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Maaouya uld SidiI Ahmed TayaHead of State |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Prime Ministership and Presidency
- International Relations
- Attempted Coup and Personal Life
Early Life and Military Career
Maawiya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya was born in 1941. In 1961, he embarked on a military career and was appointed to a leadership position in the Ministry of Defense six years later.
Prime Ministership and Presidency
In 1981, Taya became Prime Minister. In December 1984, he seized power from Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidalla while he was out of the country. Taya was re-elected for a third six-year term in November's elections, winning with 67% of the vote.
International Relations
President Taya has been instrumental in fostering closer ties with the United States and Israel (diplomatic relations were established in 1999). During the Gulf War, he supported Iraq, but this year Mauritania sided with the US-UK coalition.
Attempted Coup and Personal Life
In June, the country experienced another failed coup attempt by a group of officers. Taya is a father of five children, two from his first marriage and three from his second. His first wife was Lebanese. After her untimely passing, Taya married fellow Mauritanian Aicha.
