Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya (b. 1941) became president of Mauritania by deposing Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidallah in a coup in 1984. He won an election in 1992, which was said by the opposition to be fradulent. In June 2003 he survived a coup attempt. On November 7, 2003 new elections were held, which were won by Ould Taya with 66.69% of the vote. The opposition again denounced the result as fradulent. Taya quelled another coup attempt on the eve of a planned trip to France in August 2004.

President Taya is also known by the Arabic transliteration of his name, Mu'awiya walad Sayyidi Ahmad Taya.