AGP Executive Report

Health Services: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani reviewed operations at the National Oncology Center and progress on 28 health centers planned for Nouakchott. Diplomacy: He received new ambassadors from Namibia and Ghana, while other credentials were presented by envoys from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Rwanda and the Czech Republic. Energy and Mining: Aura Energy is targeting a final investment decision by year-end for its Tiris uranium project. Petroleum and environment ministers also visited a Nouakchott laboratory developing mercury-free gold processing for small-scale miners. Economy and Food Security: Mauritania and the World Bank are reviewing reforms tied to prevention and resilience funding, while the agriculture minister discussed expanded cooperation with IFAD. The government also announced an agreement to stabilize domestic butane prices.

Health Services: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani reviewed operations and challenges at the National Oncology Center and checked progress on 28 health centers planned for Nouakchott. Cost of Living: The government has agreed with gas distributors to fix domestic butane-cylinder prices and says supplies are stable. Food Security: Mauritania is developing an integrated response to climate shocks, drought and market swings, including early-warning systems, crisis funding and support for vulnerable households; the agriculture minister also met an IFAD delegation to strengthen cooperation. Economic Development: Officials and the World Bank reviewed reforms tied to a resilience funding allocation, with priorities including decentralization, jobs for women and youth, and natural-resource governance. Energy and Mining: Aura Energy is targeting a year-end investment decision on its Tiris uranium project, while a Nouakchott laboratory presented mercury-free methods for processing artisanal gold. Public Safety: The government says 27 people have been arrested in an investigation into trafficking in hallucinogenic pills and counterfeit or expired medicines.

Public Safety: Mauritania says 27 people have been arrested in an investigation into trafficking in hallucinogenic pills, counterfeit medicines and expired substances. Officials say the investigation is continuing and those detained will face the courts. Nouakchott Development: The government says a new emergency program will deliver 160 km of paved roads and electricity lines, more schools and health facilities, and a 60% increase in water pumping. Rights: Mauritania welcomed a UN declaration recognizing the slave trade in Africa as a grave crime against humanity, citing its constitutional and legal framework against slavery. Water Investment: France signed a €43 million financing protocol to expand the Aftout coastal water network, improving supply for Nouakchott and communities along the pipeline. Energy: The government attributed delays in gas extraction to technical complexity and the pandemic, while acknowledging these do not explain the full delay. Environment: A workshop is reviewing draft legislation to regulate hazardous chemicals, including their import, storage, transport and disposal. Education: Mauritania’s education minister outlined plans to introduce AI gradually, with a focus on improving learning and equal opportunity. Sport: Mauritania qualified for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, set for Senegal from November 28 to December 6.

Water Investment: Mauritania and France signed a €43 million financing deal to expand the Aftout coastal water network, improving drinking-water access in Nouakchott and communities along the pipeline. Gas Outlook: Petroleum Minister Nani Ould Chrougha blamed technical complexity and pandemic disruption for delays to gas extraction, while acknowledging they do not explain the full delay. Mauritania and Senegal are also examining costs raised by project companies; he said there is no crisis between partners. Chemical Safety: A workshop is reviewing a draft law to regulate hazardous chemicals, including their import, storage, transport and disposal. Land Restoration: Mauritania is among nine countries covered by a new $78 million Great Green Wall programme aiming to restore degraded land and support livelihoods. Football: Mauritania’s U-20 side drew 2-2 with Sierra Leone after conceding a stoppage-time equalizer. The country also qualified for the 2026 African Beach Soccer Cup of Nations.

Public Services: Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Diay inspected health, sports and other projects in Nouakchott, urging faster work and better delivery of public services. Football: Mauritania’s U-20 side opens its WAFU-A campaign against Sierra Leone today in Mali; FC Nouadhibou will try to overturn a 2-1 deficit against San-Pédro on October 25. Regional Ties: Mauritania joined the OIC foreign ministers’ meeting in Baghdad and reiterated support for Palestinian statehood, while calling for compliance with Gaza ceasefire and aid commitments. Land Restoration: A new $78 million Great Green Wall programme will support restoration across nine countries, including Mauritania, and aims to improve livelihoods for five million people. Energy and Mining: Aura Energy’s feasibility study for its Tiris uranium project sets out a path toward a development decision by year-end, though financing remains unsecured. Western Sahara: The UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee adopted its annual resolution by 152 votes to two, with seven abstentions; the text references the Security Council process and calls on the parties, including Mauritania, to engage in good faith.

