Maaouya Ould SidAhmed Taya

ModernGeneralMauritania1941 — ?

Mauritanian leader who ruled for over 20 years.

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Quick Facts

Born

1941

Country

Mauritania

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)26

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)52

Legacy (20%)43

Leadership (15%)53

Strategy (15%)30

Total Score47.6

Maaouya Ould SidAhmed Taya — Complete Timeline

1984 AD

Seizure of Power in CoupPolitical Action

Maaouya Ould SidAhmed Taya seized power in a bloodless coup on December 12, 1984, overthrowing President Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidalla. He became head of state and later president.

CoupPower Transition

Impact: national

1991 AD

Establishment of Multi-Party SystemReform◆ Major

Under pressure, Ould Taya introduced a new constitution in July 1991 that legalized political parties and established a multi-party system. This ended the one-party state but maintained his dominance.

Political ReformDemocratization

Impact: nationalprogressive

1999 AD

Recognition of IsraelPolitical Action◆ Major

Mauritania under Ould Taya established full diplomatic relations with Israel on October 28, 1999, becoming one of only three Arab League states to do so. This strained relations with other Arab nations.

Foreign PolicyArab-Israeli Relations

Impact: regional

2005 AD

Overthrow in CoupPolitical Action

Ould Taya was overthrown in a military coup on August 3, 2005, while attending the funeral of King Fahd of Saudi Arabia. The coup ended his 21-year rule and was led by the Military Council for Justice and Democracy.

CoupEnd of Rule

Impact: nationaltragic