AGP Executive Report

Arab-Chinese Diplomacy: Mauritania, via its Arab League permanent representative, took part in Beijing’s coordination session for the upcoming Arab-Chinese Summit, stressing decades of ties with China and support for “One China.” Energy Talks: Mauritania’s Energy and Oil minister met China’s ambassador to discuss oil and renewable energy cooperation. Economic Outreach: The Economy minister met the US ambassador on development and economic cooperation, while the Economy and Finance portfolio also received Algeria’s ambassador. Budget Coordination: The budget minister returned to Nouakchott after talks in Cotonou with Benin’s finance leadership. Security and Peacekeeping: A 15th unit of the National Gendarmerie left Nouakchott for Abria in the Central African Republic under UN peacekeeping. Regional Stability: President Ghazouani condemned missile attacks on Saudi Arabia in a phone call with the Saudi crown prince, urging dialogue and restraint. Migration Focus: An open day in Nouakchott tackled illegal migration, with workshops on risks, shelters, and youth solutions. Health Aid: Qatar Charity launched an eye-surgery convoy in Mauritania targeting cataracts and blindness in Moudjeria, El Ghaire and Legrane. International Health Cooperation: The Sahrawi Republic joined a Nouakchott workshop on North Africa public health emergency response.

Mauritania Foreign Policy: Mauritania strongly condemned an attack on a Saudi oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and “simultaneous attacks” targeting the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, stressing rejection of any hostile act threatening regional security and navigation. Health & Aid: Qatar Charity launched an eye-surgery medical convoy in Mauritania with cataract operations, consultations and glasses planned for Moudjeria, El Ghaire and Legrane, in cooperation with the National Programme for Blindness Control. Public Health Cooperation: A Sahrawi delegation joined a Nouakchott workshop on North Africa public health emergency response, focused on strengthening regional surveillance and lab networks and improving national public health institutes. Sports Development: Mauritania’s football and sports infrastructure push continues, with reports of new/expanded facilities and a sports channel headquarters aimed at boosting local competitions. Regional Security: Mauritania also featured in regional cooperation efforts on anti-drug work, with talks on strengthening cross-border coordination against trafficking and psychotropic crimes.

Eye Health in Mauritania: Qatar Charity launched a specialised eye-surgery medical convoy with Mauritania’s National Programme for Blindness Control, targeting Moudjeria, El Ghaire and Legrane with 2,500 consultations and 250 cataract surgeries. Public Health Cooperation: A North Africa workshop in Nouakchott (Sept 1–3) brought countries together to strengthen regional disease surveillance and lab networks, with the Sahrawi Republic taking part. Sahara Diplomacy: The Sahrawi Republic also featured in Nouakchott discussions on public health emergency response, while Western Sahara politics continues to stir debate after MINURSO. Sports Facilities in Nouakchott: The President oversaw the inauguration of expanded Mauritanian Football Federation facilities and the Sports Channel headquarters, aimed at boosting youth training and sports medicine. Migration Pressure: Senegal’s consulate in Dakhla said it will identify Senegalese nationals among migrants intercepted off Morocco’s coast, with repatriation planned via Mauritania once authorised. US Visa Update for Nouakchott: The US clarified that despite shifting routine visa processing to regional hubs, diplomatic and official visas (A, G, C) still remain handled by the Abuja mission, with Nouakchott listed among affected locations.

Eye Health in Mauritania: Qatar Charity launched a specialised eye-surgery convoy with Mauritania’s National Programme for Blindness Control, targeting Moudjeria, El Ghaire and Legrane with 2,500 consultations and 250 cataract surgeries. Public Health Preparedness: The Sahrawi Republic joined a Nouakchott workshop with Africa CDC on North Africa’s plan to strengthen disease surveillance, lab support and information sharing, running until Sept. 3. Sports Development: Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles coach Eric Chelle named Bright Osehai Ozebagbe and Deniran Ortega as assistant coaches as the team prepares for Olympic qualifiers, with a second-round tie that could include Mauritania. Regional Security Cooperation: Mauritania’s National Security DG met Qatar’s drug enforcement chief in Abu Dhabi to discuss tighter coordination against drug trafficking and psychotropic crimes. Migration and Consular Support: Senegal’s consulate in Dakhla will identify Senegalese nationals among 201 migrants intercepted off Morocco’s coast, with repatriation planned via Mauritania once transit is authorised.

Drug Control Talks: Mauritania’s National Security Director-General Mohamed Lahritani met Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi to strengthen anti-drug cooperation, focusing on cross-border trafficking networks and information-sharing. UNGA 2026 Agenda: A look ahead to the UN General Assembly’s key week starting Sept. 22, with major attention on US policy and the Iran-related strain on global diplomacy. Parliament & Culture: The President of Mauritania’s National Assembly hosted Senegal’s counterpart for a visit to Nouakchott’s National Museum Office, highlighting shared history and cultural ties. Sports Facilities in Nouakchott: The President oversaw the inauguration of expanded Mauritanian Football Federation facilities and the Mauritanian Sports Channel headquarters, aimed at boosting youth training and sports medicine. Youth & Education: The Minister of Social Work met World Bank experts on pre-school education, targeting 100,000 children under President Ghazouani’s pledge. Heritage City Launch: Nouakchott’s President inaugurated Ouadane’s “Heritage City,” a new cultural and development hub for Mauritanian heritage and Mahadra education. Regional Diplomacy: Mauritania reaffirmed support for Saudi Arabia’s Yemen diplomacy, calling for stability through dialogue and respect for institutions.

