AGP Executive Report

U.S.-Tariff Pressure on Mauritania: Washington proposes a 12.5% extra tariff on imports from eight African countries, including Mauritania, citing weak enforcement against forced-labour goods. Migration Crisis Off Nouakchott: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 181 Gambians among 911 migrants over five days, including a 110-person rescue near Nouakchott after an engine failure. Uranium Push for Tiris: Aura Energy says it is advancing financing talks for Mauritania’s Tiris uranium project, targeting a final investment decision by end-2026 after a deal path involving U.S. DFC discussions and a strategic nuclear-utility MoU. Health Cooperation: Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanding ties in healthcare, medical training, preventive care and pharmaceuticals, including a visit to Egypt’s drug industry. Regional Shock Risks: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could sharply raise oil import bills for vulnerable economies, with Mauritania among those most exposed. Ebola Vaccine Funding: CEPI backs Moderna and partners with about $60m to speed Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine development amid the DRC outbreak.

Migration Rescue: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 110 West African migrants off Nouakchott after their boat’s engine broke down, including 12 women and three children, as irregular Atlantic crossings continue despite tighter European controls. Energy & Industry: Aura Energy says it is targeting a final investment decision for its Tiris uranium project in Mauritania by end-2026, after signing an MoU with a major international nuclear utility and advancing its feasibility work. Regional Security: Reports say Russia’s “Air Wagner” network has used Algerian air bases for logistics linked to sanctions evasion, with Algeria receiving Russian fighter deliveries. Economic Risk: UNCTAD warns that Strait of Hormuz disruptions could push up oil import costs for vulnerable economies by over $20 billion a year, raising fuel inflation pressures that also hit Mauritania. Public Health: CEPI plans about $60 million for Moderna and partners to accelerate an Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine as outbreaks in eastern DR Congo continue amid security challenges. Education & Tech: Nigeria’s federal government handed ICT equipment to 15 colleges of education across six zones, including Mauritania mentioned in the regional project coverage.

Mauritania-US Asylum Fraud Case: A Mauritanian man, Selah Dine Habib, is in ICE custody after U.S. authorities alleged he filed a fraudulent asylum claim based on being gay, then later married in Indiana and worked as a corrections officer. Sahel Security: Mali’s junta and Russian backers carried out airstrikes on Kidal after fighters from the FLA and JNIM drove out the Malian Army and Russia’s Africa Corps, underscoring a widening Tuareg-terror alliance. Ebola Funding: CEPI is set to provide about $60m to Moderna and partners to speed Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine development amid a growing outbreak in eastern DR Congo. Clean Cooking Push: The AfDB launched a clean cooking programme backed by Italy, aiming to reach about one million households and cut millions of tonnes of CO2. Energy Shock Warning: UNCTAD warned that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could hit nearly one billion people in vulnerable economies through higher oil prices and fuel inflation. Regional Deportations: The U.S. confirmed deportations of 355 people from West Africa, including Mauritania (12), with names and photos released.

Mauritania Health Security: Mauritania has activated heightened surveillance for reported Ebola cases in several African countries, rolling out coordinated preventive measures across ministries to strengthen health security at entry points. Uranium Investment: Aura Energy says it is on track for a final investment decision by year-end for its Tiris uranium project in Mauritania, supported by a memorandum with a major nuclear utility and a bankable feasibility study due in September. Sahel Stability: President John Dramani Mahama links Sahel instability partly to Libya’s collapse, saying it became a transit route for terrorist groups, and calls for regional cooperation including Algeria and Mauritania. Clean Energy Access: The African Development Bank launched a clean cooking programme in Brazzaville aimed at reaching one million African households, targeting major health and emissions gains. Regional Diplomacy: Burundi reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan at the UN C-24 and welcomed Security Council Resolution 2797, urging constructive engagement by all parties including Mauritania.

Ebola Preparedness: CEPI will provide about $60m to Moderna and two other groups to speed up Ebola vaccine development for the Bundibugyo strain, with trials potentially starting within months despite security hurdles in eastern DR Congo. Mauritania Health Security: Mauritania has activated heightened surveillance and coordinated preventive measures for reported Ebola cases across several countries, aiming to strengthen health protection at entry points. Regional Diplomacy on Western Sahara: Burundi reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan at the UN C-24 seminar and welcomed Security Council Resolution 2797, urging constructive engagement by Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario. Ghana Rights Backlash: Ghana’s parliament passed a bill criminalizing the “promotion” of LGBTQ+ activities, with prison terms up to 10 years and a duty to report, drawing sharp criticism from human rights groups. Humanitarian Aid: Qatar Charity thanked donors for the Qurbani (Udhiyah) project, distributing meat from 45,763 animals to over 900,000 people across 43 countries.

