AGP Executive Report

Migration & Deportations: A report says Miami detainees told they’d be deported “to Africa” were flown via Senegal to Liberia and then taken to Equatorial Guinea, where they were reportedly held shackled after the Liberian government refused to accept them. Health in Mauritania: Qatar Charity launched an eye-surgery medical convoy in Moudjeria, El Ghaire and Legrane, targeting 2,500 consultations and 250 cataract surgeries with support from Mauritania’s blindness-control programme. Public Health Preparedness: A Sahrawi delegation joined an Africa CDC workshop in Nouakchott on strengthening North Africa’s disease surveillance and lab networks, plus plans to build national public health institutes. Sports & Youth: Mauritania’s group in the WAFU-A U-17 qualifiers is highlighted as regional youth football ramps up; SLFA president Babadi Kamara urged Sierra Leone’s U-17 team to stay disciplined and focused. Regional Security: Mauritania’s defense minister attended an AU summit in Luanda stressing conflict prevention through stronger institutions, jobs for youth, and rule of law. Economy & Cooperation: Saudi Fund for Development announced new Mauritania financing, including $40m for institutes in key fields and continued support for agricultural projects like R’kiz.

Sports & Youth: FIFA President Gianni Infantino met Nigeria’s sports leadership in Zurich to discuss governance and development challenges after the resignation of NFF chief Ibrahim Musa Gusau, while Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles U-23 campaign gets new assistant coaches as Eric Chelle prepares for the 2027 U-23 AFCON qualifiers. Health: Qatar Charity launched a specialised eye-surgery medical convoy in Mauritania, targeting Moudjeria, El Ghaire and Legrane with cataract surgeries, glasses and consultations. Public Health Cooperation: The Sahrawi Republic joined a Nouakchott workshop with Africa CDC on strengthening North Africa’s public health emergency response and surveillance networks. Migration & Regional Coordination: Senegal’s consulate in Dakhla will identify Senegalese nationals among 201 migrants intercepted off Morocco’s coast, with repatriation plans tied to Mauritania’s transit authorization. Culture & Development: Mauritania’s sports push continues with new/expanded facilities for FFRIM and the Mauritanian Sports Channel, alongside cultural events and book presentations in Nouakchott. Economy & Partnerships: Saudi Fund for Development signed a $40m loan agreement in Nouakchott to support institutes in key fields, and Mauritania also met World Bank and FAO officials to deepen agriculture and fishing cooperation.

Health & Aid: Qatar Charity launched a specialised eye-surgery medical convoy in Mauritania, targeting Moudjeria, El Ghaire and Legrane, with plans for 2,500 consultations and 250 cataract surgeries, plus glasses and medicines. Public Health Preparedness: The Sahrawi Republic joined a Nouakchott workshop with Africa CDC on North Africa’s public health emergency response, focusing on disease surveillance, lab support and information sharing. Migration & Consular Support: Senegal’s consulate in Dakhla will send a mission to identify Senegalese nationals among 201 migrants intercepted off Morocco’s coast, with repatriation planned once Mauritania authorizes transit. Sahara Security & US Engagement: A US military delegation visited Dakhla port to discuss maritime infrastructure and shared security priorities, following earlier border and anti-trafficking talks. Maritime Sanctions Evasion: A report says Russia’s “shadow fleet” exploits weak African shipping registries to keep exporting oil despite sanctions. Sports & Culture: Mauritania’s President oversaw sports facility inaugurations in Nouakchott, while Mauritania also highlighted heritage and cultural programming in Ouadane.

UN Diplomacy Watch: UNGA 2026’s agenda is set to kick off in New York on Sept. 22, with US President Donald Trump expected to dominate attention amid wars, tension and funding cuts, and a Strait of Hormuz disruption still weighing on global shipping and energy. Saudi-Mauritania Development: The CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development said a new $40m loan deal signed in Nouakchott will back institutes in key fields, while the R’kiz agricultural project is set for inauguration next week. Agriculture & Food Security: Mauritania’s economy chief met FAO’s director-general in Rome to review cooperation on farming, animal development and fisheries support. Water & Infrastructure: In Boghe, President Ghazouani inaugurated a state-funded drinking water system using treated river water, including a treatment plant, power line and pumping stations. Culture & Heritage: Nouakchott’s Moroccan Cultural Centre opened its 2024-2025 season, and the President inaugurated a new “Heritage City” in Ouadane as part of the Madaen al-Turath festival. OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected OIC Secretary-General in Jeddah, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha. Regional Security: Mauritania’s defense minister represented the President at an AU summit in Luanda, stressing conflict prevention through stronger institutions, youth opportunities and rule of law.