Public Services: Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Diay inspected health, sports and public-service projects across Nouakchott, urging faster delivery and better services for residents. Regional Diplomacy: Mauritania joined the OIC foreign ministers’ meeting in Baghdad, reaffirming support for an independent Palestinian state and calling for action on ceasefire violations and aid access in Gaza. Energy: New Energy and Petroleum Minister Mohamed Ould Abdel Vetah takes office amid power outages following substation fires and pressure to address the electricity crisis. Mining: Aura Energy’s feasibility study backs its Tiris uranium project, with a final investment decision targeted by year-end; financing remains unsecured. Football: FC Nouadhibou lost 2–1 to San-Pédro in the first leg of their CAF Champions League tie and must overturn the deficit at home on October 25. Health: A Chinese naval hospital ship’s recent visit to Mauritania included more than 7,500 consultations and over 30 operations.

Energy: New Energy and Petroleum Minister Mohamed Ould Abdel Vetah takes office amid electricity shortages and an inquiry into fires at two Nouakchott substations. He has pledged to continue regional cooperation with Senegal on shared energy priorities. Football: FC Nouadhibou lost 2-1 to Côte d’Ivoire’s San-Pédro after a stoppage-time goal. The Mauritanian side needs a win in the October 25 return leg to reach the CAF Champions League group stage. Western Sahara: The UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee adopted its annual resolution by 152 votes to two, with seven abstentions. It referenced Security Council Resolution 2797 while maintaining the call for a mutually acceptable political settlement. Mining: Aura Energy’s feasibility study puts its Tiris uranium project on course for a targeted December investment decision, but financing is not yet secured. Separately, Mauritania is among eight countries launching priorities under a World Bank initiative to expand critical-minerals development and local value.

Football: The Court of Arbitration for Sport has postponed both CAF Confederation Cup ties between Mauritania’s AS Douanes and Algeria’s CR Belouizdad until at least November 6, pending a challenge by Guinea’s Hafia FC over an earlier match decision. Mining: Mauritania is among eight countries launching priorities under the World Bank’s plan to quintuple its critical-minerals business, with goals including stronger licensing, infrastructure and local skills. Separately, Aura Energy’s feasibility study for the Tiris uranium project supports a final investment decision by December, but financing remains unsecured and the company has limited cash runway. Western Sahara: The UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee passed its annual resolution 152-2-7, referencing Security Council Resolution 2797 while keeping the territory on the decolonisation agenda and urging a political settlement; Mauritania is named among the parties to the process. Economic Outlook: UNCTAD forecasts African growth of 4.1% in 2026, warning that imported-energy costs, reduced aid and high borrowing costs could constrain gains. A trade-finance institution has signed a $1 billion framework agreement for Mauritania to support imports, including petroleum.

Tiris Uranium Project: Aura Energy’s feasibility study puts development costs at about $350 million and targets a December investment decision, with first production planned for 2028. Funding is not yet secured, and the company says its cash covers roughly two quarters of spending. Sahara Diplomacy: The UN Fourth Committee adopted its annual resolution by 152 votes to two, with seven abstentions. It references Security Council Resolution 2797 and calls on Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria and the Polisario to engage in good-faith talks; the recorded vote followed a US request to vote on all draft resolutions. Mining Investment: Africa Finance Corporation is exploring iron ore and uranium investments. It says production across Mauritania, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone could rank among the world’s top three within a decade. Health Cooperation: A Chinese naval hospital ship’s recent visit to Mauritania included more than 7,500 consultations and over 30 operations. Migration: At least 12 people died when a migrant boat capsized off Gambia. Rescuers said the number missing remains unknown; tighter patrols off Mauritania and neighboring countries have pushed departures farther south.

Tiris Uranium: Aura Energy’s feasibility study puts the Mauritanian project on a path to a December investment decision, with first production targeted for 2028. The proposed 26-year mine has estimated development costs of US$350 million, but Aura has yet to secure funding and says its cash covers about two quarters of spending. Sahara Diplomacy: The UN Fourth Committee adopted its annual resolution by 152 votes to two, with seven abstentions. It references Security Council Resolution 2797 and calls on Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario to engage in talks, while keeping the territory on the UN decolonisation agenda. Mining Investment: Africa Finance Corporation is exploring iron ore and uranium investments. It says production from Mauritania, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone could make the region one of the world’s top three iron ore producers within a decade. Regional Migration: At least 12 people died when a migrant boat sank off Gambia, with others missing. Tighter patrols off Mauritania, Morocco and Senegal have pushed departures farther south, lengthening the dangerous Atlantic crossing. Health Cooperation: China’s naval hospital ship treated more than 7,500 people and performed over 30 operations during its visit to Mauritania.

Uranium Investment: Aura Energy’s feasibility study puts Mauritania’s Tiris project at a projected $500 million post-tax value, with a December investment decision targeted and production planned for 2028. The company estimates $350 million in development costs and says it has about two quarters of cash for current spending. Government: Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay was reappointed after resigning amid power outages linked to substation fires, and has formed a new cabinet. Western Sahara: The UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee backed its annual resolution 152-2, adding a reference to Security Council Resolution 2797 while retaining a call for a settlement that allows Sahrawi self-determination. Migration: At least 12 people died when a migrant boat sank off Gambia, with others missing. Tighter patrols off Mauritania, Morocco and Senegal are pushing departures farther south along the dangerous Atlantic route. Mining Prospects: The Africa Finance Corporation is seeking iron-ore and uranium investments, naming Mauritania among four countries with potential to become a leading iron-ore producer.