Sports & National Pride: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani oversaw the inauguration of expanded Mauritanian Football Federation facilities and the Sports Channel headquarters in Nouakchott, including a new sports medicine center and upgraded academy spaces. Economy & Development: The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development met the World Bank’s representative to review cooperation in agriculture, animal development and fishing, while the Saudi Fund for Development signed a $40m loan agreement to back institutes in key fields and projects like the R’kiz agricultural push. Education & Social Services: The Minister of Social Work discussed with a World Bank team how to expand pre-school education to reach the pledge of 100,000 children. Culture & Heritage: The Moroccan Cultural Centre opened its 2024-2025 cultural season in Nouakchott, and the President inaugurated the “Heritage City” in Ouadane as a new heritage and cultural hub. Diplomacy: Mauritania reaffirmed support for Saudi efforts to restore stability in Yemen, and the Algerian embassy marked the 70th anniversary of Algeria’s liberation revolution in Nouakchott.

Diplomatic Services in Focus: The US Embassy in Nigeria says it will keep processing diplomatic and official visas even after routine visa services were shifted to regional hubs, with Nouakchott listed among affected locations. Regional Security at the AU: Mauritania’s Defense Minister represented President Ghazouani at the AU’s 21st Extraordinary Session in Luanda, stressing conflict prevention through stronger institutions, youth opportunities and the rule of law. OIC Leadership: Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar congratulated Saudi and discussed regional ties after Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected OIC Secretary-General. Migration Rescue: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off Nouakchott after a week at sea from Gambia, including 17 minors, and transferred them to a reception centre. Energy and Trade Links: Mauritania’s fisheries and energy ministers met China and Algerian energy officials respectively, advancing cooperation in fishing, ports, hydrocarbons, electricity and training. Culture and Heritage: President Ghazouani inaugurated Ouadane’s “Heritage City,” a new cultural hub tied to the Madaen al-Turath festival.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, prompting regional congratulations and diplomatic calls, including from Saudi and Turkish foreign ministers. Migration Watch: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off Nouakchott after a week at sea from Gambia, including 17 minors, and placed them in a reception centre while citing engine trouble and lack of water/food. Energy & Trade Diplomacy: Nouakchott hosted talks with Germany’s ambassador and met China’s envoy on cooperation; meanwhile, Mauritania’s energy minister held meetings with Algeria’s Sonatrach and Sonelgaz on hydrocarbons, electricity, and training. Heritage & Culture: President Ghazouani inaugurated the “Heritage City” in Ouadane as part of the Madaen al-Turath festival, highlighting Mauritanian mahadra heritage and new cultural infrastructure. Regional Security Lens: A Sahel-focused analysis warns that shifting partners and uniforms haven’t yet translated into better security outcomes for civilians. Cross-border Crime: Morocco seized over 75 kg of cocaine at the Guerguerat crossing, a key overland link with West Africa bordering Mauritania.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected new Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, taking over from Hissein Brahim Taha and pledging a strong focus on Palestine and broader OIC priorities. Migration Watch: Mauritanian coast guard rescued 161 migrants off Nouakchott after a week at sea from Gambia, including 17 children, and transferred them to a reception centre while citing engine trouble and lack of water/food. Diplomacy & Economy: The Minister of Economy met Germany’s ambassador as preparations begin for the Sahel Alliance’s upcoming General Assembly, while the Minister of Finance returned to Nouakchott after regional public-finance meetings. Energy & Trade Ties: Mauritania’s energy talks in Algeria targeted hydrocarbons, electricity and training, and the fisheries minister met China’s ambassador to boost cooperation on fishing and port infrastructure. Culture & Heritage: President Ghazouani inaugurated Ouadane’s “Heritage City” during the Madaen al-Turath festival, highlighting Mauritania’s Mahadra heritage and a new cultural-development hub.

OIC Leadership in Jeddah: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected Secretary-General of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation during an extraordinary OIC foreign ministers session in Jeddah, succeeding Chad’s Hissein Brahim Taha, with Palestine and Jerusalem set as top priorities. Diplomatic Outreach: Mauritania’s election drew congratulations and follow-up calls, including from Saudi and Turkish foreign ministers, as regional coordination discussions continued ahead of the R4 meeting. Migration Rescue off Nouakchott: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off the coast near Amhijrat after a week at sea from The Gambia, including 17 children; the group was taken to a reception centre in Nouakchott. More Rescues on the Atlantic Route: Authorities also reported earlier rescues of hundreds of migrants in the same dangerous West Africa–Canary Islands corridor, underscoring the scale of irregular crossings. Regional Security Talk: Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar held separate calls with Saudi and Türkiye, including discussion of regional developments and the US-Iran situation.

