Khaberni - A new bill introduced by the Mauritanian government to the parliament has sparked widespread controversy, as it includes strict restrictions on the participation of military personnel, including retirees, in political life without prior permission.
The bill, which is scheduled for discussion by the Legal Affairs Committee in parliament tomorrow, Wednesday, before being put to a general vote in parliament, stipulates a ban on any political activity by military personnel during and after their service, except with prior approval from the authorities, and the possibility of losing the privileges granted after retirement if the provisions are violated.
The text also prohibits military personnel from distributing or publishing materials of a political nature, signing political petitions, collecting funds or contributing to their collection for political purposes, and participating in political discussions, as part of regulating the duties of reservation and professional secrecy within the armed forces, according to the law.
The project considers any breach of these provisions a "serious professional error" that exposes the perpetrator to disciplinary sanctions, with the possibility of criminal prosecution under military justice law, or under general law in some cases involving those discharged from service.
The government says the aim of these measures is to enhance the neutrality of the military institution, protect defense and national security-related information, and reinforce discipline and loyalty to the state.
Conversely, critics believe that the project effectively aims to reduce the chances of senior retired officers, especially generals, in participating in the upcoming presidential elections, in a country that has seen repeated military presence in governance since 1978, whether through coups or the election of former military personnel to the presidency.
Some opponents argue that the proposed legislation is part of broader political arrangements believed to pave the way for the post-President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani era, a former army officer, when his term ends in 2029.
