Mauritanian leader orders pre-poll cabinet reshuffle

By Mohamed Bakay

NOUAKCHOTT (AA) - Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz on Friday ordered a partial government reshuffle, according to an official statement.

Yahya Ould Haddine, a former prime minister, was appointed defense minister, replacing Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who is reportedly planning to contest upcoming presidential elections.

A leading member of Mauritania’s ruling Union for the Republic party, Ould Ghazouani recently announced his intention to run in the polls.

In January, Ould Abdelaziz announced that he would not run in elections, dismissing the notion of constitutional changes to allow him to run for a third term in office.

According to Mauritania’s constitution, presidents are limited to only two terms in office.

While a date for the poll has yet to be announced, it is expected sometime before Ould Abdelaziz’s second term expires in June of this year.

Mauritania’s official electoral commission typically announces election dates shortly before polling day.

Friday’s cabinet shake-up also saw Transport Minister Amal Bent Mouloud replaced by outgoing Water Resources Minister Islam Ould Sidi Mokhtar.

Alnaha bint Meknes, meanwhile, was granted the water resources portfolio.