The Mauritanian police in charge of economic affairs has confiscated the passports of three high ranking officials who worked under former President Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz whose 11-year rule (2008-2019) of the North African country is being investigated over corruption and mismanagement allegations. Several top officials including three former Prime Ministers and ministers in the current government of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, himself former top right hand of the ex-leader, have been heard in connection with the investigation. They all reportedly confessed to the allegations but said they acted under Ould Abdelaziz’s instructions. Former Premier Yaya Ould Hademine (2014-2018); former General Administrator of state-run Societe Nationale Industrielle et Miniere (SNIM) Mohamed Abdallah Ould Oudaa; and former Urbanization Minister and current CEO of national carrier Mauritanie Airlines Internationale, Amal Mint Maouloud, have seen their passports seized, Le360.ma reports. Ould Abdelaziz has refused to be heard by the parliament committee and is facing treason accusations.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 10, 2020 12:56 UTC