AGP Executive Report

Diplomatic Outreach: Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani arrived in Doha to offer condolences on the death of Qatar’s former Amir Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, with senior Qatari officials receiving the delegation at Hamad International Airport. Regional Health Cooperation: Somalia’s health minister joined a regional health investment forum in Nouakchott, discussing stronger healthcare financing, South-South cooperation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and sustainable funding. Energy Buildout in Nouakchott: Mauritania’s Prime Minister said two major power and fuel-storage projects are accelerating, aiming for completion before end-2026—expanding a 72MW power plant and adding 100,000m³ of liquid fuel storage to boost electricity and energy resilience. Sahrawi Talks in Nouakchott: Abdelkader Taleb Omar, a Polisario Front education minister, was received by President Ghazouani as special envoy, delivering messages from Sahrawi President Brahim Ghali and reviewing bilateral relations. Humanitarian Coordination: The OIC Secretary-General called for stronger Red Crescent and Red Cross cooperation in Nouakchott to tackle conflicts, disasters, and climate-driven crises, praising Mauritania for hosting the session.

Energy Update (Nouakchott): Mauritania’s Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Diay says two major power and fuel-storage projects in Nouakchott are speeding up, with completion expected before end-2026—expanding a 72MW power plant to lift capital generation from 180MW to 252MW, and adding 100,000m³ of liquid fuel storage at the Port of Friendship to raise total capacity to 123,000m³. Humanitarian Diplomacy (Nouakchott): Mauritania hosted the 50th General Assembly of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organisation (ARCO), with Qatar Red Crescent Society officials taking part and discussing regional humanitarian priorities and coordination. Regional Security (Mali): Reports say militants in Mali linked to al-Qaeda and Tuareg separatists received training and drones from Ukrainian specialists, with fighters allegedly drawn from several countries including Mauritania. OIC Women’s Conference (Islamabad): Pakistan is hosting the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women (July 12–13), bringing together delegates from 57 member states to advance women’s socio-economic and political empowerment. Trade/Shipping (Egypt): East Port Said received a 173,000-tonne iron ore cargo from Mauritania aboard the GENCO LION, highlighting deep-water dry-bulk handling capacity.

Arab Media Excellence Award: The Arab League praised Kuwait’s support as the 10th edition drew a record 154 nominations, with Mauritania among participating countries. OIC Women’s Conference: Delegates from 57 OIC states are set to meet in Islamabad for the 9th ministerial conference on women’s empowerment, with Pakistan chairing the talks. Mauritania in diplomacy & aid: Mauritania hosted a session of the Islamic Red Crescent/Red Cross committee in Nouakchott, while Qatar Red Crescent Society attended ARCO’s 50th general assembly there. Mauritania politics: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani pardoned two opposition lawmakers convicted over discrimination-related social media posts. Regional security spillover: Reports say militants in Mali received training and drones from Ukraine, with fighters linked to groups operating across the Sahel, including mentions of Mauritania. Health & deportations: Lawyers say US deportees held in a hotel in Equatorial Guinea were placed near suspected Ebola cases, including detainees from Mauritania.

Mauritania Politics: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani pardoned two opposition lawmakers jailed for alleged racial discrimination against Black Mauritanians and descendants of enslaved people, reigniting debate over race, freedom of expression, and the country’s anti-slavery record. Regional Diplomacy: Algeria and Mali moved to reverse a 15-month diplomatic freeze, reopening airspace and restoring ambassadorial ties after a drone incident near Tinzaouaten sparked recalls and closures. Humanitarian & Aid: The OIC Secretary-General urged stronger humanitarian cooperation across member states as crises grow, praising Mauritania for hosting a Red Crescent/Red Cross coordination session in Nouakchott. Humanitarian Governance: Qatar Red Crescent Society took part in ARCO’s 50th General Assembly in Nouakchott, discussing QRCS operations and coordination with the Qatari embassy. Security in the Sahel: Reports from Mali allege Al-Qaeda-linked militants received training and drones from Ukraine, with fighters also said to come from Algeria, Mauritania, and Libya. Health & Migration: Lawyers say U.S.-deported migrants held in a hotel in Equatorial Guinea were placed near suspected Ebola patients, raising new fears as no cases have been reported locally.

