Mohamed Ould Ghazouani 7th President of Mauritania since August 1, 2019 Date of Birth: 31.12.1956

1. Early Life and Education
2. Military Career
3. Political and Military Involvement
4. Ministerial Appointment and Presidential Candidacy
5. Election Victory

Early Life and Education

Mohamed Cheikh el Ghazouani was born on December 31, 1956, in Boumdeid, Assaba region, Mauritania. He hails from a prominent Sufi family and is the son of spiritual leader Ideiboussat. Ghazouani is married to Dr. Mariem Mint Mohamed Vahdel ould Dah and has five children.

Military Career

Ghazouani joined the Mauritanian army in the late 1970s. He underwent officer training in Morocco and later earned a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in administration and military sciences, and several military certificates and courses.

Political and Military Involvement

In 2005, Ghazouani played a key role in the military council that overthrew President Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya. He served as Director of National Security and, in 2008, supported Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz in his overthrow of President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi.

In January 2008, Ghazouani was appointed Chief of Staff of the Army, a position he retained even after Abdallahi's ouster.

Ministerial Appointment and Presidential Candidacy

In October 2018, President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz appointed Ghazouani Minister of Defense. On March 1, 2019, Ghazouani announced his candidacy for President, aiming to succeed Abdel Aziz. He resigned as Minister of Defense on March 15, 2019, to focus on his election campaign.

Election Victory

On June 22, 2019, Ghazouani won the presidential election in the first round, receiving 52% of the vote. He became the elected President of Mauritania on August 1, 2019.