President of the Republic :
Moktar Ould Daddah August 20th, 1961 - 10 Jul 1978 PRM, PPM (acting to August 20th, 1961)

Chairmen of the Military Committee for National Salvation (1) :
Moustafa Ould Mohamed Salek July 10th, 1978 - June 3rd, 1979 military (2)
Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Ahmed Louly June 3rd, 1979 - January 4th, 1980 military
Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidalla January 4th, 1980 - December 12th, 1984 military
Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya December 12th, 1984 - April 18th, 1992 military

President of the Republic :
Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya April 18th, 1992 - PRDS

(1) From March 20th, 1979 also styled heads of State.
(2) Chairman of the Military Commitee for National Recovery to April 6th, 1979.