OIC Women’s Conference: Delegates from 57 OIC member states are set to meet in Islamabad for the 9th Ministerial Conference on Women (July 12-13), focused on women’s social, economic and political empowerment. Mauritania Politics: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani pardoned two opposition lawmakers jailed over discrimination allegations tied to social media posts, reigniting debate on race, freedom of expression and anti-slavery activism. Humanitarian Coordination in Mauritania: Qatar Red Crescent Society took part in ARCO’s 50th General Assembly in Nouakchott, discussing humanitarian priorities and plans to strengthen coordination with Mauritania. Regional Security Shockwaves (Mali): Mali says Al-Qaeda-linked militants received training and drones from Ukrainian specialists, while also accusing foreign backers; the claim adds to Sahel instability concerns. Health & Deportations: Deportees held in a hotel in Equatorial Guinea say authorities quarantined a suspected Ebola patient, raising new fears around third-country deportation arrangements that include Mauritanians. Migration Policy Abroad: The EU reports a 37% drop in irregular border crossings in the first half of 2026, citing the new Migration and Asylum Pact and stronger regional cooperation.

OIC Women’s Conference: Delegations from all 57 OIC member states are arriving in Islamabad for the 9th Ministerial Conference on Women (July 12-13), focused on women’s socio-economic and political empowerment, with Pakistan set to chair the talks. Mauritania-Sahel Diplomacy: Algeria and Mali moved to thaw relations after a year-long rift over a drone incident, with airspace reopening and envoys preparing to redeploy. Humanitarian Coordination: OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha urged stronger humanitarian cooperation as crises grow, praising Mauritania for hosting a Red Crescent/Red Cross session in Nouakchott. Mauritania in the Spotlight: Mauritania’s President pardoned two opposition lawmakers convicted over discrimination claims tied to Black Mauritanians and descendants of enslaved people. US Deportations & Health Fears: A report says US deportees held in a hotel in Equatorial Guinea, including Mauritanians, were placed near a suspected Ebola patient, raising new health concerns. Regional Security Claims: Mali alleges Al-Qaeda-linked militants received training and drones from Ukraine, with links also cited to Algeria and Mauritania. Environment & Science: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols for coastal ecosystems, including Mauritania. LNG Momentum: A new LNG report highlights Africa’s expanding role, pointing to the Mauritania-Senegal Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project as a key addition to global supply.

Mauritania–Somalia Diplomacy: Mauritania and Somalia signed three MoUs in Nouakchott to deepen cooperation on security and counterterrorism, fisheries, oil and mining, and education. Humanitarian Coordination in Mauritania: The OIC Secretary-General urged stronger Red Crescent/Red Cross coordination to tackle rising crises, as Nouakchott hosted the 39th session of the Islamic Committee of the International Red Crescent. Regional Aid Networks: Qatar Red Crescent Society took part in ARCO’s 50th General Assembly in Nouakchott, discussing humanitarian priorities and expanding coordination with Mauritania. Politics and Rights at Home: Mauritania’s President pardoned two opposition lawmakers convicted over discrimination claims tied to social media posts, reigniting debate on race and freedom of expression. Health & Migration Concerns: Lawyers and deportees say a suspected Ebola patient was quarantined in a hotel in Equatorial Guinea holding U.S. deportees, including people from Mauritania. Security Shock in the Sahel: Mali says Al-Qaeda-linked militants received training and drones from Ukraine, with fighters reportedly coming from Algeria, Mauritania and Libya. Environment & Science: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonize microplastics monitoring protocols for coastal ecosystems, including Mauritania. Energy Outlook: LNG trade hit a record in 2025, highlighting the new Mauritania–Senegal LNG project and Africa’s growing gas role.

Humanitarian Coordination in Nouakchott: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) joined the 50th ARCO General Assembly in Mauritania, meeting officials and discussing how to expand aid and improve coordination with the Qatari embassy and Arab humanitarian partners. US-Mauritania Travel Pressure: The US kept full entry bans on Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Sierra Leone, while Mauritania sits under partial visa restrictions—meaning extra scrutiny for travellers. Ebola Quarantine Claim: Deportees held in a hotel in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, told lawyers they were used to quarantine a suspected Ebola patient, with migrants including Mauritanians among those detained. Mali Security Fallout With Regional Links: Mali says Al-Qaeda-linked militants received Ukraine-trained drone instruction and also get manpower support involving Algeria, Mauritania and Libya, as Bamako’s water and power disruptions continue after sabotage. Mauritania Telecom Move: Mauritania selected three companies to expand satellite internet services after a competitive tender. Environment & Science: Scientists from 21 African countries, including Mauritania, met in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques.

