AGP Executive Report

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.

Power Restoration in Nouakchott: Morocco sent a technical team, equipment and supplies to help SOMELEC restore electricity after two fires hit transformer stations in Toujounine and Tevragh Zeina, leaving parts of Nouakchott without power for up to 72 hours; Senegal also provided teams and gear, and crews installed an alternative substation to cover about 60% of the affected load. U-23 AFCON Qualifiers Draw: CAF confirmed the 2027 U-23 AFCON qualifying matchups, including Mauritania vs DR Congo in the first round, with Nigeria set to face the winner in the second round; first legs run 28 Sept–6 Oct, and second-round legs are 9–17 Nov. Regional Sports Calendar: The draw also maps other second-round ties, with Ghana drawn against the winner of Togo vs Libya and Morocco facing Ethiopia or Uganda. Mauritania in Global Migration/Regional Security: Mauritania’s foreign minister joined a group of 12 countries condemning Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase, calling them an extreme escalation and a violation of sovereignty. Economy Snapshot: Mauritania appears in global trade and rankings coverage, including EU watermelon supply data where Mauritania is listed among top suppliers.

Atlantic Migration: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 315 migrants off Nouadhibou, including 191 Senegalese, 123 Gambians and one Malian, after a drifting wooden boat got into severe conditions at sea; the operation came days after another rescue of 42 people after engine trouble. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign ministers from Mauritania and 11 other countries condemned Israel’s strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur military airbase, calling them an “extreme escalation” and urging respect for the 1974 disengagement agreement and withdrawal from occupied areas. EU-Morocco Migration Deal: The European Commission says it will increase funding for Morocco’s border control after the Ceuta crisis, including an extra €190m by 2027 for early-warning and technical support, plus more help for return, protection and legal migration. US Immigration Court: A US judge struck down a Trump-era immigrant visa pause covering 75 countries, though other restrictions remain—an outcome that could affect applicants from several African states. Sports (CAF): CAF confirmed 48 nations for the 2028 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifiers draw, with Mauritania among the teams starting the road to Egypt.

Humanitarian Partnerships: An Emirati minister urged shifting from aid handouts to empowering crisis-hit communities, citing UAE training support in Mauritania to cut maternal deaths by turning women into midwives. Travel Warnings: The UK Foreign Office issued “do not travel” guidance for 36 countries, warning that ignoring it can void travel insurance and make consular help harder. Youth Football: CAF confirmed 48 nations for the 2028 AFCON U-23 qualifiers draw, including Mauritania, as the race to Egypt begins. Security & Drones Allegations: A report claims Ukrainian agencies are sharing drone know-how with terrorist groups in Africa, pointing to training links involving Mauritania and militant activity in Mali. Migration at Sea (Mauritania): Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 315 migrants off Nouadhibou, including Senegalese and Gambians, after a drifting boat left the Gambia; another recent rescue saved 42 after engine trouble. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign ministers including Mauritania condemned Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase, calling them an “extreme escalation” and demanding respect for the 1974 disengagement deal. EU-Morocco Border Deal: The EU plans extra funding for Morocco’s border control after the Ceuta crisis, with Mauritania in the wider regional migration conversation.

Migration at sea: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 315 migrants off Nouadhibou, including 191 Senegalese, 123 Gambians and one Malian, after a wooden boat drifted in difficult Atlantic conditions; it follows another rescue of 42 people days earlier as thousands keep risking the Western Atlantic route toward Spain’s Canary Islands. Regional diplomacy: Foreign ministers from 12 countries, including Mauritania, condemned Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur military airbase, calling them an “extreme escalation” and urging respect for the 1974 disengagement agreement and withdrawal from occupied areas. EU-Morocco migration deal: The European Commission plans extra funding for Morocco’s border control and migration management after the Ceuta crisis, with an additional €190 million expected by 2027 and support for return, protection and legal migration. US legal pressure on visas: A US judge overturned a Trump-era immigrant visa suspension affecting dozens of African countries, saying the policy exceeded the secretary of state’s legal authority. Civic space in Africa: A new analysis notes Mauritania among countries that improved civic space, even as most of Sub-Saharan Africa remains “blocked, repressed or closed.”

