:Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz

Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz was born in Akjoujt on 20 December 1956. He joined the Meknes Royal Military Academy in Morocco in 1977,{{cite web|title=سقوط الدكتاتور ضمن النظام الطبيعي للأشياء/ اعل ولد اصنيبه|url=http://www.taqadoumy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=588:2011-10-23-04-23-25&catid=81:europe&Itemid=492|publisher=Taqadoumy|access-date=11 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930223321/http://www.taqadoumy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=588:2011-10-23-04-23-25&catid=81:europe&Itemid=492|archive-date=30 September 2018|url-status=dead}} and, after a string of promotions, established the elite BASEP (Presidential Security Battalion). He played a key role in suppressing an attempted coup in June 2003 and a military uprising in August 2004.

He received Mauritania's highest military award for his role in stopping the 2004 uprising.

[http://www.taqadoumy.com/fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=130&Itemid=28 Biographie du nouveau Président mauritanien] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716192512/http://www.taqadoumy.com/fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=130&Itemid=28 |date=16 July 2011 }}, Taqadoumy – 6 August 2008

{{Main|2005 Mauritanian coup d'état}}

A military coup on 3 August 2005, led by Ely Ould Mohamed Vall, Director-General of the Sûreté Nationale, and Colonel Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who was commander of the Presidential Guard (BASEP), overthrew President Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya. Colonel Mohamed was one of the main actors in the actual carrying out of this coup.

Ethan Zuckerman (3 August 2005) [http://www.globalvoicesonline.org/2005/08/03/mauritanians-report-on-todays-coup/ Mauritanians report on today's coup] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080813054456/http://www.globalvoicesonline.org/2005/08/03/mauritanians-report-on-todays-coup/ |date=13 August 2008 }}, Global Voices Online

At the time, Mohamed was described by a Western academic as a leader of a Mauritanian Nasserist group, pan-Arab secular nationalists.{{cite journal|author=Boubacar N'Diaye|doi=10.1093/afraf/adi126|title=Mauritania, August 2005: Justice and democracy, or just another coup?|year=2006|journal=African Affairs|volume=105|issue=420|pages=421–441}} Western sources, citing Mohamed's background in coming from a traditionally favored Oulad Bou Sbaa Chorfa tribe,[http://themoornextdoor.wordpress.com/2008/05/26/the-tribes-and-their-ministries/ The Tribes and their ministries] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603084056/http://themoornextdoor.wordpress.com/2008/05/26/the-tribes-and-their-ministries/ |date=3 June 2008 }}, themoornextdoor.wordpress.com (26 May 2008)[http://w-sahara.blogspot.com/2008/08/mohammed-ould-abdelaziz-curriculum.html Mohammed ould Abdelaziz: Curriculum Vitae] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708072204/http://w-sahara.blogspot.com/2008/08/mohammed-ould-abdelaziz-curriculum.html |date=8 July 2011 }}. w-sahara.blogspot.com (6 August 2008). questioned the general's commitment to democracy and reversing the history of ethnic and class inequities in the nation.Political transition in Mauritania: Assessment and horizons: Middle East/North Africa Report N°53 (EXECUTIVE SUMMARY). International Crisis Group, 24 April 2005.

"That Ould Mohamed Vall and Ould Abdel Aziz belong to the same tribal group, one which was highly privileged under the old regime, raises the question whether they truly intend to change its clientelist patterns and could fuel political tensions before long."

Contrary to this, the Mauritanian press credited Mohamed for pushing to reduce military rule from 24 to 19 months and for attempting to limit voter fraud in the coming election.

On 30 August 2007, President Sidi named Mohamed his Presidential Chief of Staff (Chef d'Etat-major particulier du Président de la République).

[http://www.fr.alakhbar.info/page1.php?id=588&catid=2 Ould Abdel Aziz Chef d'état major particulier et Ould Mbarek médiateur de la république] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814231201/http://www.fr.alakhbar.info/page1.php?id=588&catid=2 |date=14 August 2009 }}, Al Akhbar, 30 August 2007

Mohamed, now a General, continued to work closely with the President:

[http://www.challenge-mr.com/spip.php?article93 L'ère des généraux après celle des colonels...] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613224642/http://www.challenge-mr.com/spip.php?article93 |date=13 June 2008 }}, Ahmed Ould Soueidi, Le journal Challenge, 2007.

at the end of February 2008 he served as a personal envoy of the President to King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

[http://www.ambafrance-ma.org/presse/index.cfm?pjour=1&jr=20080227 Revue de Presse des Quotidiens Remarque: La revue de presse de lundi intègre celles de samedi et de dimanche. Celles des jours fériés sont inclues dans la Revue du jour ouvré suivant.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080902054939/http://www.ambafrance-ma.org/presse/index.cfm?pjour=1&jr=20080227 |date=2 September 2008 }} 27 February 2008

General Mohamed was also commander of the forces sent to apprehend Group for Preaching and Combat militants who had killed four French tourists at Aleg in December 2007.

