Mauritanian prosecutors have requested that an appeals court increase the sentence of former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz to 20 years in prison. This comes after Aziz was initially sentenced to five years in 2023 for abusing his office during his presidency from 2008 to 2019. The prosecutors are pushing for a harsher penalty, reflecting the seriousness of the charges against him.
The lead prosecutor, Sidi Mohamed Ould Di Ould Moulay, presented a strong case against Aziz, alleging that he used the presidency as a means to blackmail investors. This behavior, according to the prosecutor, was part of a broader pattern of corruption and abuse of power. Aziz is believed to have amassed assets and capital worth approximately $70 million during his time in office, further fueling the accusations against him.
Aziz is not alone in facing these charges; several former top officials and advisers are also on trial for similar offenses, including abuse of office, illicit enrichment, influence peddling, and money laundering. Despite the evidence presented, Aziz maintains his innocence and denies all charges brought against him. The case has been ongoing since January 2023, with Aziz being held in custody throughout the proceedings.
This high-profile case marks a significant moment in Mauritania’s efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability at the highest levels of government. The outcome of the appeal will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for future cases involving corruption among former leaders. Additionally, prosecutors have requested that the court dissolve the charity Rahma, which they claim was founded by Aziz’s son for illicit purposes. The case underscores Mauritania’s commitment to addressing corruption and promoting transparency in governance.
Source: Africanews