Migration & Rescue: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 315 migrants off Nouadhibou, including 191 Senegalese, 123 Gambians and one Malian, with women, minors and infants among those saved after a drifting wooden boat left The Gambia for Europe. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign ministers from Mauritania and 11 other Muslim-majority countries condemned Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur military airbase, calling them an “extreme escalation” and demanding respect for Syria’s sovereignty and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. EU-Morocco Migration Deal: The European Commission plans extra funding for Morocco’s border control and migration management after the Ceuta crisis, including an additional €190 million by 2027, with support for returns, protection and legal migration. Civic Space in Africa: A new analysis highlights that most of Sub-Saharan Africa faces restricted civic space, while noting Mauritania has improved in recent evaluations. Local Human Interest: After 45 years, Luxembourg bookseller Jean-Claude Henkes retires from the Ernster shop, marking the end of a long career in schoolbook season.

Diplomacy & Security: Foreign ministers including Mauritania condemned Israeli airstrikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur military airbase, calling them an “extreme escalation” and a “flagrant violation” of Syria’s sovereignty, urging respect for the 1974 disengagement deal and withdrawal of Israeli forces. Migration Watch (Mauritania): Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 315 migrants off Nouadhibou, including 191 Senegalese and 123 Gambians, after a drifting wooden boat left the Gambia; authorities say search-and-rescue remains active after earlier rescues. Regional Policy (EU–Morocco): The EU plans extra funding for Morocco’s border control and migration management after the Ceuta crisis, with an additional €190 million expected by 2027, citing Morocco as a key partner against smuggling. Civic Space: A new report notes Mauritania among African countries that improved civic space scores, highlighting room for civil society as a factor for transparency and investment appeal.

Diplomacy & Security: Foreign ministers from Türkiye, Algeria, Indonesia, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and others condemned Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur military airbase, calling them an “extreme escalation” and a “flagrant” breach of Syria’s sovereignty, urging respect for the 1974 disengagement deal and withdrawal of Israeli forces. Migration Watch (Mauritania): Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 315 migrants off Nouadhibou, including 191 Senegalese, 123 Gambians and one Malian, after a drifting wooden boat left the Gambia; officials say search and rescue remains active after earlier rescues. EU–Morocco Border Deal: The EU plans extra funding for Morocco’s border control and migration management after the Ceuta crisis, with an additional €190 million expected by 2027, plus support for return, protection and legal migration. Regional Governance: A US report says Tunisia meets minimum budget transparency requirements, while Mauritania is highlighted among African countries showing civic-space improvements.

Syria Crisis: Foreign ministers from 12 countries including Mauritania condemned Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur military airbase, calling them an “extreme escalation” and a violation of Syria’s sovereignty, urging a firm international response and respect for the 1974 disengagement deal. Migration Watch: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 315 migrants off Nouadhibou, including 191 Senegalese, 123 Gambians and one Malian, after a drifting wooden vessel left the Gambia; authorities say search-and-rescue remains active following earlier rescues. EU-Morocco Border Deal: The EU plans to add €190 million to support Morocco’s border control and migration management after the Ceuta crisis, building on earlier funding and expanding cooperation on returns, protection and legal migration. Local Connectivity: Mauritania recorded a 21% surge in internet subscriptions as traditional calls decline, signaling continued telecom shifts. Regional Diplomacy: Mauritania’s foreign minister met Pakistan’s deputy prime minister/foreign minister, reaffirming strong bilateral ties and cooperation.

Syria Crisis Diplomacy: Foreign ministers from Qatar, Türkiye, Algeria, Indonesia, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Somalia condemned Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur military airport, calling them a dangerous escalation and a violation of Syria’s sovereignty, and urging respect for the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and withdrawal of Israeli forces. Migration at Sea (Mauritania): Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 315 migrants off Nouadhibou, including 191 Senegalese, 123 Gambians and one Malian, with women and minors among them, after a drifting wooden vessel left the Gambia for Europe. Regional Migration Pressure: Algeria and Mauritania reported intercepting or rescuing more than 500 irregular migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea, as authorities push back against smuggling networks. Mauritania Telecom Shift: Mauritania recorded a 21% jump in internet subscriptions in 2024 to over 3.65 million, while outgoing phone call minutes fell, reflecting a move toward data and messaging. Sports (Mauritania): FC Nouadhibou is set for a pre-season friendly in Fez on Aug. 27 against Maghreb Fes ahead of CAF Champions League preparations.

