Former Mauritanian president Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz on Monday firmly denied in court all allegations he faces of abusing his power and amassing a huge fortune. Aziz, who ruled the pivotal country between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa between 2008 and 2019, fell into disgrace under successor and current President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. With the prosecution having demanded a 20-year sentence, the 66-year-old former leader embarked on an hours-long monologue in court. Where is the proof of this corruption?," asked Aziz, defending himself serenely but spiritedly in Arabic. The court is set to retire for deliberation ahead of sentencing set for the coming days.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 28, 2023 09:36 UTC