Ebola Preparedness in Mauritania: Mauritania has announced heightened surveillance of reported Ebola cases across several countries, rolling out coordinated preventive measures at entry points to strengthen national health security. Eye Care Reform: The government validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative to expand equitable, quality eye care nationwide. Eid Al-Adha Aid: Qatar Charity thanked donors for its Qurbani (Udhiyah) project, distributing meat from 45,763 animals to over 900,000 people across 43 countries, including crisis-hit areas like Palestine, Somalia, Syria, Kenya and Sudan. Regional Health & Security: DR Congo prepares for a World Cup return after a 52-year absence while battling Ebola in the east and ongoing clashes involving the M23 militia. Saharan Dust Watch: Meteorologists warn Saharan dust will return to the Caribbean and could reach the United States, with Mauritania, Senegal and Mali in the dust path. Clean Cooking Push: AfDB and Italy launched a clean cooking programme targeting energy access for about one million African households.

AfDB Clean Cooking Push: The African Development Bank, with Italy, launched a clean cooking programme in Brazzaville aimed at reaching about one million African households, cutting millions of tonnes of CO2 and tackling the health and gender costs of dirty cooking. Mauritania Health Policy: Mauritania validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative to expand quality, equitable eye care nationwide. Ebola Watch in Mauritania: The Mauritanian government announced heightened surveillance and coordinated preventive measures for reported Ebola cases across several countries, focusing on entry points and national health security. Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco told the UN decolonization panel the Western Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, citing Security Council momentum and its autonomy plan, while Algeria reaffirmed support for self-determination. Ghana Rights Debate: Ghana’s parliament approved a bill criminalizing the “promotion” of LGBTQ activity, with prison terms up to 10 years, drawing sharp criticism from human rights groups.

Western Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee (C24) that the Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 has shifted the process to talks under Morocco’s autonomy plan. Regional Tensions: Algeria, in the same C24 setting in Managua, reaffirmed that Western Sahara’s path must be based on UN legitimacy and self-determination, rejecting Morocco’s claims. Gulf Money vs Iran Ties (South Africa): South Africa is seeking billions from Gulf oil monarchies to revive its economy while also defending engagement with Iran and balancing BRICS ties—an approach that is unsettling some investors. Ghana’s LGBTQ+ Law: Ghana’s parliament passed a bill that would impose up to 10 years in prison for promoting LGBTQ activities and ban funding for related groups, with human rights groups warning of constitutional violations. Mauritania in the Spotlight: A Mauritanian correctional officer in the U.S. is reported to be held by ICE despite clearing E-Verify, raising questions about vetting and documentation.

Ghana LGBTQ+ crackdown: Ghana’s parliament passed a bill that would impose prison terms of up to 10 years for people who promote, sponsor or advocate LGBTQ+ activities, with three-year terms for those engaging in LGBTQ acts, and bans funding for LGBTQ groups. The law is expected to be signed by President John Dramani Mahama, reviving a 2024 version that expired without his predecessor’s signature. South Africa-Gulf diplomacy: South Africa is seeking billions from Gulf oil states to revive a struggling economy, even as it balances closer ties with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar alongside BRICS engagement and continued alignment with Iran. Western Sahara diplomacy: Morocco urged UN bodies to stop keeping the Sahara dispute on the UN Committee of 24 agenda, pointing to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and the Autonomy plan, while Algeria reaffirmed its principles for a “just and lasting” settlement. Mauritania in the spotlight: Mauritania’s prime minister attended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s annual Hajj reception in Mina, reflecting Nouakchott’s regional ties during the pilgrimage season. Saharan dust forecast: Meteorologists warn Saharan dust could return across the Atlantic, reaching the Caribbean and possibly the United States in the coming weeks, with Mauritania, Senegal and Mali in the dust path. Eid al-Adha in Qatar: Qatar-based Arab and Muslim communities highlighted Eid’s values of generosity and coexistence, with preparations and charity central to celebrations.

Western Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale says keeping the Sahara dispute on the UN Committee of 24 agenda is “anachronistic,” pointing to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy plan as the only credible path. Saharan Dust Forecast: Meteorologists warn Saharan dust will return across the Atlantic, reaching the Caribbean and possibly the United States in the coming weeks, with dust linked to weaker tropical storm development. Mauritania at Hajj: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted an annual Hajj reception in Mina, with Mauritania’s Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Djay among the attending leaders. Climate & Land Degradation Debate: A new report highlights how the Sahara is expanding southward and argues desertification is often framed through contested, politically loaded lenses. Security & Regional Tensions: Coverage also flags renewed jihadist pressure across the Sahel and the risk of further instability spreading through Mali and neighboring states.

Hajj Diplomacy: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted the annual Hajj reception in Mina, welcoming leaders including Mauritania’s Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Djay, as Eid al-Adha celebrations continue. Mauritania in the spotlight: The same guest list underscores Nouakchott’s high-level ties with Riyadh during the pilgrimage season. Western Sahara Talks: Algeria reaffirmed its principles for a “just and lasting” Western Sahara settlement at the UN C-24 seminar in Managua, while Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale argued the issue should not remain on the UN agenda and pointed to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy plan. Saharan dust warning: Meteorologists say Saharan dust is returning and could reach the Caribbean and possibly the United States, with Mauritania, Senegal and Mali named among key source areas. Regional education links: Mauritania’s University of Tifariti took part in the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, promoting academic cooperation between Africa and Europe. Security and migration: Reports also highlight detention and deportation practices involving African asylum seekers, raising concerns about rights and due process.

