Who Is Mohamedou Ould Slahi? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on December 21, 1970, in Mauritania, Mohamedou Ould Slahi has emerged as a significant figure in contemporary literature and social commentary. Known primarily for his memoir, Guantánamo Diary, which recounts his experiences as a detainee at Guantánamo Bay, Slahi has become an influential voice advocating for human rights and justice. His work has garnered international attention and earned him a place in discussions about civil liberties post-9/11.
As of 2025, Slahi is 54 years old. His life story is a remarkable testament to resilience and the enduring power of hope amid unimaginable hardship.
| Occupation | Engineers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 21, 1970 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Rosso, Mauritania |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Mauritania |
Popularity
Mohamedou Ould Slahi's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact figures for height and weight are often not publicly disclosed for privacy reasons, it's reported that Mohamedou maintains an average stature, embodying the grace and dignity of his character. His overall appearance reflects a man who cherishes both mental and physical wellness.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
In the realm of family and relationships, Slahi is known to be quite private. As of 2025, he is reportedly single. His focus on personal healing and sharing his narrative may have kept him from pursuing public relationships. While there is no confirmed information regarding a boyfriend or any potential romantic involvement, Slahi has often spoken about the importance of familial support during his challenging years, emphasizing the role of love and connection in overcoming adversity.
Frustrated by Canada's refusal to arrest him, the CIA worked with Mauritanian intelligence to lure Slahi back by forcing his mother to call him under the false premise that Canada was going to arrest him and he had to return to Mauritania to be protected.
Slahi left Canada on January 21, 2000, where he was arrested in Senegal at the request of United States authorities and questioned about the millennium plot. He was transferred to Mauritania to be interrogated by local authorities and United States FBI agents.
After three weeks in custody, during which Slahi was accused of being involved in the millennium plot, he was released.
Net Worth and Salary
Determining Mohamedou Ould Slahi's exact net worth can be complicated due to varying sources and the nature of his income. However, estimates place his net worth in the range of $500,000 to $1 million as of 2025. This income primarily stems from book sales, speaking engagements, and his work in human rights advocacy. His memoir has been translated into several languages, significantly contributing to his earnings and international recognition.
In 2017, CBS News journalist Holly Williams traveled to Mauritania to interview Slahi. CBS News' flagship news show, 60 Minutes, broadcast the story on March 12, 2017. CBS News described it as Slahi's first television interview since his repatriation.
In this interview Mohamedou said he "wholeheartedly [forgives] everyone who wronged [him] during [his] detention." Slahi filed in April 2022 a legal claim against the Canadian government on the grounds that "faulty intelligence provided by Canadian authorities contributed to his detention" in 2002, seeking $35 million in compensation.
Career, Business and Investments
Slahi's career is multifaceted. Initially trained as an engineer, he found himself thrust into global headlines due to his unjust detention at Guantánamo Bay. Since his release, he has channeled his experiences into a career as an author and advocate. Besides his bestselling memoir, Slahi has participated in various speaking engagements, often focusing on issues of justice, human rights, and the effects of the War on Terror.
As for business investments, Slahi has been involved with charitable organizations that support freedom of expression and human rights. He invests time and resources in initiatives aimed at educating others about the plight of detainees and the importance of civil liberties.
Slahi was an exceptional student in high school in Mauritania. In 1988, he received a scholarship from the Carl Duisberg Society to study in West Germany, where he earned an electrical engineering degree from the University of Duisburg. In 1991, Slahi travelled to Afghanistan to join the Mujahideen fighting against the communist central government.
The United States had supported the Mujahideen against the Soviet occupation starting in 1979, and funnelled billions of dollars of weapons and aid to the "freedom fighters". After the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, there was a civil war between Mohammad Najibullah's government and the Mujahideen.
Slahi trained for several weeks at the al Farouq training camp near Khost, which was run by al Qaeda, one of many Mujahideen groups in the civil war.
At the end of his training in March 1991, he swore bayat to al Qaeda and was given the kunya (nom de guerre) of "Abu Musab." However, he did not participate in the civil war, instead returning to Germany.
Social Network
In the digital age, Slahi has harnessed the power of social media to reach a broader audience. He is active on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, where he shares insights about his life, advocates for social justice, and engages in conversations surrounding current affairs. His social media presence strengthens his commitment to promoting peace and healing.
Slahi was assigned detainee ID number 760 and was initially held in Camp Delta. Officials belonging to the CSIS interviewed Slahi in February 2003.
He was among 14 men classified as high-value detainees, for whom United States Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld authorized use of what were called enhanced interrogation methods, which have since been classified as torture.
By January 2003, US military interrogators pressed to make Slahi their second "Special Project," drawing up an interrogation plan like that used against Mohammed al-Qahtani. Declassified documents show that Slahi was transferred to an isolation cell near the end of May and abusive interrogation started.
He was subjected to extreme cold and noise, extended sleeplessness, forced standing or other postures for extended periods of time, threats against his family, sexual humiliation and other abuses.
Education
Slahi's educational background is quite diverse. He holds a degree in Engineering from the University of Algiers, coupled with a keen interest in social sciences and literature. His time in detention prompted a revival of his literary pursuits, leading him to write extensively about human rights and personal suffering. He continues to lecture and engage with students and academics worldwide, emphasizing the importance of education in combating ignorance and fostering understanding.
In 2005, the internationally recognized criminal defense lawyer Nancy Hollander got involved in Slahi's case, together with lawyer Theresa Duncan. They argued Slahi's rights to a fair trial, despite criticism for defending a terrorist suspect. In 2010, Judge James Robertson granted a writ of habeas corpus, ordering Slahi to be released on March 22.
In his unclassified opinion, Judge Robertson wrote: "... associations alone are not enough, of course, to make detention lawful." The Department of Justice appealed the decision. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the ruling and remanded the case to the District Court on November 5, 2010, for further factual findings.
The District Court never held the second habeas hearing.
