’s defence team, led by Mohameden Ichidou, has strongly criticised the ruling, alleging that the case is politically driven.

“This is a decision that reflects the pressure the executive branch exerts on the judiciary,” Ichidou told Reuters, confirming that an appeal will be filed at the Supreme Court.

Aziz’s fall from grace has been framed by some analysts as part of a personal and political rivalry with current President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani. Though once close allies, tensions rose following Mauritania’s first peaceful transition of power in 2019, when Aziz attempted to exert influence over the ruling party. This power struggle prompted a parliamentary inquiry in 2020, resulting in corruption charges against him and 11 associates.

Economic Injustice Amid Natural Wealth

Despite Mauritania’s vast natural resources, including iron ore, gold, copper, oil, and natural gas, nearly 60% of its population lives below the poverty line, according to the United Nations. Economic hardship has fuelled widespread youth migration, with many attempting risky journeys to Europe and the United States.

The sentencing of Aziz thus strikes a powerful symbolic chord, highlighting the disconnect between national wealth and public welfare.

Calls for Judicial Independence

While some civil society voices have welcomed the ruling as a step toward justice and accountability, others have expressed concern about the independence of Mauritania’s judiciary and the risk of selective prosecution.

Nevertheless, the Aziz verdict is being watched closely across the continent as a test case for African democracies seeking to hold leaders accountable and establish transparent governance systems.