 On January 2, 1996, Khona became Prime Minister, replacing Sidi Mohamed Ould Boubacar.In a surprise decision shortly after the reelection of the President, he stepped down as premier in December 1997 in favor of law professor Mohamed Lemine Ould Guig and became Minister Secretary-General of the Presidency.Between July 12 and November 16, 1998 Khouna served as Minister of Foreign Affairs during a period of instability in the cabinet.