A May 2008 article contrasted Mohamed's continuing involvement at the center of political power with Ely Ould Mohamed Vall, who had left public life. Mohamed remained both Advisor to the President and General, and was described as being at the nexus of "a small galaxy of other colonels, businessmen and politicians, in an uneasy balance."

[http://www.aqoul.com/archives/2008/05/why_jihadis_mau.php Why Jihadis Heart Mauritania (Bled l-Moops)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907191157/http://www.aqoul.com/archives/2008/05/why_jihadis_mau.php |date=7 September 2008 }}, aqoul.com, 25 May 2008

A conflict with the President was clearly growing in June 2008. At the end of June, the left-wing UFP party reported that they believed Mohamed and Ghazouani were planning for a coup, but were attempting a strategy of political change by hiving "independent" parliamentarians off from the government, which would replace the President peacefully.

[http://fr.ufpweb.org/spip.php?article529 Chantage au coup d'Etat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815043754/http://fr.ufpweb.org/spip.php?article529 |date=15 August 2009 }}, Union des Forces de Progrès – Mauritanie, Mohamed Baba 28 June 2008

A mass defection in the ranks of the ruling PNDD-ADIL party on 4 August 2008 (two days before the coup) with 25 Parliamentary deputies and 23 senators was reported to have been inspired by military leaders, and would have left the president unable to govern.[http://www.taqadoumy.com/fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=110&Itemid=28 Conférence de Presse des démissionnaires de Adil (avec la Liste)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716192432/http://www.taqadoumy.com/fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=110&Itemid=28 |date=16 July 2011 }}, Taqadoumy, (via w-sahara.blogspot.com). 4 August 2008

{{Main|2008 Mauritanian coup d'état}}

File:Mauritanie-Coup d'Etat 2008.jpg

On 6 August 2008, Mohamed was ordered removed by Abdallahi from his command, along with several senior officers including General Muhammad Ould Al-Ghazwani, General Felix Negri, and Brigadier-General (Aqid) Ahmed Ould Bakri.

[http://www.themedialine.org/news/news_detail.asp?NewsID=22334 "Generals Seize Power in Mauritanian Coup"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080810070231/http://www.themedialine.org/news/news_detail.asp?NewsID=22334 |date=10 August 2008 }}, The Media Line, 6 August 2008.

The first announcement of the State Council was to annul this decree.

{{cite news|url=http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/africa/mauritania-forces-stage-coup-after-officers-sacked|title=Mauritania forces stage coup after officers sacked|last=Fertey|first=Vincent|author2=Sylla, Ibrahima|date=6 August 2008|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=12 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607180031/http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/africa/mauritania-forces-stage-coup-after-officers-sacked|archive-date=7 June 2015|url-status=live}}

By 9:20 local time, BASEP troops seized the President, Prime Minister, and Interior Minister in the capital, Nouakchott. Mauritania television was taken off the air earlier, but Arabia-based al-Arabiya television played an announcement said to be from the new military junta.{{cite news|url=http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/MAURITANIA_COUP?SITE=WIBEV&SECTION=HOME|title=Mauritania army stages coup; junta takes charge|last=Mohamed|first=Ahmed|date=6 August 2008|agency=Associated Press|access-date=6 August 2008}} According to an official statement released on 7 August Sidi's powers were terminated and Mauritania would be governed on a transitional basis by an 11-member High Council of State, with Mohamed as the president of the council, until a new presidential election was held "as soon as possible".

Public reaction to the 2008 coup by western governments in the days after 6 August were hostile,

[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7545934.stm What next for Mauritania coup leaders?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080812022935/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7545934.stm |date=12 August 2008 }}, James Copnall, BBC, 6 August 2008.

with particularly harsh condemnation coming from former colonial power and past economic supporter France.

[http://www.elysee.fr/documents/index.php?lang=fr&mode=view&cat_id=8&press_id=1662 Communiqué relatif à la situation en Mauritanie] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014222945/http://www.elysee.fr/documents/index.php?lang=fr&mode=view&cat_id=8&press_id=1662 |date=14 October 2008 }}, President of France, Publié le 8 August 2007
[http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files_156/mauritania_225/situation-in-mauritania-13.08.08_11742.html Mauritania: the European Union warns the military junta of the serious risk of isolation in the international arena] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828033523/http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files_156/mauritania_225/situation-in-mauritania-13.08.08_11742.html |date=28 August 2008 }}, French Foreign Ministry (13 August 2008)

In the two weeks following the coup, Mohamed met with a number of foreign delegations, made personal phone calls to foreign leaders, and gave a number of press interviews to the international media.

