Mohamed Ould Ghazouani vs Oswaldo Lopez Arellano

Mohamed Ould Ghazouani was appointed Minister of Defense under President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. He oversaw the military and security sector, playing a key role in counterterrorism operations against Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

Ghazouani won the presidential election with 52% of the vote, succeeding Abdel Aziz. His election marked the first peaceful transfer of power since Mauritania's independence, though the opposition alleged irregularities.

Ghazouani initiated economic reforms aimed at diversifying Mauritania's economy beyond mining and fishing. He focused on infrastructure, energy, and agriculture, though progress was hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic slowdown.

López Arellano led a military coup that overthrew President Ramón Villeda Morales, suspending the constitution and banning political parties. He established a military junta, beginning a period of direct military rule in Honduras.

López Arellano staged a second coup, overthrowing President Ramón Ernesto Cruz, who had been elected in 1971. He justified the coup by citing corruption and inefficiency, and then implemented land reform and economic nationalism policies.

López Arellano's government nationalized the banana industry, creating the Honduran Banana Corporation (COHBANA) to compete with foreign companies like United Fruit. This move was popular domestically but led to tensions with the U.S. and multinational corporations.