Mohamed Bouamatou, a prominent Mauritanian businessman and founder of the Banque Générale de Mauritanie (GBM), touched down in Nouakchott aboard a private jet, concluding a ten-year self-imposed exile in Morocco and Europe.
Upon his arrival on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, Bouamatou’s first act was to visit a local cemetery in Nouakchott, paying respects at the grave of his late mother, who had passed away months earlier.
In a statement released to the press, the businessman addressed the reasons behind his prolonged absence from Mauritania, describing it as a “painful separation from his homeland.”
a return tied to legal and political developments
Bouamatou’s return follows the Mauritania’s justice system overturning charges against him and other opposition figures. These legal reversals came after significant political changes under President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, who took office in 2019.
In his statement, Bouamatou expressed gratitude toward the president, highlighting his role in restoring the nation to a path of rule of law and democratic progress. He also called for forgiveness for those involved in the injustices he and other Mauritanians endured.
from ally to exile: the breakdown of a political alliance
Bouamatou was once a key supporter of former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, serving as a leading voice for the business community. However, their relationship deteriorated in the early 2010s, leading to his departure from Mauritania. The exact cause of their falling out remains undisclosed.
The fallout had severe consequences for Bouamatou’s business empire. His financial institutions, including BGM, faced aggressive tax audits and legal challenges. The situation escalated in 2017 when he became the subject of an international arrest warrant, linked to opposition against a constitutional reform bill that proposed eliminating the senate—a move he allegedly orchestrated.
a new chapter for Mauritania’s economy?
With Bouamatou’s return, many are speculating about the future of Mauritania’s economy and whether this marks the end of a turbulent chapter in the country’s business and political history. His experience underscores the broader challenges faced by entrepreneurs in navigating shifting political landscapes.