International Diplomacy: Mauritania welcomed a Palestinian delegation led by Deputy FM Amar Zouhri, with discussions focused on boosting bilateral cooperation—especially in agriculture and cereal self-sufficiency. Economy & Development: The Saudi Fund for Development’s CEO signed a $40m loan agreement with Mauritania’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, backing institutes in key sectors and highlighting support for the R’kiz agricultural project. Finance & Cooperation: Mauritania’s economy ministry met the World Bank representative to review cooperation and ways to strengthen support in agriculture, animal development and fishing. Culture & Sports: Nouakchott hosted Moroccan Cultural Centre activities for 2024–2025, while the Culture Minister presented the book “Archaeology: Sand and Snow in Symbiosis”; meanwhile, President Ghazouani inaugurated expanded sports facilities, including FFRIM upgrades and a new Mauritanian Sports Channel headquarters. Security & Regional Affairs: Mauritania’s defense minister represented the president at an AU extraordinary summit on conflict prevention, stressing governance, youth opportunities and rule of law. Migration & Humanitarian: Mauritania’s coast guard and rescue efforts continued to feature in the week’s coverage, including interceptions of migrant boats.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected and sworn in as the new Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha, with member states praising the consensus choice. Migration & Rescue: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off Nouakchott after a week at sea from The Gambia, including 17 minors, and transferred them to a reception centre. Regional Security: Mauritania’s Defense Minister, representing President Ghazouani, told the AU summit in Luanda that lasting security must tackle poverty, unemployment, weak governance and institutional fragility. Energy & Economy Diplomacy: Mauritania held talks with Germany’s ambassador on Sahel Alliance preparations, while the World Bank/IFC visited SNIM in Nouakchott to discuss cooperation. Culture & Heritage: President Ghazouani inaugurated the “Heritage City” in Ouadane as part of the 14th Mada’in al-Turath festival, positioning it as a heritage and development hub. Trade & Crime: Morocco seized 75kg of cocaine at the Guerguerat crossing, a key overland route linking Morocco and West Africa.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected and sworn in as the new Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha, with member states praising his decades of service and pledging support. Diplomacy in Motion: Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar held calls with Saudi and Turkish counterparts, congratulating Cheikh Ahmed and discussing regional coordination ahead of the R4 meeting. Migration Rescue: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off the coast near Nouakchott, including 17 children, after a week-plus at sea from The Gambia; all were taken to a reception centre. Energy & Economy Talks: Mauritania’s economy minister met Germany’s ambassador as preparations begin for the Sahel Alliance’s next General Assembly, while the energy minister held strategic talks with Algeria’s Sonatrach and Sonelgaz on hydrocarbons, electricity, and training. Culture & Heritage: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani inaugurated Ouadane’s “Heritage City” as part of the 14th Mada’in al-Turath festival, highlighting culture as a development hub. Regional Security Lens: A Sahel-focused report argues that shifting from French-backed security to new regional and Russian-led arrangements hasn’t yet delivered better protection for civilians. Drug Seizure Nearby: Morocco seized over 75kg of cocaine at the Guerguerat crossing, concealed in a truck’s fuel tank, with the driver detained.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha, with Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif placed at the top of the agenda. Diplomacy in Motion: Mauritanian officials also held talks in Jeddah with Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and the Maldives on strengthening bilateral ties on the sidelines of the OIC emergency meeting. Migration at Sea: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off Nouakchott after a week at sea from The Gambia, including 17 children, and transferred them to a reception centre. Regional Football: CAF Beach Soccer qualifiers paired Ghana and Nigeria in the second round, while Côte d’Ivoire will face Mauritania—key matches leading to Senegal’s finals. Sahara Contacts: Polisario delegations have met Mauritania’s president multiple times since November, but Nouakchott says it is keeping its “positive neutrality” and did not approve requests for a permanent presence.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha, with Palestine and Al-Quds at the top of the agenda. Diplomacy Watch: Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar held calls with Saudi and Turkish foreign ministers, including congratulations on the Mauritanian OIC win and coordination around the upcoming R4 meeting. Migration at Sea: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants (including 17 children) after a week-long Atlantic crossing from Gambia, taking them to a reception centre in Nouakchott. Regional Security: The OIC emergency session also drew renewed focus on the Palestinian cause, with Saudi officials calling cooperation and solidarity “urgent.” Sports (Mauritania-linked): Monaco reportedly revived interest in Rangers winger Djeidi Gassama, a Mauritania international, as clubs weigh late-window moves. Environment & Land: UNCCD highlighted land restoration efforts at COP17, while global data warned coastal heritage sites face rising climate risks.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected Secretary-General of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, succeeding Chad’s Hissein Brahim Taha, with Palestine and Al-Quds at the top of the agenda. Diplomatic Outreach: Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar held calls with Saudi and Turkish foreign ministers, congratulating Ould Cheikh Ahmed and coordinating ahead of the R4 meeting. Migration Rescue: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off Nouakchott after a failed Atlantic crossing from Gambia, including 17 children, and transferred them to a reception centre. Regional Security Talks: Dar also discussed regional developments with Saudi and Türkiye, while OIC member states met in emergency session amid the wider Middle East crisis. Environment & Land: UNCCD highlighted land restoration efforts as degradation threatens livelihoods across billions, with restoration flagship awards announced at COP17.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected new Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha, with Palestine and Al-Quds set as top priorities. Diplomacy in Motion: Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar held calls with Saudi and Turkish foreign ministers, with Saudi officials congratulating Dar on the Mauritanian OIC appointment and both sides discussing regional coordination for the R4 meeting. Migration Rescue: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off Nouakchott after a week at sea from Gambia, including 17 children; the boat had engine trouble and survivors were taken to a reception centre. Regional Security Lens: Coverage highlights the Sahel’s security dilemma as countries shift partners and build new forces—arguing that changing uniforms doesn’t automatically improve outcomes for civilians. Land & Climate: UNCCD-linked reporting spotlights land restoration efforts as degradation and drought threaten livelihoods across billions, with restoration programs gaining international recognition.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected new Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, taking over from Chad’s Hissein Brahim Taha, with his priorities including Palestine and Jerusalem. Diplomatic Outreach: Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar called Saudi and Turkish counterparts, congratulating Saudi on the OIC leadership shift and agreeing to stay closely engaged on regional talks. Regional Meetings: Mauritania’s FM Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug met Tunisia, Saudi, Algeria and Maldives officials on the sidelines of the OIC emergency session, focusing on bilateral ties and shared regional issues. Migration at Sea: Mauritania intercepted two migrant boats off its coast, rescuing 161 people (including 17 children) and earlier more than 300 migrants, with many seeking Europe via the Atlantic route. Energy & Infrastructure: Somelec said Eastern and Northern electrical substations in Toujounine and Tevragh Zeina are back to full operation after repairs. Coastal Development Deal: Mauritania and Germany signed a €35m agreement for vocational training, biodiversity protection and the blue economy.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected new Secretary-General of the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, taking over from Chad’s Hussein Ibrahim Taha, with Palestine placed at the top of his agenda. Migration at Sea: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off the coast near Amhijrat, including 17 children, after a failed engine left the boat adrift; the group is set to be transferred to a reception center in Nouakchott. Regional Diplomacy: Somalia’s Cabinet approved two agreements with Mauritania—one for political consultations and another for diplomatic training—while reviewing security efforts against Al-Shabaab. Blue Economy & Skills: Mauritania and Germany signed a €35m deal to fund vocational training, biodiversity protection along the coast, and blue economy development. Climate & Land Restoration: UNCCD COP17 highlighted land restoration gains, including a WFP-led Sahel initiative recognized as a World Restoration Flagship, spanning Mauritania and other Sahel countries.

