Ghazouani also played a crucial role in eliminating jihadist violence, modernizing the military, and engaging with communities and Islamist groups.

[24][10] In October 2018, President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz named Ghazouani as Defense Minister of Mauritania.

[10][25] On 1 March 2019, Ghazouani announced his candidacy for the presidency, seeking to replace Abdel Aziz.

Aziz claimed that Ghazouani had given the former president two large bags filled with seven million euros after being elected.

[29] As defense minister and president, Ghazouani significantly contributed to defeating al-Qaeda in the Maghreb, which had carried out deadly attacks in Mauritania from 2005 to 2011.

His efforts, including community outreach, mediation with Islamist groups, and military upgrades, have been considered effective against armed militant Jihadists.