AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy: Mauritania has taken the rotating presidency of the Arab Group at the UN for November, pledging to coordinate Arab positions and advance shared priorities. Jobs and Business: Germany’s development bank signed a €15 million agreement to support small and medium-sized businesses and employment in Mauritania, particularly for young people. Spain Ties: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani met Spain’s interior minister as both countries pledged closer cooperation against irregular migration and cross-border crime. Economic Reforms: Mauritanian officials and an IMF delegation reviewed the economic outlook, public finance management and progress on reforms. Migration: More than 130 migrants were rescued off Mauritania, underscoring the continuing risks along Atlantic routes. Western Sahara: The UN Security Council’s failure to renew MINURSO’s mandate leaves the future of the peacekeeping mission uncertain, adding to regional tensions affecting Mauritania.

Economic Reforms: Mauritania and an IMF delegation reviewed the country’s economic outlook, public finances and progress on reforms, with both sides pledging continued cooperation. Spain Partnership: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani met Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska in Nouakchott. Talks focused on irregular migration, cross-border crime and closer security cooperation, building on the Mauritania-EU partnership. Energy Investment: The president also received a Murphy Oil delegation as Mauritania seeks investment in its energy sector. Western Sahara: The UN Security Council’s failure to renew MINURSO’s mandate has added uncertainty to the long-running dispute, putting Mauritania in a delicate regional position. Migration: More than 130 migrants were rescued off Mauritania in a separate incident, underscoring the risks along Atlantic routes to Europe.

Western Sahara: MINURSO has begun a phased withdrawal after its mandate expired without renewal, ending a 35-year UN presence. The move strengthens Morocco’s position and adds uncertainty around a dispute that keeps Mauritania in a delicate regional balance. Cooperation and Funding: Mauritania and France signed agreements worth €25 million to support vocational training and Civil Protection services. Separately, Economic Affairs Minister Mohamedou Ahmedou M’Haimid met Germany’s ambassador and a delegation to discuss development cooperation. Regional Ties: Mauritania was elected to the Executive Bureau of the Council of Arab Information Ministers, while its health minister and Algeria’s ambassador discussed cooperation in kidney transplants, pharmaceuticals and medical training. Migration: Mauritania’s navy rescued 134 people, including two children, from a boat bound for Spain’s Canary Islands off Nouadhibou.

France–Mauritania Ties: Nouakchott and Paris signed two financing agreements: a €21 million loan to strengthen Civil Protection and €4 million for vocational training at a Nouakchott technical school. Health Cooperation: Mauritania’s health minister and Algeria’s ambassador discussed collaboration on kidney transplants, pharmaceutical production and staff training. Migration: Mauritania’s navy rescued 134 people, including women and children, from a boat bound for Spain’s Canary Islands. Western Sahara: The UN says MINURSO will begin a phased withdrawal after its mandate expired without renewal, closing 13 sites and repatriating about 160 military observers. The loss of the mission adds uncertainty in a region where Mauritania faces a delicate diplomatic balance. Investment and Diaspora: Mauritania hosted its first diaspora forum in Nouakchott, while officials presented investment opportunities at a business forum in Madrid. Football: Mauritanian referee Moussa Diou and fellow officials were appointed to Ghana’s U-23 AFCON qualifying match against Libya on November 11.

Maritime Migration: Mauritania’s navy rescued 134 people, including two children, from a boat bound for Spain’s Canary Islands off Nouadhibou. Diaspora: Mauritania’s first Diaspora Forum closed in Nouakchott after three days of talks on improving conditions for citizens abroad and involving them in national development. Western Sahara: MINURSO’s mandate expired after a Security Council deadlock, ending the UN mission’s 35-year presence. The standoff raises concerns about regional stability and puts Mauritania in a delicate diplomatic position. Investment: Mauritania and Spain opened a forum in Madrid to promote trade and investment, with officials highlighting reforms and opportunities in strategic sectors.

Western Sahara: MINURSO’s mandate expired after the Security Council failed to agree on an extension: Russia vetoed a US-backed proposal, while a Russian draft fell short of the votes needed. The mission’s future is unclear, raising concerns for regional stability and Mauritania’s delicate diplomatic position. Diaspora: Mauritania’s first forum for citizens abroad closed in Nouakchott after three days of discussions on rights, services and ways to contribute to national development. Officials said participants produced recommendations for stronger ties with the state. Senegal Ties: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani returned from Dakar after a sports and sustainable development summit and the Youth Olympic Games opening. Investment: Mauritania and Spain held a forum in Madrid to explore trade and investment, with Mauritania highlighting reforms and opportunities for foreign businesses. Cross-Border Case: Mauritania arrested a Senegalese suspect wanted in connection with a fatal acid attack; Senegal is preparing his repatriation.