Mauritania in Focus: Satellite Connectivity: Mauritania has selected three companies to expand satellite internet services after a January tender, with the ARE saying strong interest came from both local and international bidders. Environment & Science: Microplastics Monitoring: Scientists from 21 African countries, including Mauritania, are meeting in Accra to harmonise coastal microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques under an IAEA-backed programme. Regional Context: Sahel Security: A new report on Mali says authorities have evidence some militants were trained in Ukraine and that drones used are of Ukrainian origin, while clashes and sabotage continue to disrupt daily life. Public Health & Migration: Ebola Scare in Detention: Deportees held in a hotel in Equatorial Guinea say suspected Ebola patients were quarantined there, as the facility hosts migrants from countries including Mauritania under a third-country deportation deal. Energy & Trade: LNG Expansion: The IGU World LNG Report highlights Mauritania/Senegal’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project as a new LNG export source, adding to Africa’s growing gas role.

Microplastics Monitoring: Ghana hosted scientists from 21 African countries in Accra to harmonise coastal microplastics monitoring protocols, aiming for comparable data and stronger marine pollution policies under IAEA support. Ebola Fears in Deportation Hotel: Migrants deported from the U.S. in Equatorial Guinea say authorities quarantined a suspected Ebola patient in the same hotel used for detainees, raising serious health and legal concerns. Mauritania in Telecom Push: Mauritania selected three companies to expand satellite internet services after a competitive tender, with regulators saying strong interest came from local and international bidders. LNG Momentum for West Africa: New reporting on global LNG growth highlights Mauritania/Senegal’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project as a fresh exporter, while Nigeria’s 2025 LNG output keeps the region in the spotlight. Bamako Water Restored: After sabotage hit a high-voltage line, water returned to Bamako in Mali, though the power grid remains disrupted amid ongoing security pressures.

US Deportation List: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security published an updated “Worst of the Worst” deportation list covering 374 West Africans, with Nigeria leading (124), then Liberia (94) and Ghana (32); smaller numbers include Mauritania (12) and others across 16 countries. Mauritania Telecom Push: Mauritania selected three companies to expand satellite internet services after a January tender, with nine bidders submitting offers in two licensing categories. Cabinet Approvals in Qatar: Qatar’s Cabinet condemned Iranian attacks on regional interests and approved a package of legislative, judicial, educational and diplomatic measures, including steps tied to fuel-station oversight. LNG Market Update: Global LNG trade hit a record 436.98–437 million tonnes in 2025 (+6.3%), with Mauritania/Senegal joining as new exporters and Europe driving import growth. Mali Water Crisis: Bamako saw water return after sabotage hit a high-voltage line, but power disruptions and insecurity-linked economic pressure continue. Mali Security Warning: A new report says al-Qaeda’s Mali affiliate could worsen regional instability if it gains ground, as fighting dynamics shift. Heritage & Culture: Heritage Conference sessions resumed on preserving oral traditions, including Nabati poetry and other intangible heritage.

Satellite Connectivity: Mauritania has selected three companies to expand satellite internet services after a January tender, with the ARE saying strong domestic and international interest drove the process. Energy & Water Security: After sabotage hit a high-voltage line feeding Bamako, water returned in Mali’s capital, but the electricity grid remains badly disrupted—an issue that also underscores the wider insecurity affecting the Manantali corridor. Mining & Investment Strategy: At the MOTA 2026 summit in Paris, Mauritania’s mining minister stressed “trust-based” sovereignty, pointing to SNIM as a model to reassure investors while maximizing value from gold, iron, uranium and copper. Development Finance: The AfDB says its Mauritania support portfolio has jumped from $147m to $659m over three years, targeting energy, water, transport, governance, youth and private sector growth. Social Empowerment: Qatar Charity, with Mauritania’s social action ministry, inaugurated a sewing workshop in Nouakchott for women graduates, aiming to turn training into stable income. Regional Security: Nigeria’s army chief convened African land forces in Port Harcourt, calling for a united front against terrorism and cross-border threats, with Mauritania among the delegations.

