Mauritanian Women's Group Urges President to Evacuate Former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz for Medical Treatment

The Association des Femmes Cheffes de Famille (AFCF) in Mauritania has written an open letter to President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, urging him to authorize the immediate medical evacuation of former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. Aziz's health is reportedly deteriorating rapidly while in detention, with serious cardiac complications arising. His medical team has repeatedly warned that his condition requires specialized care not available in Mauritania.

The AFCF, representing women leaders in Mauritania, emphasized the humanitarian imperative of the situation, calling on President Ghazouani to prioritize Aziz's health and well-being over judicial or political considerations. The group stressed that Mauritania's values of hospitality, solidarity, and commitment to human rights and Islamic principles necessitate a compassionate response to Aziz's plight.

The AFCF warned that the Mauritanian government would bear moral, political, and historical responsibility if Aziz's health were to deteriorate further or if he were to die in detention due to inadequate medical care. The group appealed to President Ghazouani to demonstrate leadership and compassion by ordering Aziz's evacuation, citing the potential for a tragic outcome that would deeply fracture Mauritanian society.

The letter also addressed international human rights institutions, humanitarian organizations, and Mauritania's partners, urging them to support the effort to secure Aziz's medical evacuation. The AFCF called on these entities to help ensure that Aziz's fundamental right to health and life is respected.

Aminetou Mint El Moctar, President of the AFCF, signed the letter, which was released on November 7, 2026. The group hopes that their appeal will resonate with President Ghazouani and prompt a favorable response. The AFCF's initiative is part of a broader context of humanitarian and human rights advocacy in Mauritania.

The health crisis faced by Aziz has raised concerns among various stakeholders in Mauritania, including human rights defenders and citizens. The AFCF's public appeal reflects a growing sense of urgency and anxiety about Aziz's condition and the need for prompt action to address it.

The situation has sparked a national conversation about the intersection of politics, human rights, and humanitarian concerns in Mauritania. The AFCF's letter to President Ghazouani represents a significant development in this discussion, highlighting the critical need for a compassionate and effective response to Aziz's medical emergency.

Key points

• The Association des Femmes Cheffes de Famille urges President Ghazouani to authorize the immediate medical evacuation of former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz.