AGP Executive Report

Aviation: Israel’s new crew rules bar airline staff holding Mauritanian citizenship, including dual nationals, from flights to and from Israel. The restrictions apply to crews, not passengers, and airlines including United and Air France are adjusting schedules. New Government: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani approved a 29-member cabinet led by reappointed Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay, after the government resigned amid scrutiny of power outages linked to fires at two Nouakchott substations. Several ministers changed, while the government pledged to bolster social protection, jobs and regional development. Power Outages: The president has ordered full implementation of an inquiry’s recommendations, including repairing the substations and pursuing sanctions or legal action where warranted. Western Sahara: Mauritania’s UN envoy met Staffan de Mistura after Security Council talks on the dispute and MINURSO’s mandate, which is due for renewal by October 31. Football: Mauritanian football chief Ahmed Yahya reportedly opposes holding AFCON every two years; the reasons have not been made public.

Beach Soccer: Mauritania lost 3-2 to Ivory Coast in the first leg of the final qualifying round for the 2026 African Beach Soccer Championship. Return matches are scheduled for October 16–18. AFCON Format: Mauritanian Football Federation chief Ahmed Yahya is among CAF officials reportedly opposing the tournament’s biennial schedule. Travel Rules: Israel’s new restrictions on airline crews include Mauritanian citizens, including dual nationals, on flights to and from Israel; they do not bar passengers. Mauritania is also among 14 African countries facing partial U.S. visa restrictions. Government: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani appointed a new 29-member cabinet after Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay’s government resigned amid fallout from Nouakchott substation fires. Djay was reappointed, and the president ordered implementation of an inquiry’s recommendations. Education and Diplomacy: A Moroccan engineering school opened a Nouakchott campus focused on fields including AI and digital technology, while Mauritania’s UN envoy met Sahara envoy Staffan de Mistura amid discussions over MINURSO’s mandate.

US Visa Restrictions: Mauritania is among 14 African countries facing partial US visa restrictions, covering visitor, student, exchange and immigrant visas under a policy that took effect in January. Aviation: Mauritanian nationals could also be barred from serving as pilots or cabin crew on flights to and from Israel under new restrictions on crews holding citizenship from countries without diplomatic ties to Israel. New Government: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani approved a 29-member cabinet led again by Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay, after the government resigned following an inquiry into Nouakchott’s substation fires. Several key posts changed, while the president set priorities including social protection, youth employment and regional development. Power Outages: The inquiry linked the fires to substandard electrical connectors and cited failures in prevention and oversight. The president ordered its recommendations implemented, including repairs, preventive measures and action against officials found responsible. Western Sahara: Mauritania’s UN envoy met with Staffan de Mistura after Security Council talks on the dispute, including negotiations and the future of the MINURSO mandate.

New Government: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has approved a 29-member cabinet led by reappointed Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay. Several ministers changed posts, while the government’s stated priorities include social protection, youth employment and development beyond the capital. Power Outage Inquiry: The reshuffle follows the resignation of Djay’s previous cabinet after an inquiry into fires at Nouakchott substations found failures in prevention, electrical protection and oversight. The president has ordered the report published, repairs and preventive measures, and action against officials and others found responsible. Sahara Diplomacy: Mauritania’s UN envoy met with Staffan de Mistura after Security Council talks on Western Sahara, where discussions include negotiations among the parties and the future of the MINURSO mission. Higher Education: Morocco’s EMSI engineering school has opened a Nouakchott campus, which Mauritania’s higher education minister says will train young people in fields including artificial intelligence and engineering.

New Government: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has appointed a 29-member cabinet proposed by reappointed Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay. The reshuffle changes several key posts, including defence, interior, economic affairs and energy, while the foreign and justice ministers remain. The government is tasked with continuing the president’s programme, strengthening support for low-income households and advancing youth employment and local development. Power Outage Fallout: Djay’s government resigned after an inquiry into August fires at Nouakchott power substations. Investigators traced the likely cause to overheating linked to substandard electrical connectors and cited failures in prevention and oversight, holding a private company and Energy Ministry officials responsible. The outages lasted three to five days in parts of the capital and nearby towns; the commission found no evidence of sabotage.

Government: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani reappointed El Moctar Ould Djay after his government resigned over the Nouakchott power crisis. The new cabinet brings continuity alongside changes in key portfolios, including Interior and Energy, and sets priorities around social protection, youth employment and local development. Power Outages: An inquiry traced fires at two substations to substandard electrical connectors supplied by a private company and cited failures in prevention, oversight and emergency response. It found no evidence of sabotage; outages affected Nouakchott and nearby towns for several days. Energy and Finance: Mauritania signed an exploration and production-sharing agreement with Shell, while the IMF approved $86.9 million in extended credit. Football: DR Congo eliminated Mauritania from U-23 AFCON qualifying, setting up a tie with Nigeria.

Government: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani reappointed Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Djay hours after his cabinet resigned, tasking him with forming a new government. Power Outages: An inquiry into August’s fires at two Nouakchott substations found serious failures in prevention, electrical protection and emergency response. It traced the blazes to overheating linked to substandard imported connectors and held a private company and Energy Ministry officials responsible; investigators found no evidence of sabotage. Outages lasted up to five days. Economy & Energy: The IMF approved $86.9 million in extended credit for Mauritania. The country also signed an exploration and production-sharing agreement with Shell for coastal waters, enabling further seismic surveys.

Government Shake-up: Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Djay and his government resigned after an inquiry into August’s substation fires in Nouakchott. The report cited serious failures in prevention, electrical protection, supervision and emergency response; it identified overheating as the likely cause and found no evidence of sabotage. Energy and Finance: Mauritania signed an exploration and production-sharing agreement with Shell for the coastal basin’s C2 section, while the IMF approved $86.9 million in extended credit. Sahel Security: Reports alleging Ukrainian support and training for Tuareg separatists in northern Mali point to activity near Mauritania’s border. The claims have not been independently verified. Regional Ties: Mauritania condemned attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia and expressed solidarity with the Kingdom.

Power Investigation: President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani has ordered the government to fully implement recommendations from an inquiry into fires at two Nouakchott electricity substations. The report cited technical, contractual and management failures, but found no indication of deliberate sabotage. Agriculture Investment: UAE-based Elite Agro plans to invest $120 million in Mauritania’s 8,900-hectare Aftout-Rosso project, aiming to produce food for local markets and export. Regional Cooperation: Mauritanian foreign and defence ministers held separate talks with a visiting NATO representative on strengthening ties. Mauritania is also among six countries linked by a new trans-Saharan fibre-optic connection. Energy: Mauritania and Shell signed an exploration and production-sharing agreement covering offshore Block C2. Football: FIFA says it has supported training facilities and academies in Mauritania as part of its wider African investment; meanwhile, the country’s U-23 side exited AFCON qualifying after DR Congo overturned a first-leg deficit. Climate: Mauritania is one of nine countries included in a $78 million UN-backed Great Green Wall programme to restore degraded land and support livelihoods.

U-23 Football: Mauritania’s campaign for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations ended after DR Congo overturned a first-leg loss to advance 2-1 on aggregate. Agricultural Investment: UAE-based Elite Agro plans to invest $120 million in Mauritania’s 8,900-hectare Aftout/Rosso project, targeting food production for local markets and export. Energy: Mauritania and Shell signed an exploration and production-sharing agreement for offshore Block C2, including expanded 3D seismic surveys. A planned Senegal gas network will also carry gas from the jointly developed Greater Tortue Ahmeyim field; work on its northern section has begun. Regional Connectivity and Climate: Mauritania is among six countries linked by a newly launched trans-Saharan fibre-optic connection, while a $78 million Great Green Wall programme aims to restore degraded land and support livelihoods across nine countries, including Mauritania. Public Finance: The IMF Executive Board approved $86.9 million in extended credit for Mauritania.

U-23 Football: Mauritania’s campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations ended after DR Congo overturned a first-leg deficit to win 2-1 on aggregate, setting up a second-round tie with Nigeria. Digital Connectivity: Mauritania is among six countries linked by a new trans-Saharan fiber-optic project, whose Algeria–Niger segment has launched with capacity of up to 100 Gbps. Green Wall: A $78 million UN-backed programme will support land restoration and livelihoods across nine countries, including Mauritania, targeting more than 270,000 hectares and five million people. Agriculture: UAE-based Elite Agro Holding announced 440 million dirhams in investment for the Aftout/Rosso project, covering about 8,900 hectares in Mauritania. Economy: The IMF approved $86.9 million in financing for Mauritania, with $21.7 million available immediately to support reforms and economic stability.

