The ruling was handed down by an appeals court after Aziz contested his initial five-year sentence, which was issued two years ago. Aziz, who seized power in a 2008 coup, had long denied wrongdoing. His conviction has been hailed by anti-corruption advocates as a sign that Mauritania is serious about tackling graft at the highest levels of government.  

Speaking on the case, Project Leader at South Africa’s Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR), Nyasha Mpani, acknowledged the ruling’s potential to serve as a deterrent for corrupt leaders but cautioned that accountability must be applied consistently across the political spectrum.  

“The real challenge lies in consistency and credibility. One successful case doesn’t mean the system works for all,” Mpani explained.

“This ruling sends a clear message that impunity is not guaranteed. However, if the justice system is perceived as selective or politically motivated, the deterrent effect diminishes.”  

Mpani stressed that genuine accountability hinges on transparent and fair legal systems rather than politically driven prosecutions.  

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--