Mohamed Ould Ghazouani

Mohamed Ould Ghazouani was appointed Minister of Defense under President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. He oversaw the military and security sector, playing a key role in counterterrorism operations against Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

Ghazouani won the presidential election with 52% of the vote, succeeding Abdel Aziz. His election marked the first peaceful transfer of power since Mauritania's independence, though the opposition alleged irregularities.

Ghazouani initiated economic reforms aimed at diversifying Mauritania's economy beyond mining and fishing. He focused on infrastructure, energy, and agriculture, though progress was hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic slowdown.