Agricultural Investment: UAE-based Elite Agro Holding announced Dhs440 million for the Aftout/Rosso project in Mauritania, covering about 8,900 hectares, as part of a wider regional investment package. IMF Funding: The IMF approved $86.9 million in financing for Mauritania, with $21.7 million available immediately to support economic stability, governance and poverty reduction. Political Dialogue: Majority parties submitted a joint proposal to the national dialogue coordinator, outlining issues for talks aimed at building political consensus. International Cooperation: Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug met representatives of the IOM, UNDP and WHO in Nouakchott to discuss cooperation, including welcoming the WHO’s newly appointed representative. Private Sector: Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Diay met employers’ union leaders to discuss stronger public-private partnerships and obstacles facing local investors.

Justice Reform: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani received a national plan to reform and develop the justice system, drawn from recommendations made at January’s national justice forum. Political Dialogue: Majority parties submitted a joint proposal to national dialogue coordinator Moussa Fall, setting out their priorities for upcoming talks. Climate and Security: Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Djay opened a three-day Nouakchott forum on climate, peace and security, bringing Sahel and Gulf of Guinea countries together to discuss shared risks and regional cooperation. Water Cooperation: Mauritania opened a workshop on joining the UN convention on transboundary waters, focusing on the benefits, obligations and practical steps involved. Migrant Rights: A Nigerian asylum seeker says Mauritanian authorities detained and deported him and his young daughter to Senegal, raising concerns about protections for migrants. Football: Mauritania’s U-23 side is out of the 2028 Olympic qualifying race after DR Congo won their second leg 2–0 to advance on aggregate.

Migration & Rights: Pakistan’s Islamabad High Court asked the federal government for a response over a petition by families of 50+ youths who allegedly left via irregular “dunki” routes, with some traveling from Mauritania toward Spain (Apr 2024–Jan 2025) and then going missing, with authorities yet to clarify their status. Humanitarian & Protection: Mauritania’s human rights commission approved a national action plan (2024–2026) to combat trafficking in persons, aiming to punish perpetrators and better identify, assist and protect victims and witnesses, with OHCHR and IOM support. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Nouakchott hosted talks and visits across partners and institutions, including a EU-IOM mission on trafficking efforts, parliamentary exchanges under SWEDD, and continued high-level cooperation with Spain and Tunisia. Economy & Connectivity: Mauritania saw new logistics capacity as OBT expands locally for shipping, customs and project logistics, while Algeria and Niger launched a Trans-Saharan fiber backbone link—highlighting the region’s push for digital connectivity. Western Sahara Track: UN reporting continues to frame negotiations around Morocco’s autonomy plan under Resolution 2797, with Mauritania repeatedly referenced in the process.

Western Sahara Talks: UN chief António Guterres’ latest report says negotiations under Resolution 2797 have moved into a more operational phase, with Morocco’s autonomy plan driving talks and a possible “transitional council” discussed in Washington and Madrid, involving Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario. Mauritania–Spain/EU Partnership: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, at a joint visit with Spain’s PM and the European Commission, stressed a new phase for strategic cooperation and investment opportunities for Mauritania. Human Rights & Migration: Mauritania approved a national action plan (2024-2026) to combat trafficking in persons, with OHCHR highlighting victim protection and prosecution aims, while an EU-IOM mission reviewed Mauritania’s anti-trafficking system. Trade & Business: OBT expands into Mauritania to boost shipping and project logistics for Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, and Mauritania’s chamber signed a trade protocol with Senegal’s counterpart. Health & Development: Qatar Charity began 250 cataract surgeries in Mauritania, and the Ouagadougou Partnership marked 15 years of gains in family planning and SRHR across nine West African countries. Economy & Finance: Finance officials met Rothschild & Co, and the budget ministry discussed debt management and reforms with major credit rating agencies.

Western Sahara Talks: UN Secretary-General António Guterres says negotiations have moved into a more operational phase, with Morocco’s updated autonomy plan as the basis and discussions including a possible “transition council” to manage the interim period under Resolution 2797. Finance & Markets: Mauritania’s Finance Minister met Rothschild & Co to discuss cooperation and Mauritania’s economic outlook, while the Budget Minister held talks with Moody’s and S&P on reforms and debt sustainability. Human Rights & Migration: Mauritania approved a national action plan (2024-2026) to combat trafficking in persons, prepared with IOM support, and a Human Rights Commissioner met an EU-IOM mission on trafficking efforts. Regional Diplomacy: Ghazouani held a joint press conference with Spain’s PM and the EU Commission President, stressing a new phase in strategic partnership. Trade & Business: Mauritania and Senegal’s chambers signed a protocol to boost trade, and OBT expanded locally to support shipping, customs clearance and project logistics. Health & Aid: Qatar Charity began 250 cataract surgeries in Mauritania, distributing glasses and medicines.