[http://www.jeuneafrique.com/jeune_afrique/article_depeche.asp?art_cle=AFP30658luemetnemel0 L'UE met en garde la junte en Mauritanie contre un risque d'"isolement"], 13 August 2008 – AFP
[http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/world/5930874.html Mauritania coup commander leads march in capital] By AHMED MOHAMED and TODD PITMAN Associated Press Writers, 8 August 2008
[http://news.theage.com.au/world/mauritanian-general-defends-coup-20080811-3t49.html Mauritanian general defends coup] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521022231/http://news.theage.com.au/world/mauritanian-general-defends-coup-20080811-3t49.html |date=21 May 2011 }}, The Age, 11 August 2008
[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2008/08/20088108445974186.html Early Mauritania poll promised] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080815031323/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2008/08/20088108445974186.html |date=15 August 2008 }}, Interview, Al Jazeera, 10 August 2008

In these he stated that his actions were legal, a response to "anti-constitutional" oppression by the previous government, and that although "forced to take power" he had no desire for power. He did not rule out running in the promised elections, however.[http://www.jeuneafrique.com/jeune_afrique/article_jeune_afrique.asp?art_cle=LIN10088mohamriovuo0 Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz: « Nous avons été contraints de prendre le pouvoir »].10 August 2008 interviewed by Marianne Meunier. The General has given interviews to the BBC, French press, a number of North African publications, Senegalese publications, and even released candid photos of him speaking on the telephone with President of Senegal Abdoulaye Wade. A Saudi-based newspaper claimed that the General was motivated by a combination of disgust at the corruption of those close to Abdallahi, but also over legal threats against Mohamed and others by the president regarding the behavior of the Mauritanian military during the mass expulsion of black Africans in 1989.[http://aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=1&id=13675 Coup in Mauritanian: The Final Moments], Asharq Al-Awsat, 9 August 2008.

File:Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz - January 2009.jpg

Mohamed's initial list of names for the High Council of State included five civilians, released on 7 August along with a statement that former government ministers could retain their jobs.

[http://www.apanews.net/apa.php?page=show_article&id_article=71784 Le "Conseil d'Etat" laisse les ministres mauritaniens en place] {{Dead link|date=February 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. apanews.net {{dead link|date=July 2013}}

[http://www.cridem.org/index.php?id=82&no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=20426&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=36&cHash=657a4b87db Mauritanie : Accueil Actualité à la Une] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924141133/http://www.cridem.org/index.php?id=82&no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=20426&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=36&cHash=657a4b87db |date=24 September 2008 }}. Cridem.org. Retrieved 12 July 2013.

By the end of the same day, this list had been revised, without public explanation, to include all military figures.[https://web.archive.org/web/20080926123916/http://www.taqadoumy.com/fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=143&Itemid=28 Ould Daddah pose des conditions; M'baré et Ould Boulkheir sur la réserve]. taqadoumy.com (7 August 2008)[https://web.archive.org/web/20080926123916/http://www.taqadoumy.com/fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=187&Itemid=28 Un nouveau membre du HCE]. taqadoumy.com (11 August 2008)[https://web.archive.org/web/20110716192553/http://www.taqadoumy.com/fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=138&Itemid=28 Caricature du jour. Liste des membres du Haut Conseil d'Etat]. taqadoumy.com (7 August 2008)[https://web.archive.org/web/20080926123916/http://www.taqadoumy.com/fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=179&Itemid=28 Caricature du jour. Ould Boulkheir refuse de reconnaitre le Haut Conseil d'Etat]. taqadoumy.com (11 August 2008) Two small demonstrations were held on the day following the coup: one opposing the seizure of power, which was dispersed by the police with tear gas, and one march supporting the military, at which Mohamed spoke. At that demonstration, marchers already carried life size photographs of Mohamed in military uniform.

Ahmed Mohammed (7 August 2008) [http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-08-07-mauritania-coup-chief-leads-march-through-capital Mauritania coup chief leads march through capital] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080809000050/http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-08-07-mauritania-coup-chief-leads-march-through-capital |date=9 August 2008 }}, Mail & Guardian. mg.co.za

[http://www.nancarrow-webdesk.com/warehouse/storage2/2008-w31/img.287497.html Supporters carry a poster of coup-leader Abdelaziz in Mauritania's capital Nouakchott] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714151919/http://www.nancarrow-webdesk.com/warehouse/storage2/2008-w31/img.287497.html |date=14 July 2011 }}, Reuters wire photos (2008).

