A letter addressed to the Chief of Staff of the Mauritanian Armed Forces has been circulating on social media, penned by ex-captain Mohamedou Ould Isselmou Ould Sneiguel. He requests recognition of his "right to medical reform" and recounts the circumstances surrounding his forced retirement in 1998. Ould Sneiguel claims that decree n°42/98, dated April 12, 1998, ended his military career due to disciplinary measures, despite his health issues at the time.
According to Ould Sneiguel, the authors of the decree refused to consider his medical situation and denied him necessary health consultations for an illness contracted during his evacuation from the 7th military region to Nouakchott. He asserts that this condition was severe and required medical attention abroad, which he received at the Kings County Hospital in the United States. Ould Sneiguel argues that his life is a human value and that it's essential to rectify the flawed decree.
The ex-captain emphasizes that he never sought to evade his responsibilities or rely on foreign powers. Despite opportunities to engage with international human rights organizations, he chose to pursue dialogue with his institution. Ould Sneiguel recalls serving 12 years and six months in the military, during which he once faced enemy fire while defending his compatriots. He suggests that revising or replacing decree n°42/98 with a new one for medical reasons could be a reasonable starting point to resolve the dispute.
Ould Sneiguel's letter includes a medical file from the Kings County Hospital, supporting his claims. He states that he was forced to choose between staying in the country without proper care or seeking treatment abroad himself, as the military institution failed to provide it. The ex-captain insists that he remained loyal to his country and institution despite the challenges he faced.
A social media post accompanying the letter describes Ould Sneiguel as an officer who was "unjustly deprived of his rights in 1998" but remained loyal to his country and institution for years. The post calls for "the time of equity" to arrive for him. Ould Sneiguel's situation has garnered attention, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding his forced retirement.
The Mauritanian Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces' Chief of Staff have not publicly commented on Ould Sneiguel's request. The ex-captain's case highlights the complexities of military career management and the need for fair treatment of personnel. His situation remains unresolved nearly three decades after the decree was issued.
Ould Sneiguel's case raises questions about accountability and fairness in the Mauritanian military. His determination to seek revision of the decree that ended his career demonstrates his commitment to justice and his country's institutions. The outcome of his request remains uncertain, but his story has sparked a conversation about the treatment of military personnel.
Key points
- Ex-captain Mohamedou Ould Isselmou Ould Sneiguel requests revision of 1998 decree that forced him into retirement.
- Ould Sneiguel claims he was denied necessary medical care and forced to seek treatment abroad.
- The case highlights the need for fair treatment and accountability in the Mauritanian military.