Energy and Investment: Aura Energy says its Tiris uranium project in Mauritania has completed a bankable feasibility study, with a final investment decision targeted for December. Government: Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay was reappointed after his government resigned amid power outages linked to substation fires. Diplomacy: Mauritania’s economy minister met representatives of the IMF and World Bank, while the energy minister held talks with France’s ambassador. Sahara Talks: The UN’s Fourth Committee backed a resolution with 152 votes in favor, two against and seven abstentions; envoy Staffan de Mistura has warned that negotiations remain deadlocked and urged clarity on the next phase. Football: Mauritanian federation chief Ahmed Yahya backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino after his apology over a scrapped commercial plan, as English and German officials called for answers and reform. Regional Economy: The IMF raised its 2026 sub-Saharan Africa growth forecast to 4.5%; its Africa director, former Mauritanian prime minister Zeine Zeidane, cautioned that per-capita growth remains weak.

Energy and Investment: Mauritania is pitching its gas potential at an energy conference in Paris, with the energy minister highlighting offshore prospects and the BirAllah field, estimated to hold 60 trillion cubic feet of gas. Government: Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay was reappointed after his government resigned amid power outages linked to Nouakchott substation fires; President Ghazouani has ordered action on inquiry recommendations. Officials say an inclusive national dialogue remains a priority. Sahara Talks: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura says negotiations are deadlocked and has urged the Security Council to clarify Resolution 2797. He called for autonomy to anchor talks, alongside meaningful self-determination and international guarantees. Mauritania took part as an observer. Border Security: Reports allege at least 34 civilians were killed in military operations along the Mali–Mauritania border between 2023 and 2025, raising fresh concerns about civilian protection and accountability. Trade and Football: Mauritania and Brazil discussed expanding fisheries cooperation after barriers to Mauritanian fish exports were removed. Football federation chief Ahmed Yahya is also among names reported as potential successors to CAF president Patrice Motsepe.

Flight Restrictions: Mauritanian nationals are among those reportedly barred from airline crew duties on flights to and from Israel under tightened rules adopted by airlines including United and Air France. Human Rights: Mauritania reaffirmed its commitment to the African Charter at a commission meeting in Dakar, stressing the need to balance security with fundamental freedoms. Western Sahara: Algeria again called for a settlement based on Sahrawi self-determination at the UN; Mauritania is participating as an observer in renewed talks involving the parties. Government: Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay was reappointed after resigning with his government amid power outages linked to Nouakchott substation fires, and has been tasked with forming a new cabinet. Border Security: Rights groups report that at least 34 civilians were killed in alleged abuses during operations along the Mali-Mauritania border between 2023 and 2025.

Aviation Restrictions: Israel’s new rules barring some foreign airline crew from flights to its airspace include Mauritanian nationals. Air France and United are adjusting crew rosters; the restrictions do not apply to passengers. Migration: IOM says West African arrivals to Europe fell 59% in the first half of 2026, but tighter controls in Mauritania, Morocco and Senegal are pushing departures onto longer, deadlier routes. African Football: Mauritania’s football federation chief Ahmed Yahya reportedly opposed restoring the Africa Cup of Nations to a two-year cycle, as CAF faces wider debate over the tournament’s schedule and leadership. Government: Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay was reappointed after resigning with his government amid power outages linked to fires at a Nouakchott substation. President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has ordered full implementation of an inquiry commission’s recommendations. Sahara Diplomacy: Mauritania’s UN envoy met with UN envoy Staffan de Mistura after Security Council talks on Western Sahara, as negotiations involving Mauritania and other parties remain in focus.

Government: Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay was reappointed to form a new government after his cabinet resigned amid power outages linked to fires at a Nouakchott substation. President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani has ordered full implementation of an inquiry commission’s recommendations. CAF: Mauritanian Football Federation chief Ahmed Ould Yahya reportedly opposed a return to biennial Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, as CAF president Patrice Motsepe faces growing pressure over the competition’s format. Western Sahara: Morocco defended its autonomy plan at the UN as the basis for negotiations, with Mauritania among the parties urged to take part. Liberia also backed the proposal, while Mauritania reaffirmed its commitment to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights at a commission session in Dakar. Sahel Crisis: The World Food Programme warns that 10.5 million people across Mauritania and four other Sahel countries face hunger this year, including more than a million near starvation; displacement has risen sharply since 2019. Air Travel: Israel’s new crew restrictions affect Mauritanian pilots and cabin crew on flights to and from Israel, including dual nationals; passengers are not subject to the measure.