Former Mauritanian President Ould Abdel Aziz Sentenced to 15 Years, Assets Seized

Mauritania's Supreme Court upheld a 15-year prison sentence for former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz on Tuesday, ending what's being called the longest trial in the country's history. The court convicted him on charges of abuse of power and illegal enrichment, while also ordering the seizure of his assets and stripping him of his civil rights.

The case stems from a parliamentary investigation into public contracts and deals made during Ould Abdel Aziz's presidency. The investigation started after tensions escalated between him and his successor, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, over control of the ruling party.

An appeals court first issued the sentence in May, but both Ould Abdel Aziz's defense team and the state filed appeals against that ruling. The Supreme Court's decision now makes the sentence final.

This case highlights a broader pattern across Africa where former leaders face corruption charges after leaving office. Countries like South Africa, Sudan, and Chad have all seen similar prosecutions in recent years, as new administrations seek to distance themselves from past regimes.

Ould Abdel Aziz's lawyers maintain the charges are politically motivated, calling it a vendetta by the current government. But authorities insist they have documented evidence of corruption that needed to be addressed through the courts.

The conviction carries significant implications for Mauritania's political landscape. It sends a message that even former presidents aren't above the law, but it also deepens divisions within the ruling party that could affect the country's stability.

For investors and international partners, the case represents both progress on anti-corruption efforts and potential political uncertainty. Mauritania's mining sector, which attracts significant foreign investment, will be watching to see how this affects the country's governance and regulatory environment going forward.