The coup in Mauritania was orchestrated by Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who had previously served as chief of the presidential guard. The political climate leading up to the coup was fraught with unrest, as dissatisfaction with President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi's leadership grew. His government faced backlash for failing to address socioeconomic issues, including poverty and governance challenges, which fueled popular dissent. The military seized control in a swift operation after taking positions around the capital, Nouakchott.

In his statements, Ould Abdel Aziz condemned the outgoing president’s administration, arguing that it was ineffectual in ensuring national security and unity. The coup was met with both support and opposition from various segments of Mauritian society, reflecting a divided public opinion. Following the seizure of power, the military established a transitional government and promised to hold elections within a timeframe. However, the interim administration faced challenges in legitimizing its authority both domestically and internationally.

The aftermath of the coup saw Mauritania reenter a cycle of military influence in politics. The military junta faced pressures to restore democracy while navigating the complexities of a polarized political landscape. As part of a broader regional trend, the coup spotlighted the fragile nature of democratic governance in post-colonial African nations, epitomizing a struggle between military authority and democratic aspirations.