Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya was the President of Mauritania for over 20 years before his overthrow in a military coup. Known for his controversial authoritarian rule, Taya faced growing discontent from various sectors, including the military and political opposition. His presidency was characterized by various human rights abuses and election irregularities. At the time of his ousting, Taya was in Saudi Arabia attending the funeral of King Fahd, a circumstance that revealed the coup's elaborate planning, as it took place under the eyes of international observers.

The coup was led by General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who capitalized on the political unrest and dissatisfaction within the military ranks and the general populace. The timing was critical, as it allowed the coup leaders to act with relative impunity while Taya was absent from the country. Following the coup, the military quickly took control of state functions, managing a swift transition that surprised many in the region. The takeover led to Taya’s subsequent arrest and exile from Mauritania.

The aftermath of the coup saw a period of military rule, with calls for democratic reforms. The new leadership promised to restore democracy, leading to eventual elections and a shift from periods of instability to re-establishing civilian rule. However, this transition was often fraught with challenges, reflecting internal divisions and the ongoing influence of military figures in governance.