This is, however, now occupied by Morocco. He soon starts a policy of more political freedom. Sharia is introduced as the foundation of Mauritanian law. A cooperation is started with the Ba'th party of Iraq . Severe drought over Mauritania, which forces many people to move into the larger cities.
Sharia becomes the law in all fields, except banking and insurance.
Connections with the Ba'th party are closed. Ould Taya has himself appointed president. More emphasis is put on fishing and agriculture. He also starts campaigns to crack down on corruption and profiteering in the Mauritanian society. The government's response was to arrest 30 FLAM members.