Within a week, a majority of the Mauritanian Parliament voted to authorize the coup, and on the 13th, Mohamed signed a decree appointing Moulaye Ould Mohamed Laghdaf as Prime Minister of Mauritania.

[http://www.jeuneafrique.com/fluxafp/fil_info.asp?art_cle=48635 Mauritanie: la junte nomme un diplomate Premier ministre, 8 jours après le putsch] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522005511/http://www.jeuneafrique.com/fluxafp/fil_info.asp?art_cle=48635 |date=22 May 2011 }}, 14 August 2008– NOUAKCHOTT (AFP).

[http://www.jeuneafrique.com/jeune_afrique/article_depeche.asp?art_cle=AFP40358unematatedp0 Une majorité de parlementaires et de maires soutiennent le coup d'Etat]. 13 août 2008 – AFP The Council stated that Mohamed had the power to appoint the prime minister, military officials and civil servants in Mauritania.

[http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2008/910/re4.htm Dangerous flirtations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080818125159/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2008/910/re4.htm |date=18 August 2008 }}, Gamal Nkrumah, Al-Ahram Weekly, Issue No. 910, 14–20 August 2008.
[http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MTI4ODc3NDE3Mg==Mauritanian junta issues decree specifying powers] {{Dead link|date=February 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Kuwait Times, 13 August 2008

Neighboring support was somewhat forthcoming, with Morocco's government press calling Mohamed a patriot,

[http://www.lematin.ma/Actualite/Journal/Article.asp?idr=110&id=96176 Editorial, Préserver la stabilité mauritanienne] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080815155308/http://www.lematin.ma/Actualite/Journal/Article.asp?idr=110&id=96176 |date=15 August 2008 }}, Le Matin, Morocco 6 August 2008.

an advisor of the Moroccan king coming to Nouakchott to meet with Mohamed,[http://www.taqadoumy.com/fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=206&Itemid=28 Le Maroc, vers la reconnaissance des Généraux?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080816021946/http://www.taqadoumy.com/fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=206&Itemid=28 |date=16 August 2008 }}, Bladi & Aujourd'hui le Maroc, 13 August. and Libya and Senegal eventually pronounced their support for the new government. In contrast, the Algerian government has stridently opposed the coup, even while quietly receiving a visit from Mohamed's close ally and the new Mauritanian Chief of Armed Forces, Muhammad Ould Al-Ghazwani,[http://www.taqadoumy.com/fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=210&Itemid=28 Bouteflika n'a jamais refusé de voir les émissaires mauritaniens] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080816022051/http://www.taqadoumy.com/fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=210&Itemid=28 |date=16 August 2008 }} 13 August 2008 and has attempted to rally the African Union and Arab states against Mohamed.

The United States has consistently issued press releases from the Department of State condemning the coup d'état as illegal and unconstitutional. The African Union has issued condemnation of General Mohamed as well as travel bans and the freezing of assets of Mohamed and those connected with the coup and the illegal seizure of the Mauritanian government.[https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/03/120935.htm U.S. Welcomes African Union's Call to Action on Mauritania] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028170904/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/03/120935.htm |date=28 October 2020 }} . Gordon Duguid. Acting Deputy Department Spokesman, Office of the Spokesman. Bureau of Public Affairs. Washington, DC. 26 March 2009

The BBC has pointed out that the General, who was previously seen as a supporting player in the 2005 coup, is now seen as having been the power behind the previous junta. It was also noted that the General, never seen without his military uniform, is already addressed by government staff as "president". An ally of Mohamed was quoted saying "He's a simple man, who likes order."

[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7559385.stm Mauritania strongman steps forward] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080815014727/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7559385.stm |date=15 August 2008 }}, James Copnall BBC, 14 August 2008. Apart from deriding corruption and government inaction, Mohamed stressed his opposition to Islamic fundamentalism. An internet threat, released on 12 August, alleged to be from Al-Qaeda threatened the coup leaders, and General Mohamed took the opportunity to stress his fidelity to the anti-terrorist operation which the United States government had funded in Mauritania since 2003 but suspended following the 6 August coup.