Mining Diplomacy: The MOTA 2026 Summit in Paris put Mauritania’s mining strategy front and center, with Minister Edy Ould Zeine arguing that mining sovereignty should be “trust-based,” anchored in legal stability and the SNIM model to keep investor confidence while boosting national value. LNG Watch: The IGU’s World LNG Report flags record 2025 trade (437m tonnes) and notes first-time LNG exports from Mauritania/Senegal via Tortue/Ahmeyim, even as Middle East conflict makes forecasts harder. Coastal Livelihoods: A new report highlights how Mauritania’s Imraguen fishing community around Banc d’Arguin faces mounting pressure from climate change and overfishing, threatening a centuries-old desert-ocean way of life. Social Support: Qatar Charity (QC) and Mauritania’s Ministry of Social Action inaugurated a sewing workshop in Nouakchott for female graduates, aiming to turn training into steady income. Energy & Infrastructure: Mali’s capital Bamako suffered major power and water outages after suspected sabotage hit a key transmission line—an example of how fragile regional infrastructure remains. Regional Security: Coverage also points to intensifying militant coordination in Mali, with cross-border spillover concerns for Mauritania.

Mauritania Fuel Support: Mauritania will keep the fuel oil subsidy at 70 MRO per litre to ease cost-of-living pressure, with fuel prices unchanged for this month. AfDB Boost: The African Development Bank raised its Mauritania support portfolio from $147m to $659m over three years, backing energy, agriculture, water, transport, governance, youth and private sector. Qatar-Mauritania Cooperation: Mauritania’s Prime Minister met Qatar’s ambassador to discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties. Women’s Jobs in Nouakchott: Qatar Charity (QC) and Mauritania’s ministry inaugurated a sewing workshop in Nouakchott for female graduates, aiming to create steady income for vulnerable families. Regional Security: Mauritania is named among countries attending a West and Central Africa push to strengthen land forces cooperation against terrorism and cross-border threats. Energy Trade Link: LNG reporting highlights Mauritania/Senegal’s joint LNG export project as new supply that helped drive record global LNG trade in 2025. Border Pressure: Transport unions report Moroccan trucks stranded at the Mauritania-Senegal Rosso border due to delays and security-driven rerouting.

AfDB Boosts Mauritania Support: The African Development Bank says its Mauritania portfolio has jumped from $147m to $659m over three years, backing energy, agriculture, water, transport, governance, youth and private sector growth. Women’s Skills Push in Nouakchott: Qatar Charity (QC) with Mauritania’s Ministry of Social Action opened a sewing workshop for female graduates in Nouakchott, aiming to turn training into stable income for vulnerable families. Fuel Cost Relief: Mauritania will keep the fuel oil subsidy at 70 MRO per litre to cushion cost-of-living pressure, with fuel prices unchanged this month. Regional Security Watch: Morocco says it arrested 10 suspects linked to an ISIL affiliate in the Sahel, while Mali has temporarily barred Moroccan trucks amid rising threats to freight routes. Energy and Trade Signals: Kosmos Energy scheduled its Q2 2026 results for Aug 3 and reported strong Jubilee output, while Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG (Mauritania/Senegal) logged nine LNG cargo liftings in Q2.

Fuel Subsidy Watch: Mauritania will keep its fuel oil subsidy at 70 MRO per litre, with the state estimating the cost at about 3.15 billion old ouguiyas per month, aiming to cushion cost-of-living pressure while fuel prices stay unchanged this month. Energy & LNG: Kosmos Energy says Ghana’s Jubilee field is gaining momentum after the J76 well came online in mid-June, adding about 20,000 barrels per day, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project off Mauritania and Senegal lifted nine LNG cargoes in Q2. Power Projects: ACWA is moving ahead with Mauritania’s first gas-fired independent power project, including N’Diago 230 MW gas IPP agreements. Digital Education: MBRGI and The Digital School plan to expand digital learning to more than 500,000 people over three years in Mauritania and five other African countries, including teacher training and job-ready skills. Regional Security: Nigeria’s army chiefs are pushing stronger continental security cooperation through the Third African Land Forces Forum in Port Harcourt, with Mauritania among participating countries.