Western Sahara: The UN Security Council failed to renew MINURSO after Russia and the US vetoed competing proposals, leaving the mission’s future uncertain. The dispute puts Mauritania in a delicate regional position. Cross-Border Arrest: Mauritanian authorities arrested a Senegalese man wanted in connection with the fatal acid attack on Astou Pierre Ndiaye; Senegal is preparing his return. Investment: Mauritania and Spain opened a forum in Madrid to promote trade and investment, with officials highlighting reforms and opportunities for Spanish businesses. Diaspora: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani opened Mauritania’s first Diaspora Forum in Nouakchott, pledging stronger ties with citizens abroad and greater scope for their role in national development. Regional Ties: The president also travelled to Dakar for a sport-and-development summit held alongside the Youth Olympic Games.

Western Sahara: MINURSO’s mandate expired without renewal after Russia vetoed a U.S. draft and Washington blocked Moscow’s alternative, leaving the UN mission’s future uncertain and Mauritania facing a delicate regional balance. Investment: Mauritania’s economic affairs minister opened an investment forum in Madrid, pitching opportunities and reforms to Spanish companies interested in expanding trade and investment ties. Cross-border policing: Mauritania arrested a Senegalese man wanted in connection with a fatal acid attack; authorities are preparing his return to Senegal, where he remains presumed innocent. Security support: The EU approved €20 million in non-lethal land-surveillance assistance for Mauritania’s armed forces, bringing its total bilateral support through the European Peace Facility to €75 million. Diaspora ties: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani opened Mauritania’s first diaspora forum in Nouakchott, pledging stronger services, rights protections and ways for citizens abroad to contribute to national development.

Western Sahara: The UN Security Council failed to renew MINURSO’s mandate after Russia vetoed a US-backed draft and Washington blocked Russia’s alternative. The mission’s mandate reached its expiry date on Saturday, leaving its future uncertain. Regional Diplomacy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani travelled to Dakar for a summit on sport and development, following Mauritania’s participation in the Russia–Africa summit in Moscow. Diaspora: Mauritania opened its first Diaspora Forum in Nouakchott, with Ghazouani calling for stronger ties with citizens abroad and greater participation in national development. Security Support: The EU approved a €20 million package for non-lethal land-surveillance equipment for Mauritania’s armed forces, bringing bilateral European Peace Facility support to €75 million. Digital Cooperation: Mauritania’s State Digital Agency met its Moroccan counterpart in Rabat to advance joint work on digital transformation and public services.

Western Sahara: The UN Security Council failed to renew MINURSO’s mandate on Friday. Russia vetoed a US-backed draft, while a Russian proposal for a one-year extension fell short of the votes needed. Diaspora Engagement: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani opened Mauritania’s first Diaspora Forum in Nouakchott, calling for stronger ties with citizens abroad and greater involvement in national development. Senegal Visit: The president arrived in Dakar for a summit on sport and development, hosted alongside the Youth Olympic Games. Digital Cooperation: Mauritania’s State Digital Agency held talks in Rabat with Morocco’s Digital Development Agency to advance joint work on digital transformation, data and public services. Health Partnership: Health Minister Naha Hamdi Mouknass and India’s ambassador discussed cooperation in medical training, pharmaceutical production and strengthening healthcare capabilities.

Russia Ties: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani returned to Nouakchott after the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow. Mauritania is among the countries whose leaders Putin is scheduled to meet, and the two nations signed agreements on extradition and transferring sentenced prisoners. Investment: In Brussels, Ghazouani pitched Mauritania’s renewable-energy and green-hydrogen potential to European business leaders. Mining investor Appian is also assessing opportunities in Mauritania, while warning that shifting policies across Africa can steer capital elsewhere. Senegal Partnership: The two countries’ prime ministers visited Mauritania’s SNIM iron-ore facilities and a Nouadhibou fish-processing plant, highlighting industrial and trade links. Border and Migration: Frontex says irregular crossings on the Western African route fell 45% in the first nine months of 2026, citing preventive measures by Mauritania and regional partners. Separately, activists say a Malian drone strike near Mauritania’s border killed 13 people; Mali’s army said it targeted militants. Health and Education: Mauritania’s first reported laser kidney-stone procedures achieved a 90% stone-free rate in a 20-patient study. The education minister also outlined reforms focused on foundational skills, teacher training and digital planning.