{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7558015.stm|title=Al-Qaeda 'warning' for Mauritania|work=BBC News|date=13 August 2008|access-date=23 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217045050/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7558015.stm|archive-date=17 December 2008|url-status=live}}

{{cite news|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=31643|title=New Counterterrorism Initiative to Focus on Saharan Africa|publisher=American Forces Press Service|author=Donna Miles|date=16 May 2005|access-date=23 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029072535/http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=31643|archive-date=29 October 2008|url-status=live}}

{{cite news|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=27112|title=Special Forces Support Pan Sahel Initiative in Africa|publisher=American Forces Press Service|author=Phillip Ulmer|date=8 March 2004|access-date=23 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080519145436/http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=27112|archive-date=19 May 2008|url-status=live}}

{{cite news|url=http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-08-07-voa44.cfm|title=US Cuts Non-Humanitarian Aid to Mauritania After Coup|publisher=Voice of America|author=David Gollust|date=7 August 2008|access-date=23 November 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911063438/http://voanews.com/english/2008-08-07-voa44.cfm|archive-date=11 September 2008}}

{{Main|2009 Mauritanian presidential election}}

The coup government of General Mohamed promised that it would hold a free and fair election for president on 6 June 2009. On 5 February 2009, Mauritanian state media reported that the General would stand as a candidate for president in that election.

{{cite news

| url=http://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200902060087.html

| title=Mauritanie: Le général Ould Abdel Aziz candidat aux élections présidentielles prochaines

| publisher=Agence Nouakchott d'Information

| date=5 February 2009

| access-date=6 February 2009

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216010206/http://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200902060087.html

| archive-date=16 February 2012

| url-status=live}}

Despite this attempt to legitimize the post-coup government, the African Union carried out a sanctions regime first agreed on 22 December 2008, and continued to recognize Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi as the Mauritanian Head of State. The largest opposition parties initially refused to take part in the election, calling it "predetermined" and a "farce".

[http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=980034 Opposition slam Mauritania poll] {{Dead link|date=February 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. AFP. 14 April 2009.

Ould Mohamed headed a list of sanctions targets by the African Union which was put into effect on 6 February 2009. The sanctions against government and military officials who backed the August coup prevent travel to AU nations, the issuing of visas or travel documents to these individuals, and the seizure of bank assets within AU nations.

{{cite news

| url=http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Article/DEPAFP20090205T205706Z/-UA-sanctions-junte-L-Union-affricaine-decide-de-sanctions-contre-les-membres-de-la-junte.html

| title=L'Union africaine décide de sanctions contre les membres de la junte

| agency=Agence France-Presse| date=6 February 2009

| access-date=6 February 2009

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207042648/http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Article/DEPAFP20090205T205706Z/-UA-sanctions-junte-L-Union-affricaine-decide-de-sanctions-contre-les-membres-de-la-junte.html

| archive-date=7 February 2009

| url-status=live}}

In order to stand as a candidate in the presidential election, Mohamed was required to step down as Head of State. He did so on 15 April, as expected, and the President of the Senate, Ba Mamadou Mbare, succeeded him in an interim capacity.Ahmed Mohamed, [https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iGolSlk3nI14NBpNtXveLDYfq2KwD97J7OB01 "Mauritania coup leader cedes power to seek office"] {{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, Associated Press, 15 April 2009. Members of the opposition decried the move, saying the General was retaining real power. Mohamed Ould Maouloud, a leader in the {{Ill|National Front for the Defence of Democracy|fr|Front national pour la défense de la démocratie|WD=}} (FNDD) opposition coalition, was quoted in the foreign press as saying: "It's a false resignation, a pretend resignation that the general is doing to trick public opinion and have people accept the putsch."[http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=86&art_id=nw20090416044808557C138401 'It's a pretend resignation']. AFP. 16 April 2009.

The Union for the Republic political party elected Mohamed as its president at the party's constituent assembly on 5 May 2009.

[http://www.ami.mr/fr/articles/2009/Mai/05/08.html "Le parti de l'Union pour la République procède à l'élection de M. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz au poste de président"] {{Dead link|date=February 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, AMI, 5 May 2009 {{in lang|fr}}.

In the presidential election held on 18 July 2009, Mohamed won a first-round majority of 52.58%. He then resigned as party leader on 2 August 2009, as the President of Mauritania cannot be a member of any party.

[http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90855/6717067.html "Mauritania's president-elect resigns as party leader"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815035125/http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90855/6717067.html |date=15 August 2009 }}, Xinhua, 3 August 2009.

Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz was sworn in as President at a ceremony held in Nouakchott on 5 August 2009.

