In a swift and bloodless coup d'état, Colonel Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidallah led a group of military officers to seize control of the government in Mauritania, effectively ousting President Moktar Ould Daddah. Ould Daddah had been in power since the establishment of the presidency in the late 1960s and was viewed as an influential figure in modern Mauritanian politics. However, his administration had faced increasing scrutiny due to allegations of corruption and ineffective economic policies, which contributed to growing dissatisfaction among the populace and military ranks.

The coup unfolded in the capital, Nouakchott, when soldiers loyal to Ould Haidallah stormed the presidential palace and took control without a shot being fired. Ould Daddah and several members of his government were arrested, but the entire operation was characterized by minimal violence, which was relatively unusual for military coups in Africa at the time. Following his ousting, Ould Daddah was placed under house arrest, and the new military government announced its intention to reform the country’s political landscape, aiming to address the issues that had led to the coup.

This change in power marked a significant shift in Mauritania’s governance, with a promise of more democratic practices and a focus on economic development. The new regime sought to improve relations with neighboring countries and advocated for social reforms. The legacy of Ould Daddah's presidency was thus overshadowed by the future policies and direction set forth by Ould Haidallah, laying the groundwork for subsequent political transformations in the country.