Zeine Ould Zeidane
Zeine Ould Zeidane | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1966 Tamchekett, Mauritania |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, economist |
| Years active | 2000–2008 |
| Known for | Prime Minister of Mauritania (2007–2008) |
Zeine Ould Zeidane (; born in 1966) is a Mauritanian politician and economist. He secured third place in the presidential election held in March 2007 and held the position of Prime Minister from April 2007 until May 2008.
Biography
Zeidane was born in Tamchekett and pursued his education initially in Nouakchott, followed by studies at the University of Nice in France. After a short period teaching in France, he returned to Mauritania to join the faculty at the University of Nouakchott, before transitioning into the banking sector.
In 2000, he became part of the World Bank and subsequently served as an economic advisor to President Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya. On June 26, 2004, President Maaouya appointed him as Governor of the Central Bank of Mauritania. Zeidane retained this position following the August 2005 coup d'état and stepped down in September 2006 to focus on his presidential campaign.
He declared his intention to run for president on December 18, 2006. As the youngest contender and an independent candidate, he achieved third place with 15.28% of votes during the March 11, 2007 election. Seen as favored by the former President Maaouya, who was then in exile, Zeidane supported Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi in the runoff.
After Sidi’s triumph on March 25, Zeidane was appointed Prime Minister on April 20 and officially assumed office the following day. His cabinet, announced on April 28 and comprising 28 members, was predominantly made up of technocrats and included three ministers from the People's Progressive Alliance, led by Messaoud Ould Boulkheir.
Zeidane tendered his resignation on May 6, 2008; President Sidi accepted it and appointed Yahya Ould Ahmed El Waghef as his replacement on the same day.