File:Ould Abdel Aziz sengage à se montrer fort face aux terroristes (6987739967).jpg

Mohamed was shot on 13 October 2012{{cite news|last=Amir|first=Ahmed|title=Mauritania's president heads to France for treatment after shooting|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/14/world/africa/mauritania-president-shot/index.html?hpt=hp_t2|publisher=CNN|date=14 October 2012|access-date=14 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015052651/http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/14/world/africa/mauritania-president-shot/index.html?hpt=hp_t2|archive-date=15 October 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-19938905|title=Mauritania President Abdelaziz shot|work=BBC News|date=13 October 2012|access-date=13 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015010712/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-19938905|archive-date=15 October 2012|url-status=live}} in disputed circumstances. The country's Communications Minister, Hamdi Ould Mahjoub, reported that the president was shot in the arm, while Reuters medical sources said it was in the abdomen.{{cite news|last=Prieur|first=Laurent|title=Mauritanian leader flown to France after shooting|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mauritania-president-idUSBRE89C0J020121014|work=Reuters|date=14 October 2012|access-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002025629/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/14/us-mauritania-president-idUSBRE89C0J020121014|archive-date=2 October 2015|url-status=live}} Initially, Mauritanian radio reported that Mohamed survived an assassination attempt, but Mohamed subsequently said that he was accidentally shot by an army unit and was successfully operated on for minor injuries. Witnesses claim Mohamed was directly targeted by men who ran away after the shooting.

Mohamed received an initial operation at a military hospital in Nouakchott, and then, according to the French defense ministry, was transferred to Percy-Clamart military hospital in Paris for additional treatment.

In April 2010 Mohamed and the leaders of Mali, Niger, and Algeria meet to tackle against terrorism.{{Cite web |date=22 June 2011 |title=Mauritania profile |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13882166 |access-date=24 July 2023 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=5 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505121649/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13882166 |url-status=live }}

In November 2012, the Government of Mauritania began to allow privately owned TV stations for the first time. A draft bill had been created in 2010 by the Senate of Mauritania.{{Cite web |title=Mauritania to Set Up Private TV Stations |work=The North Africa Post |url=https://northafricapost.com/1426-mauritania-to-set-up-private-tv-stations.html |access-date=24 July 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724160719/https://northafricapost.com/1426-mauritania-to-set-up-private-tv-stations.html |url-status=live }}

As for that in his party won the 2013 Mauritanian parliamentary election with 21% of the vote and they gained 15 seats in parliament. The cause for this was because Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Mohamed Lemine who was Union for the Republic's president told Mauritanians a majority in parliament would so that they could support the program of President.{{Cite web |work=All Africa |date=11 November 2013 |title=Mauritania – Campaign for 147 Legislative Seats Underway |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201311111811.html |access-date=25 July 2023 |archive-date=1 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501021953/http://allafrica.com/stories/201311111811.html |url-status=live }}

File:The President of Mauritania, Mr. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz being received by the Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, on his arrival, in New Delhi on October 28, 2015.jpg in 2015. ]]

Mohamed stood for re-election in 2014, which he won over Biram Dah Abeid, with nearly 82% of the popular vote. After winning the election many opposition parties boycotted the election results. But even though the election was boycotted the African Union praised the elections for taking place relatively peacefully.{{cite web |date=23 June 2014 |title=Mauritanian President Abdel Aziz easily re-elected in boycotted vote |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mauritania-election-idUKKBN0EX14F20140622 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306212339/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mauritania-election-idUKKBN0EX14F20140622 |archive-date=6 March 2016 |accessdate=23 June 2014 |publisher=Reuters}}

A referendum took place in 2017 in which it was split into two questions on different proposed reforms. One covered abolition of the indirectly-elected Senate and its replacement with Regional Councils, as well as merging the Islamic High Council and the national Ombudsman into a 'Supreme Council of the Fatwa'.{{Cite web |date=4 August 2017 |title=Mauritanie : le référendum sur la révision constitutionnelle à l'épreuve de l'abstention – Jeune Afrique |url=https://www.jeuneafrique.com/mag/461667/politique/mauritanie-le-referendum-sur-la-revision-constitutionnelle-a-lepreuve-de-labstention/ |access-date=24 July 2023 |website=JeuneAfrique.com |language=fr-FR |archive-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724165722/https://www.jeuneafrique.com/mag/461667/politique/mauritanie-le-referendum-sur-la-revision-constitutionnelle-a-lepreuve-de-labstention/ |url-status=live }} The other one covered national symbols, including a proposal to change the national flag by adding a red band at the top and bottom to symbolize "the efforts and sacrifices that the people of Mauritania will keep consenting, to the price of their blood, to defend their territory", as well as modifying the national anthem.{{Cite web |title=Mauritania vows referendum to abolish Senate, change flag |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/mauritania-vows-referendum-to-abolish-senate-change-flag-20170323 |access-date=24 July 2023 |website=News24 |language=en-US |archive-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724165722/https://www.news24.com/news24/mauritania-vows-referendum-to-abolish-senate-change-flag-20170323 |url-status=live }}

Mohamed Ould Mohamed called for Mauritania to root out hate speech as he headed a rally aimed at ending ethnic tensions. He said that he adopted a law in which he cracked down on "hateful, racist or violent speech".{{Cite web |title=Mauritanian president marches to fight hate speech |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/1/10/mauritania-president-ould-abdel-aziz-marches-to-fight-hate-speech |access-date=24 July 2023 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en |archive-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724170132/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/1/10/mauritania-president-ould-abdel-aziz-marches-to-fight-hate-speech |url-status=live }}

Since 2015 many protests were held against slavery in Mauritania, with protestors accusing the government of not implementing anti-slavery law.{{Cite web |title=Mauritania upholds conviction of anti-slave activists |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/8/21/mauritania-upholds-conviction-of-anti-slave-activists |access-date=24 July 2023 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en |archive-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724171050/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/8/21/mauritania-upholds-conviction-of-anti-slave-activists |url-status=live }} Aziz and the Government of Mauritania stated that slavery had not existed in the country since 1981, when it was the last nation to abolish it.

In March 2013, Mohamed established an agency to stop slavery, known as the "National Agency to Fight against the Vestiges of Slavery, Integration, and Fight against Poverty".{{Cite web |date=24 October 2014 |title=CNDH – Création d'une Agence Nationale de Lutte contre les Séquelles de l'Esclavage |url=http://www.cndh.mr/content/view/180/1/ |access-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024200236/http://www.cndh.mr/content/view/180/1/ |archive-date=24 October 2014 }}

{{main||2019 Mauritanian presidential election}}

Mohamed did not stand for re-election in 2019, and was peacefully succeeded by the winner of the election, at that time his confidant Mohamed Ould Ghazouani.{{cite web |title=Mauritanie: défis et promesses du nouveau président Mohamed Ould Ghazouani |url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20190801-mauritanie-defis-promesses-nouveau-president-mohamed-ould-ghazouani |website=rfi.fr |access-date=12 December 2023 |language=fr |date=1 August 2019 |archive-date=22 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122014606/https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20190801-mauritanie-defis-promesses-nouveau-president-mohamed-ould-ghazouani |url-status=live }}

In March 2021, a judge charged Mohamed and 10 other people in his inner circle, including one of his sons-in-law, several former prime ministers, and businessmen, with corruption. One of his lawyers then revealed that Mohamed refused to answer any questions from the judge.{{Cite web|date=11 March 2021|title=Mauritanian ex-president Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz charged with corruption|url=https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20210311-mauritanian-ex-president-mohamed-ould-abdel-aziz-charged-with-corruption|access-date=12 March 2021|website=France 24|language=en|archive-date=12 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312001751/https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20210311-mauritanian-ex-president-mohamed-ould-abdel-aziz-charged-with-corruption|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Mauritanian ex-president Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz charged with corruption|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/mauritanian-ex-president-mohamed-ould-224912521.html|access-date=12 March 2021|website=uk.news.yahoo.com|language=en-GB|archive-date=13 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413201743/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/mauritanian-ex-president-mohamed-ould-224912521.html|url-status=live}} On 23 June 2021, a prosecutor speaking on condition of anonymity and the spokesman of the former president's party Djibril Ould Bilal confirmed that a judge transferred Mohamed from house arrest to jail after he refused to cooperate with police.

On 29 December 2021, Mohamed was admitted to Nouakchott Military Hospital where he successfully underwent heart surgery.{{Cite web|date=2 January 2022|title=Mauritania's former president undergoes heart surgery|url=https://www.africanews.com/2022/01/02/mauritania-s-former-president-undergoes-heart-surgery/|access-date=3 January 2022|website=Africanews|language=en|archive-date=2 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102195817/https://www.africanews.com/2022/01/02/mauritania-s-former-president-undergoes-heart-surgery//|url-status=live}} According to his lawyer, Mohamed had fallen ill and suffered nose bleeds.{{Cite web|agency=AFP|title=Mauritania's Detained Ex-president Has 'Successful' Heart Op|url=https://www.barrons.com/news/mauritania-s-detained-ex-president-has-successful-heart-op-01641122106|access-date=3 January 2022|website=Barron's|language=en-US|archive-date=3 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103042555/https://www.barrons.com/news/mauritania-s-detained-ex-president-has-successful-heart-op-01641122106|url-status=live}} In a statement, Mohamed's family claimed that the former president's poor health came as a result of the corruption scandal, stating that they "fear for his physical liquidation" by the regime which "failed in its attempts to liquidate him politically."{{Cite web|date=31 December 2021|title=Detained ex-Mauritania president hospitalised|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20211231-detained-ex-mauritania-president-hospitalised/|access-date=3 January 2022|website=Middle East Monitor|language=en-GB|archive-date=3 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103042555/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20211231-detained-ex-mauritania-president-hospitalised/|url-status=live}} When Mohamed was discharged from the hospital, he was allowed to return on 7 January 2022 to house arrest instead of jail due to his health issues.{{cite web |last1=Spiegel |first1=Justine |title=Mauritanie : Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz de nouveau assigné à résidence |url=https://www.jeuneafrique.com/1291646/politique/mauritanie-mohamed-ould-abdelaziz-de-nouveau-assigne-a-residence/ |website=Jeune Afrique |access-date=12 December 2023 |language=fr |date=10 January 2022 |archive-date=25 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025203819/https://www.jeuneafrique.com/1291646/politique/mauritanie-mohamed-ould-abdelaziz-de-nouveau-assigne-a-residence/ |url-status=live }}

