AGP Executive Report

Mauritania–Russia Justice Deal: Mauritania is set to sign extradition and transfer treaties with Russia at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, after Nouakchott talks on justice cooperation and legal assistance. Diplomacy & Security: Mauritania condemned attacks on Kuwait and reaffirmed solidarity, while President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani also held a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman amid missile attacks. Energy & Industry: Mauritania discussed oil and renewable energy cooperation with China, and the MSGBC gas push puts Mauritania and Senegal in the spotlight as GTA gas and LNG progress. Public Health: Africa CDC advanced a behavioural intelligence and infodemic management framework, with Mauritania among participating countries. Migration Focus: An open day on illegal migration in Mauritania brought youth and experts together to discuss shelters and risks. Regional Cooperation: Mauritania participated in preparations for the Arab–Chinese summit, stressing long-standing ties with China.

Diplomacy & Security: Mauritania condemned attacks on Kuwait and urged restraint and dialogue to prevent regional escalation. Justice Cooperation: Russia and Mauritania are set to sign extradition and transfer treaties for convicted offenders at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow. Energy & Investment: Mauritania and Senegal are pushing the MSGBC gas push beyond discovery, with GTA already producing LNG and new basin projects in focus. Public Health: Africa CDC and Mauritania joined a Mombasa workshop to advance a continental behavioural intelligence and infodemic management framework for outbreak and vaccine decision-making. Migration & Human Cost: A migrant boat found off Spain’s Canary Islands left five dead and dozens feared after 27 days adrift; survivors reported drinking seawater. Extremism Watch: Reporting on Mali highlights how al-Qaeda-linked JNIM lifted a siege near the Mauritanian border after negotiations, underscoring ongoing instability. Culture & Society: Mauritania’s “Mourchidates” are highlighted as women’s religious leadership roles in preventing violent extremism, with state-trained figures cited from Mauritania. Sports: CAF set the AFCON 2027 qualifiers schedule, kicking off in late September.

CAF 2027 AFCON Qualifiers: CAF set the opening group-stage dates for Sept 24–Oct 6, 2026, with 48 teams in 12 groups; Mauritania’s region will be watching key fixtures like Ivory Coast vs Ghana and Morocco vs Gabon. Mauritania Diplomacy: Nouakchott condemned attacks on Kuwait and reaffirmed solidarity, while President El Ghazouani also spoke by phone with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stressing restraint and dialogue. Arab-Chinese Ties: Mauritania took part in Beijing’s preparatory mechanism for the Arab-Chinese summit, highlighting long-standing cooperation with China. Energy & Investment: Mauritania discussed oil and renewable energy cooperation with China, as gas projects across the MSGBC basin move from discovery to execution. Migration & Safety: A migrant boat tragedy off Spain’s Canary Islands left five dead and dozens missing after 27 days adrift; Mauritania also hosted an open day on illegal migration. Health: Qatar Charity launched an eye-surgery medical convoy in Mauritania targeting cataracts and screenings in Moudjeria, El Ghaire and Legrane. Security/Regional: Mauritania’s gendarmerie sent a 15th unit to the Central African Republic under UN peacekeeping.

Women vs Extremism: Mauritania-linked “Mourchidates” and Senegal’s faith leaders are spotlighted in a Dakar peer exchange on how women’s religious guidance can help prevent violent extremism. Energy & Investment: MSGBC gas momentum is shifting to execution, with Mauritania and Senegal pushing LNG and domestic gas plans after GTA’s first gas and LNG exports. Mauritania–China Talks: The energy minister met China’s ambassador on oil and renewable energy cooperation. Diplomacy Roundup: Mauritania also met Algeria’s and the US ambassadors on economic cooperation, and the president held a call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after missile attacks. Migration Pressure: An open day in Nouakchott tackled illegal migration, while a deadly Atlantic crossing off Spain’s Canaries left five dead and dozens adrift; Senegal meanwhile sent a mission to identify its nationals among migrants held near Dakhla. Security Mission: A 15th gendarmerie unit departed Nouakchott for UN peacekeeping in the Central African Republic. Health Aid: Qatar Charity launched an eye-surgery convoy in Mauritania targeting cataracts and glasses for vulnerable areas. Sports: Mauritania’s Nouadhibou FC is set to face Vipers in CAF action, and youth football qualifiers loom in Senegal.

Migration grief in Senegal: AFP spotlights Aminata Boye in Mbour, where about one in three households has lost someone to Atlantic crossings. Her story mirrors a wider taboo of mourning after deadly pirogue disasters. US deportation crackdown: The US published an updated “Worst of the Worst” list naming 427 people from West Africa, including 12 from Mauritania, tied to serious criminal records. Mauritania migrant rescue: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants after a boat engine failed, including 17 children. Health push in Mauritania: Qatar Charity launched an eye-surgery medical convoy in Moudjeria, El Ghaire and Legrane, targeting 2,500 consultations and 250 cataract surgeries. Public health cooperation: The Sahrawi Republic joined an Africa CDC workshop in Nouakchott on North Africa’s emergency disease surveillance and lab networks. Regional diplomacy: Mauritania’s foreign ministry held talks with Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan through a joint high commission session.

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.