Coastguard Rescue: Mauritania’s coastguard pulled more than 160 migrants from a boat in trouble off the coast, including 17 children, marking its second big rescue in a week as many continue trying to reach Europe. Power Restoration: Morocco sent a technical team and equipment to help restore electricity in Nouakchott after two fires hit transformer stations, cutting power across parts of the capital while SOMELEC worked with Mauritanian crews. German-Mauritanian Deal: Mauritania and Germany signed a €35m cooperation agreement for vocational training, coastal biodiversity protection and blue economy development. Land Restoration for Food Security: UNCCD COP17 recognized the WFP-led Sahel Integrated Resilience Initiative as a World Restoration Flagship, highlighting efforts across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger to restore degraded land and strengthen food security. Football Draws: CAF mapped the 2027 U-23 AFCON qualifiers, with Mauritania paired against DR Congo in the first round and Nigeria set to face the winner later.

Mauritania–Germany Deal: Mauritania and Germany signed a €35m cooperation agreement in Nouakchott to boost vocational training, protect biodiversity in coastal areas, and develop the blue economy, with €20m for training and €15m for coastal and marine work. Power Restoration in Nouakchott: Morocco sent a technical team and equipment to help restore electricity after two fires hit power substations in Nouakchott, leaving parts of the capital without power for up to 72 hours; SOMELEC said power was gradually returning while repairs continued. Sahel Land Restoration Wins UN Recognition: The UN recognized the WFP-led Sahel Integrated Resilience Initiative as a World Restoration Flagship, highlighting land rehabilitation and food security support across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. Beach Soccer AFCON Qualifiers: CAF mapped the 2026 Beach Soccer AFCON qualifiers, with Mauritania set to face Côte d’Ivoire in the second round after the draw in Cairo. U-23 AFCON Road to Egypt: CAF confirmed U-23 qualifiers for Egypt 2027, including Mauritania’s tie against DR Congo and the wider route that could bring Nigeria into the same path.

Mauritania–Morocco Power Support: Morocco sent a technical team and equipment to help restore electricity across Nouakchott after two transformer-station fires left parts of the capital without power for up to 72 hours, with SOMELEC reporting gradual restoration and continued repairs at the western substation. U-23 AFCON Qualifiers (Mauritania in the mix): CAF’s draw for the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations sets Mauritania to play DR Congo in the first round, with the winner facing Nigeria in the second round—key dates are late September/early October for first legs and November for Nigeria’s stage. Regional Diplomacy: Mauritania joined 11 other countries in condemning Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase, calling them a violation of sovereignty and warning of escalation. Economy Watch: Nigeria’s slide in a global “poorest” GDP-PPP ranking again highlights how African economies dominate the bottom of the table, a backdrop many in the region feel through high living costs.