On 1 June 2022, the prosecutor ordered the referral of Mohamed to the Criminal Court on charges of corruption, money laundering, and illicit enrichment. The court file estimated the sums embezzled by Mohamed at US$90 million; these assets consisted of 17 houses, 468 plots of land, several herds of sheep, and ougiya banknotes.{{cite web |title=Mauritanie: une fuite dans la presse révèle l'ampleur de la fortune de Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz |url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20220611-mauritanie-une-fuite-dans-la-presse-r%C3%A9v%C3%A8le-l-ampleur-de-la-fortune-de-mohamed-ould-abdel-aziz |website=rfi.fr |access-date=12 December 2023 |language=fr |date=11 June 2022 |archive-date=23 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123001129/https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20220611-mauritanie-une-fuite-dans-la-presse-r%C3%A9v%C3%A8le-l-ampleur-de-la-fortune-de-mohamed-ould-abdel-aziz |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author1=Cridem |title=Corruption : jugement requis pour Aziz et ses co-accusés, à l'exception de Ould Ndjay et Hassena Ould Ely |url=https://mauriweb.info/node/11878 |website=MauriWeb |access-date=12 December 2023 |language=fr |date=1 June 2022 |archive-date=4 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904002332/https://mauriweb.info/node/11878 |url-status=live }}

In October 2023, a prosecution requested 20 years in prison with confiscation of the property of Mohamed.[https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2023/10/24/mauritanie-20-ans-de-prison-ferme-requis-contre-l-ex-president-mohamed-ould-abdel-aziz_6196273_3212.html Mauritanie : vingt ans de prison ferme requis contre l'ex-président Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103235301/https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2023/10/24/mauritanie-20-ans-de-prison-ferme-requis-contre-l-ex-president-mohamed-ould-abdel-aziz_6196273_3212.html |date=3 November 2023 }}, Le Monde, 25 November 2023. On 4 December, he was convicted of illicit enrichment and laundering and was sentenced to five years' imprisonment, with his lawyer saying that they would appeal the verdict.{{Cite web |date=5 December 2023 |title="We intend to appeal": lawyer for Mauritania's ex-president |url=https://www.africanews.com/2023/12/05/we-intend-to-appeal-lawyer-for-mauritanias-ex-president/ |access-date=5 December 2023 |website=Africanews |language=en-GB |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205134308/https://www.africanews.com/2023/12/05/we-intend-to-appeal-lawyer-for-mauritanias-ex-president/ |url-status=live }}

On February 25, 2025, the Attorney General requested on appeal, 20 years in prison against Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, accused of embezzlement of public funds and illicit enrichment during his mandate.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20250225-mauritanie-vingt-ans-de-prison-requis-en-appel-pour-l-ex-pr%C3%A9sident-mohamed-ould-abdel-aziz|title=Mauritanie: vingt ans de prison requis en appel pour l’ex-président Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz|date=2014|publisher=Radio France International|language=fr}}

On May 14, 2025, a second instance court in Nouakchott sentenced Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz to fifteen years in prison on appeal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jeuneafrique.com/1688066/politique/mauritanie-lex-president-abdelaziz-condamne-en-appel-a-15-ans-de-prison-ferme/|title=Mauritanie : l’ex-président Abdelaziz condamné en appel à 15 ans de prison ferme|date=14 May 2025|publisher=Jeune Afrique|language=fr}}

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• [http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/ABES-6P6RSU?OpenDocument Political transition in Mauritania: Assessment and horizons. Middle East/North Africa Report N°53]. International Crisis Group (ICG) 24 April 2006.

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