A Mauritanian appeals court has sentenced former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz to 15 years in prison and fined him $3 million. Aziz was found guilty of illicit enrichment and abuse of office during his tenure.
The court’s decision marks a significant development in the country’s efforts to hold leaders accountable for corruption. Aziz, who served as president from 2009 to 2019, was accused of amassing vast wealth through corrupt means.
At the time of his indictment, investigators estimated that Aziz had accumulated wealth and capital totaling 67 million euros ($75 million). The court’s verdict sends a strong message about the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
The case against Aziz highlights the challenges faced by many African countries in combating corruption and ensuring that leaders are held accountable for their actions.