Profound Reshuffle in the Mauritanian Military Command
By meeting His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani chose Morocco’s side, and it seems this decision unsettles the Algerian “Generals,” who are ready to manipulate and foment instability in neighboring countries whenever their interests are threatened. The military reshuffle announced on Friday, December 27, by the Mauritanian President lifted the veil on the covert maneuvers orchestrated by the Algerian military regime, frustrated by the loss of its grip on Nouakchott.
The replacement of General Mokhtar Bella Chaabane, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, along with other influential military figures reputed to be close to Algiers, only revealed a long-concealed reality: Algeria’s intent to maintain strategic control over Mauritania. President Ghazouani, aware of these toxic influences, decided to put an end to external interference by renewing all key positions in the military apparatus.
The appointment of General Mohamed Vall Ould Raïs at the head of the armed forces, along with other officers of impeccable integrity and deep patriotism, sent a clear message: Mauritanian sovereignty is not for sale or negotiation. Mauritania will not be a pawn in Algeria’s geopolitical game.
Realizing too late the unfavorable changes, Algeria’s military regime desperately attempted to retaliate with a major subversive act, relying on Mauritanian senior officers loyal to it and the clandestine networks of the Polisario to orchestrate a military coup. The operation, fortunately thwarted at the last minute by Mauritanian intelligence services, demonstrates how far Algeria’s “Generals” are willing to go to sow chaos.
This is not the first time Algeria has attempted to export its authoritarian governance model through corrupt military figures. Mauritania, with its strategic position in the Sahel and its growing engagement in balanced regional alliances, has become a priority target for a regime fearful of losing control over its neighbors.
But Nouakchott has shown resilience. The new military appointments embody a modern and sovereign vision of national defense, far from the manipulations emanating from the East. President Ghazouani once again asserts himself as a leader committed to preserving the stability and integrity of his country, much to Algiers’ dismay.
The Mauritanian people must remain vigilant against these interference attempts. Mauritania is neither a playground nor an extension of Algeria’s hegemonic ambitions. Mauritanians deserve an army that defends their interests, not those of a foreign regime seeking control.
In the face of this desperate attempt by Algiers, the international community must open its eyes to the Algerian regime’s excesses, which threaten regional stability whenever its interests are challenged. North Africa and the Sahel have suffered enough from Algeria’s destabilizing policies. It is time to condemn these practices and affirm loudly and clearly that Mauritania is and will remain the master of its destiny.