Migration & Borders: Algeria and Mauritania say they intercepted or rescued more than 500 irregular migrants trying to reach Europe by sea, as authorities push harder against smuggling networks. Digital Shift in Mauritania: Mauritania recorded a 21% jump in internet subscriptions in 2024 (to over 3.65 million) while outgoing voice calls fell, showing more people moving to messaging and data services. Energy & Regional Cooperation: Senegal’s President and Energy Minister confirmed participation in MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 in Dakar, with the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project now operating at full capacity. Business & Innovation: Derawi Tides, backed through FasterCapital’s launchup program, says it has submitted a Sheikh Zayed Prize application and is advancing visa arrangements for its next-stage work in Mauritania. Sports: Mauritania’s Nouadhibou set for a pre-CAF Champions League friendly in Fez against Maghreb Fes on Aug. 27. Tech/Infrastructure in the Region: Viridien signed a multi-client deal with Senegal’s Petrosen to improve offshore subsurface data across the MSGBC basin.

EU–Morocco Migration Deal: The EU plans to boost funding for Morocco’s border control and migration management after the Ceuta crisis, with a wider partnership deal expected to be finalised by year-end. Migration Watch (Algeria–Mauritania): Algeria and Mauritania said they intercepted or rescued more than 500 irregular migrants trying to reach Europe by sea, as authorities push harder against smuggling networks. Telecoms in Mauritania: Mauritania recorded a 21% jump in internet subscriptions in 2024, while outgoing call traffic fell as users shift toward messaging and data services. Energy & Data (Senegal–MSGBC): Viridien signed a multi-client deal with Senegal’s Petrosen to improve offshore subsurface data across the MSGBC basin. Sports (Mauritania): FC Nouadhibou will face Maghreb Fes in a key CAF Champions League pre-season friendly in Fez on Aug. 27. Culture & Society: A study says more than half of West Africans and 45% of Moroccans have considered emigrating, with Europe the main pull. Environment & Science: NASA shared a new space photo of Mauritania’s “Eye of Africa” (Richat Structure).

Mauritania–Pakistan Diplomacy: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar reaffirmed the strong, longstanding Pakistan–Mauritania relationship in talks with Mauritania’s FM Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, with both sides pointing to deeper cooperation. Telecom Shift in Mauritania: Mauritania saw internet subscriptions jump 21% in 2024 to over 3.65 million, while outgoing voice traffic fell about 9%, showing a clear move from calls to data and messaging. Migration Pressure on Europe: Algeria and Mauritania reported intercepting/rescuing more than 500 irregular migrants trying to reach Europe by sea, as authorities push to disrupt smuggling networks. Regional Security Cooperation: Mauritania hosted a U.S. Air Force-led airfield safety partnership with 10 African nations to share flightline safety practices, including managing hazards and foreign object debris. Football (Arab World): Six Arab federations—including Mauritania—publicly backed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino amid the FIFA leadership revolt over his World Cup plan. Culture & Trade: West Africa’s ataya green tea tradition is spreading, with Mauritania heavily reliant on Chinese tea imports.

Migration & Borders: Algeria and Mauritania said they intercepted or rescued more than 500 irregular migrants trying to reach Europe by sea, as authorities push harder against smuggling networks. Digital Economy: Mauritania saw a 21% jump in internet subscriptions in 2024 to over 3.65 million, while outgoing phone traffic fell, showing a clear shift from calls to data and messaging. Diplomacy: Mauritania’s FM Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug reaffirmed the long-standing Pakistan-Mauritania relationship in talks with DPM/FM Mohammad Ishaq Dar, with both sides also discussing wider multilateral issues. Energy & Industry: Mauritania-Senegal offshore work gets a boost as Viridien signs a multi-client deal with Senegal’s Petrosen to improve subsurface data in the MSGBC basin. Sports: FC Nouadhibou will face Maghreb Fes in a key pre-season friendly in Morocco on August 27 ahead of the CAF Champions League. Human Mobility Watch: A new mass breach attempt into Ceuta was thwarted in Morocco, with hundreds detained. Agriculture & Culture: The 5th Mauritanian International Date Festival opened in Atar, bringing together 245 exhibitors and highlighting date farming innovation.