UN Sahara Diplomacy: Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani met UN Western Sahara envoy Staffan de Mistura in Nouakchott as the mediator tours the region to push the UN-led political process under Security Council Resolution 2797, with Algeria and Polisario still showing reluctance to align with the autonomy-based framework. Sahel Mediation Role: Mauritania’s Defence Minister Hanana Ould Sidi delivered a written message from President El Ghazouani to Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tiani in Niamey, following a similar visit to Mali, underscoring Nouakchott’s growing diplomatic bridge role in Sahel security talks. Green Hydrogen Push: Ohmium International and Hynfra signed a master cooperation agreement to advance green hydrogen and green ammonia projects in Mauritania, Jordan and Oman, covering FEED-stage technical support and electrolyser expertise. Energy Finance for Mauritania: The Islamic Development Bank signed financing agreements during its Baku annual meetings, including $69.5m for Mauritania’s rural electrification project to connect 22,000 households and 3,000 facilities. Desertification Focus: A Mauritanian official highlighted Great Green Wall efforts to fight drought, dune advance and land degradation, citing restoration work such as dune fixation and direct seeding. Local Business & Tech: Asbis Middle East FZE expanded Apple distribution across multiple African markets including Mauritania, with shipments already underway.