Ebola Travel Curbs: The US has temporarily barred Americans who were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the past 21 days from boarding flights home, with the US Embassy in Kinshasa urging affected travellers to stay outside the DRC for at least 21 days. Critical Minerals Deal: Mauritania and the US signed a framework agreement to boost cooperation on critical minerals and rare earths, aiming to strengthen supply chains, attract investment, and expand processing. Tourism Boost: The IFC committed up to $15m to expand Grands Hôtels de Mauritanie’s Sheraton Nouakchott, backing business tourism and local jobs. Inflation Watch: Mauritania’s local commodity prices rose sharply in June, pushing annual inflation for locally produced goods to 10.2%, with food—especially fish and red meat—driving much of the pressure. Locust Alert: Desert locust upsurges are building in Northwest Africa, with Morocco the main hotspot and Mauritania among countries preparing for possible summer movements. Sahrawi Talks: A Sahrawi delegation met Mauritania’s opposition UFP leader, with Mauritania reiterating its “positive neutrality” and support for UN efforts and self-determination. Energy & Trade: Morocco reopened onion exports to African markets, while tomatoes and potatoes remain restricted; the Rosso border route via Mauritania is under strain from congestion. Oil Exploration Interest: Murphy Oil and Chariot have applied for offshore exploration acreage in Mauritania, following recent exits by other firms. Visa Policy Noise: US lawmakers are pushing a “third world” entry moratorium bill that includes Mauritania, while Bahrain and Algeria continue publishing lists expanding or clarifying visa options for African travellers.