OIC Leadership in Jeddah: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected Secretary-General of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, succeeding Chad’s Hissein Brahim Taha, with Palestine and Jerusalem set as top priorities. Diplomatic Outreach: Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar held separate calls with Saudi and Turkish counterparts, congratulating Ould Cheikh Ahmed and coordinating ahead of the R4 meeting. Migration Rescue off Nouakchott: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants from a boat that had been at sea for about eight days after an engine failure, including 17 children, with people taken to a Nouakchott reception centre. Regional Security Diplomacy: Dar also discussed regional developments with Saudi and Turkey, while Mauritania’s OIC election drew broader congratulations across member states. Sahel Land & Climate Focus: UNCCD COP17 coverage highlighted restoration efforts and land degradation risks threatening livelihoods across billions.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s diplomat Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected Secretary-General of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha, with Palestine and Jerusalem set as top priorities. Diplomatic Outreach: Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar held separate calls with Saudi and Turkish counterparts, congratulating Ould Cheikh Ahmed and discussing regional coordination ahead of the R4 meeting. Migration Rescue: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off Nouakchott after a week at sea from Gambia, including 17 children, and transferred them to a reception centre; authorities say the Atlantic route toward the Canaries remains deadly. Regional Security: Somalia’s cabinet approved two agreements with Mauritania—political consultations and diplomatic training—while reviewing efforts against Al-Shabaab. Regional Politics: Spain denied any evidence linking Morocco to the mass Ceuta migrant influx, saying it had no prior warning of the scale.

OIC Leadership: Mauritanian diplomat Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected new Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at an extraordinary meeting in Jeddah, succeeding Chad’s Hissein Brahim Taha, with Palestine and Jerusalem set as top priorities. Diplomatic Outreach: Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar held separate calls with Saudi and Turkish foreign ministers, congratulating Saudi Arabia on the OIC leadership change and agreeing to stay closely engaged ahead of the upcoming R4 meeting. Migration Rescue: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off its coast near Nouakchott, including 17 children, after a week at sea from Gambia; all were taken to a reception centre. Regional Cooperation: Somalia’s cabinet approved two agreements with Mauritania—one for political consultations and another for diplomatic training—while reviewing efforts against Al-Shabaab. Land & Climate: UNCCD highlighted land restoration momentum at COP17 in Mongolia, warning that degradation and drought threaten livelihoods across billions of people.

OIC Leadership: Mauritanian diplomat Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected new Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, succeeding Chad’s Hissein Brahim Taha, pledging a stronger, more influential OIC with Palestine at the top of its agenda. Migration at Sea: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off the coast near Amhijrat, including 17 children, after a failed engine left them in distress; they are set to be transferred to a Nouakchott reception center. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal called Islamic cooperation “urgent” at an OIC foreign ministers meeting focused on Palestine, while the bloc discussed Jerusalem and the E1 settlement plan. Climate & Heritage: New mapping data highlights climate risks to 386 coastal UNESCO World Heritage sites, giving researchers clearer digital boundaries to track flooding and erosion. Development Cooperation: Mauritania and Germany signed a €35m deal in Nouakchott for vocational training, coastal biodiversity protection, and blue economy projects.

OIC Leadership: Mauritanian diplomat Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha, with a five-year mandate and a pledge to keep Palestine at the top of the agenda. Regional Diplomacy: Somalia’s Cabinet approved two agreements with Mauritania—one on political consultations and another to cooperate on a diplomatic training programme—while reviewing security efforts against Al-Shabaab. Migration at Sea: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued more than 160 migrants, including 17 children, from a boat in trouble off the coast, the second major rescue in a week. Energy Crisis Response (Nouakchott): Morocco sent a technical team and equipment to help restore electricity in Nouakchott after fires hit transformer stations in Toujounine and Tevragh Zeina, with Senegal also providing support. Blue Economy & Skills: Mauritania and Germany signed a €35m deal in Nouakchott to fund vocational training, coastal biodiversity protection, and blue-economy development. Sahel Land Restoration: UN recognition highlighted the WFP-led Sahel Integrated Resilience Initiative, including Mauritania, as a World Restoration Flagship.

Mauritania–Germany Cooperation: Mauritania and Germany signed a €35m deal in Nouakchott to back technical and vocational training, protect coastal biodiversity, and develop the blue economy, with €20m for training and €15m for coastal work. Power Restoration in Nouakchott: Morocco sent a technical team and equipment to help restore electricity after two fires hit Nouakchott substations, cutting power for parts of the capital; SOMELEC said service was gradually returning while repairs continued. Land Restoration for Food Security: UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia named three “World Restoration Flagships,” including a Sahel initiative led by WFP to rehabilitate degraded land and strengthen food security across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. Football Draws with Mauritania in the Mix: CAF mapped 2027 U-23 AFCON qualifiers, with Mauritania set to face DR Congo in the first round, while Beach Soccer AFCON qualifiers also paired Nigeria against Ghana and included Mauritania in the wider qualifying picture.