Supporter of ex-President Abdelaziz wields armed uprising against incumbent leader

Sidi Ali Ould Mbeirick, a Mauritanian political activist in exile and loyalist of former President Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz, has vowed to engage in an armed confrontation with the country’s incumbent leader Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, if he persists in prosecuting and torturing the former leader currently facing justice.

Mbeirick made the announcement on the sidelines of a Forum organized in Paris by “La Charte africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples”, a human rights civil society organization.

“We have no choice but to occupy the palace peacefully or take up arms and kill anyone who gets in our way,” he posited. The political activist also reportedly indicated that the ex-leader AbdelAziz’s family and supporters have been at the end of the rope.

The former President is facing a 20-year in jail condemnation on multiple charges including power abuse and money embezzlement during his 11-year leadership at the head of the African country.

Ghazouani, former top aide of Ould Abdelaziz came to power in 2019 after disputed elections. He is rumored to seek another term in office during next year presidential elections.