Former Mauritanian President banned from traveling

Mauritania’s national security directorate (DGSN) has seized the passport of former leader Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz, who is being investigated for state funds embezzlement and mismanagement when he led the country between 2008 and 2019.

Summoned to show up in the offices of the DGSN, on August 17, Abdelaziz was kept in custody till Monday Aug.24.

His lawyer, Taghioullah Aida indicated that the former leader has been banned from leaving the country as his passport was seized.

The DGSN department of economic affairs has been tasked by the public prosecution to investigate the 11 years of rule (2008-2019) of the ex-president after a parliamentary committee documented wrongdoings including state funds embezzlement and mismanagement that occurred when Abdelaziz was in power.

According to the parliamentary committee, 109 projects worth over $1 billion were awarded illegally and sizeable amounts of money attached to the contracts were pocketed by state officials and entourage of the country’s former strongman.

The DGSN has also seized the passports of several other officials including former Premier Yaya Ould Hademine (2014-2018); former General Administrator of state-run Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM) Mohamed Abdallah Ould Oudaa; and former Urbanization Minister and current CEO of national carrier Mauritanie Airlines Internationale, Amal Mint Maouloud.

The officials who were heard in connection with the investigation reportedly confessed to the allegations but said they acted under Ould Abdelaziz’s instructions.