Diplomacy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani returned to Nouakchott after the Russia–Africa summit in Moscow, where Mauritania and Russia signed two agreements on extradition and the transfer of sentenced people. Investment and Finance: Mauritania promoted investment to European business leaders and discussed development funding with the Islamic Development Bank. Mining investor Appian is considering opportunities in Mauritania, but warned that policy uncertainty can steer capital elsewhere. Regional Economy: Mauritania’s and Senegal’s prime ministers toured SNIM’s iron-ore operations and a Nouadhibou fish-processing plant, highlighting cross-border economic ties. Security: A Mali military drone strike near the Mauritanian border killed 13 people, according to local activists, who said women and children were among the dead; Mali’s army said it targeted militants. Migration: Irregular crossings on the West African route fell 45% in the first nine months of 2026, with Frontex citing preventive measures by Mauritania and regional partners. Health and Social Support: A Nouakchott clinic reported a 90% stone-free rate in its first 20 laser surgeries for kidney stones; Qatar Charity also laid the foundation for a rehabilitation and training village for children with disabilities.

Diplomacy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has returned from Moscow after the Russia-Africa summit. Mauritania and Russia also signed agreements on extradition and the transfer of sentenced people. Investment and Financing: In Madrid, Economy Minister Mohamedou Ahmedou Mhaimid promoted Mauritania’s investment opportunities and called for better access to development and climate funding. Spain’s Chamber of Commerce expressed interest in encouraging firms to invest. Mining: London investor Appian is considering opportunities in Mauritania as part of a planned $2 billion African investment, but its CEO warned that policy uncertainty can drive capital elsewhere. Football: FC Nouadhibou will face Tunisia’s Espérance, Angola’s Petro Atlético and Wiliete in Group A of the CAF Champions League, with matches starting in late November. Healthcare: A Nouakchott clinic reported a 90% stone-free rate among the first 20 patients treated with laser surgery for urinary stones, at an average cost of about €920. Social Services: Qatar Charity has begun work on a rehabilitation and training village in Nouakchott for children with disabilities.

Health: Mauritania’s first reported series of laser kidney-stone surgeries left 90% of 20 patients stone-free. The minimally invasive procedures averaged about €920 each, with patients staying in hospital for roughly 24 hours. Children’s Services: Qatar Charity has laid the foundation for a rehabilitation and training village in Nouakchott for children with disabilities, in partnership with the Ministry of Social Action. Development Finance: In Madrid, Mauritania urged wider access to concessional and climate financing and stronger public-private partnerships; officials also discussed development cooperation with Egypt and Spain. Justice: Mauritania and Russia signed agreements on extradition and transferring sentenced people to serve time in their home countries. Football: FC Nouadhibou will face Tunisia’s Esperance and Angola’s Petro Luanda and Wiliete in Group A of the CAF Champions League.

Russia–Africa Summit: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani joined the Moscow forum’s plenary session, as Mauritania’s state news agency AMI signed a cooperation agreement with Russia’s TASS covering joint work, training and expertise exchange. Student Protests: Students boycotted classes at Nouakchott’s Al Aasriya University over a sixfold increase in subsidised bus fares, calling for more services and better campus conditions; police used tear gas to disperse a protest. Energy: Mauritania, an observer in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, was represented at its Moscow summit, where members called for fairer gas pricing and stronger coordination to protect supply and infrastructure. African Football: FC Nouadhibou secured a place in the CAF Champions League group stage, among 16 clubs drawn into four groups.

Student Protests: Nouakchott university students boycotted classes over a sixfold increase in subsidised bus fares, calling for more services and better study conditions. Police used batons and tear gas to disperse a campus gathering; the government says it has added buses. Moscow Summit: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani arrived in Moscow for the Russia–Africa Summit. Mauritania also took part in discussions at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, where members called for fairer gas pricing and stronger responses to market crises; Mauritania is an observer state. Food Security: Mauritania’s food security commissioner and the UN World Food Programme representative discussed expanding cooperation on malnutrition and support for vulnerable communities. Media Cooperation: The heads of Mauritania’s AMI news agency and Russia’s TASS signed an agreement covering training, expertise-sharing and efforts to counter disinformation.