Western Sahara Diplomacy: Algeria reaffirmed in Managua that the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination must be upheld under UN legitimacy, rejecting Morocco’s claims as the UN decolonisation talks continue. Morocco vs. Polisario Narrative: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale argued keeping the Sahara on the C-24 agenda is outdated and said the Security Council’s Resolution 2797 backs Morocco’s autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. Education & Research Links: A Mauritania delegation from the University of Tifariti joined the second “Bridge to Africa” program at the University of Las Palmas, pushing shared academic pathways between African and Canary universities. Mauritania in the Spotlight: Qatar Charity inaugurated a multi-service center in Nouakchott, highlighting continued humanitarian and community support. Mali Security Pressure: Reports on Mali describe intensifying jihadist pressure around Bamako and the north, with the junta facing mounting challenges after recent offensives. Eid al-Adha Calendar: In Mauritania, Eid al-Adha runs from May 27 to May 30, with other Arab states granting longer or shorter breaks.

Industrial Policy Watch: Morocco has topped Africa’s industrialisation index for the first time, edging South Africa as the AfDB credits Morocco’s industrial upgrading, export diversification and strategic policy implementation. Sahel Security: Mali remains under mounting pressure after jihadist-linked offensives and separatist moves, with analysts warning the crisis could spill over across the Sahel. Diplomacy & Western Sahara: Algeria appears to be shifting under international pressure, with its foreign minister calling for direct talks tied to Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. Regional Culture: Qatar’s Arab and Muslim communities marked Eid al-Adha by highlighting coexistence, charity and family solidarity, with Doha praised as a model of community harmony. Mauritania in the Spotlight: Mauritania is among countries backing Greece’s push at UNESCO for the permanent return of the Parthenon marbles from the British Museum. Local Life: Eid al-Adha holiday timing in Mauritania is set for May 27–30, offering a short break for workers and families.

Western Sahara Diplomacy: Algeria appears to be shifting under international pressure, with Ahmed Attaf calling for direct talks between Morocco and the Polisario on the Autonomy Plan, as support for Rabat grows. Mauritania Energy & Trade: Sahara Group has started bunkering operations in Mauritania after a 2026 licence, positioning Nouadhibou as a stronger refuelling stop for Atlantic shipping. Regional Connectivity: Orange-led consortium signed an MoU for Via Africa, a 20,000-km subsea cable linking Europe to West Africa with landings including Mauritania, Senegal and others. UN & Development Finance: The African Development Bank’s annual meeting in Brazzaville opens amid Ebola concerns and Iran-war fallout, with new president Sidi Ould Tah pushing “affordable capital” and wider funding sources. Culture & Heritage: Mauritania is among countries backing Greece’s UNESCO push for the permanent return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum. Eid al-Adha Calendar: Eid al-Adha holidays vary across Arab states, with Mauritania set for four days from May 27 to 30. Sports (Local Interest): Mauritania international Djeidi Gassama is linked to a possible Rangers exit amid transfer talk.

POLISARIO at the UN: Frente POLISARIO’s UN representative, Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar, told a Caribbean regional seminar in Managua that Sahrawis will “never accept” any colonial fait accompli and will keep pushing for self-determination and independence. Mali power shakeup: Mali’s junta continues to roil after a past chain of coups and reshuffles, with the latest reporting pointing to a fresh shakeup inside the ruling system. Bond goes digital: The big pop-culture buzz is around 007 First Light, with multiple reviews praising IO Interactive’s reinvention of Bond for a new era. Minerals to jobs: A World Bank Group push highlights how mineral wealth can translate into employment through governance, infrastructure, and private investment. Regional diplomacy flashpoint: Arab and Muslim states keep condemning Somaliland’s planned “embassy” in occupied Jerusalem as illegal and unacceptable. Mauritania trade boost: Sahara Group has started bunkering operations in Mauritania after winning a 2026 licence, aiming to strengthen the Atlantic maritime corridor.

Somaliland–Israel Backlash: Foreign ministers across the Arab and Muslim world have condemned Somaliland’s plan to open a “purported embassy” in occupied Jerusalem as “illegal and unacceptable,” warning it violates international law and undermines East Jerusalem’s status—while the UAE and Bahrain stayed out of the condemnation. UNESCO Cultural Fight: Greece won fresh momentum at UNESCO as 20 countries backed its push for the permanent return of the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum. Red Sea Tensions & Energy Pressure: A Hormuz clash has sharpened India’s gas and power crunch, with peak demand hitting a record 270.82GW amid heatwave strain. Mali Security Spiral: In Mali, jihadist and Tuareg-linked offensives are tightening pressure around Bamako and adapting after failed foreign interventions. Digital Infrastructure Push: Orange and partners are moving ahead with a 20,000km subsea cable project, Via Africa, aimed at boosting connectivity and reducing outage risks. Mauritania Trade Boost: Sahara Group has started bunkering operations in Nouadhibou after winning a 2026 licence.