Former Mauritanian president will be an irritant

Significance

Abdel Aziz was first arrested in June 2021 on corruption charges; his release suggested a truce between him and President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, his erstwhile political partner. Yet Abdel Aziz shows no sign of quitting politics and reportedly intends to return to the country.

Impacts

• The conflict could reinforce the image of Mauritanian politics as an intra-elite struggle, making ordinary voters more cynical.
• There is wide consensus around foreign policy, including on how to manage the political situation in neighbouring, junta-ruled Mali.
• The ruling party is firmly under the president’s control.