AGP Executive Report

UN South-South Cooperation: UN official says China’s Global Development Initiative is moving from promises to practical projects, with hundreds of GDI-backed initiatives and billions in financing commitments. Western Sahara Diplomacy: UN report says Morocco–Polisario talks led by Staffan de Mistura entered a new phase in 2026, with renewed direct contacts involving Algeria and Mauritania. Mauritania–Saudi Solidarity: Mauritania condemned an attack on the “Taiba” power plant serving the Prophet’s Mosque, pledging solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for protecting pilgrims. CAF Football Officiating: Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida heads the team for Mazembe–Club Africain in the CAF Champions League preliminary round in Lubumbashi. Beach Soccer Refereeing: Ghana’s Portia Oppong named reserve assistant referee for the Cote d’Ivoire–Mauritania qualifier in Abidjan, while Robinson Jasper gets a reserve referee role for the Nouakchott second leg. Humanitarian/Community Life: A new study and video highlight the heavy burden on working animals in Mauritania, including a 13-year-old donkey hauling 400 litres of water for over 10 hours daily.

Mauritania–Saudi Solidarity: Mauritania condemned the attack on the “Taiba” power plant that supplies electricity to the Prophet’s Mosque, calling it an assault on Islam’s holy sites and reaffirming solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Regional Diplomacy: Mauritania also reiterated support for the One-China principle after Taiwan elections, stressing continued ties with Beijing. Health Cooperation: The Mauritanian health minister signed a cooperation agreement with Algeria covering public health, prevention, hospital management and border health surveillance. Development Finance: Nouakchott hosted talks between Mauritania’s economy and finance minister and the French Development Agency (AFD) on strengthening funding for Mauritania. Energy & Security: Algeria’s NEPAD summit message highlighted major trans-Saharan infrastructure links including the Tindouf–Zouerate road to Mauritania and the trans-Saharan gas pipeline. Sports (Beach Soccer): Mauritania’s beach soccer campaign gets a boost as Ghanaian officials were appointed for CAF Beach Soccer AFCON qualifiers involving Mauritania.

Mauritania–Saudi Solidarity: Mauritania condemned the targeting of the “Taiba” power plant that supplies electricity to the Prophet’s Mosque, calling it an assault on Islamic holy sites and reaffirming solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Energy Diplomacy in West Africa: Algeria’s state energy group Sonelgaz signed two memorandums with Senegal’s Senelec, aiming to transfer know-how and support electricity and gas infrastructure—sparking debate over regional energy competition and sovereignty. Humanitarian/Regional Politics: The UN Security Council is set to hold closed meetings on Western Sahara on Oct. 7-8 ahead of a MINURSO mandate renewal vote later this month. Local Environment & Livelihoods: A new video and research ahead of World Animal Day highlight how working animals—like a 13-year-old donkey in Mauritania—face extreme heat and daily hazards while supporting communities. Sports (Beach Soccer): Mauritania’s beach soccer campaign gets a boost with Ghanaian officials appointed for upcoming qualifiers involving Mauritania and Côte d’Ivoire. Global Policy Watch: The US expanded a visa bond programme for B1/B2 visas to citizens of 50 countries, with bond amounts up to $20,000.

Mauritania–Saudi Arabia Solidarity: Mauritania’s foreign ministry condemned the targeting of the “Taiba” power plant that supplies electricity to the Prophet’s Mosque, calling it an assault on Islamic holy sites and reaffirming solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Western Sahara Diplomacy: The UN Security Council will hold closed meetings on Western Sahara on Oct. 7-8 ahead of MINURSO’s Oct. 31 mandate expiry, with briefings from MINURSO head Alexander Ivanko and envoy Staffan de Mistura expected before a later-month vote. Beach Soccer in Nouakchott: Ghanaian official Robinson Jasper was named reserve referee for the second leg of the 2026 CAF Beach Soccer AFCON qualifier between Mauritania and Côte d’Ivoire in Nouakchott on Oct. 18. Working Animals Spotlight: A new World Animal Day-linked study highlights that many people don’t recognize the role of working animals; a Mauritania-focused video shows a 13-year-old donkey hauling 400 litres of water for over 10 hours daily in extreme heat. Sports—Sand Eagles Prep: Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles will face Senegal in a two-match beach soccer friendly in Kaduna as they prepare for qualifiers against Ghana. US Visa Bonds: The US announced visa bonds up to $20,000 for citizens of 50 countries; India is not on the list.

Beach Soccer Officiating: Ghana’s Portia Oppong named reserve assistant referee for the Cote d’Ivoire vs Mauritania first leg of the 2026 Beach Soccer AFCON qualifier in Abidjan (Oct 11), while Robinson Jasper takes the same reserve role for the Nouakchott second leg (Oct 18). Working Animals & Climate Pressure: A new video spotlights 13-year-old donkey Lagdaf in Mauritania hauling 400 litres of water for over 10 hours daily in extreme heat, facing hazards like plastic waste and traffic. Bible Access Restrictions: A report says over 500 million Christians worldwide face barriers to obtaining or using a Bible, with Mauritania listed among the most restricted countries. Mauritania-France Development Ties: Mauritania’s economy and finance ministers met French officials from AFD to review and expand cooperation, including funding support. Clean Energy Push: A concessional loan agreement with France will finance 10 solar power stations with storage to cut rural-urban electricity gaps. Tiris Uranium Progress: Aura Energy named its leadership team to move its Tiris uranium project in Mauritania from study to construction, with the BFS due mid-October and financing targeted by end-2026.

France Ties: Mauritania’s Economy Minister Abdallah Ould Souleymane Ould Cheikh Sidia met France’s Ambassador Emmanuel Besnier and AFD officials to review and expand development cooperation. Finance & Energy: Sid’ Ahmed Ould Bouh discussed AFD funding to strengthen Mauritania’s portfolio, while another deal signed with France backs 10 solar power stations with storage. Health Cooperation: Mauritania and Algeria signed an agreement on public health and prevention, including border health surveillance and hospital management. Water for Kiffa: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed to help finance drinking-water supply for Kiffa and nearby towns from the Senegal River. Education Funding: The Islamic Development Bank approved an interest-free loan to build and equip new higher-education institutions in Kaedi and Nema. Sahara Diplomacy: U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz told the Polisario that “50 years is enough,” pointing to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy framework. Regional Security & Rights: Amnesty renewed allegations of war crimes by Mali’s forces and Wagner, based on interviews with refugees in Mauritania. Sports: Sierra Leone U-20 were drawn with Senegal, Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau in Mali for the WAFU Zone A tournament.

Education Crisis in Mali: Mali’s 2026-27 school year opened on Oct. 1, but over 2,400 schools remain closed, keeping more than 730,000 children out of class as armed groups expand and target education. Sahel Agriculture & Mechanization: Mauritania’s Agriculture Minister met a CILSS delegation to review plans for agricultural mechanization in semi-rainfed areas to boost production. Mali War Crimes Allegations: Amnesty accuses Malian forces and Wagner-linked personnel of killing and torturing civilians, documenting at least 34 deaths and drone strikes affecting children, with interviews conducted in Mauritania. Mauritania–France Energy Finance: Nouakchott signed a €39.2m concessional loan with France to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aiming to cut rural-urban gaps. IMF Talks in Nouakchott: Mauritania’s budget and finance officials met IMF delegations to discuss strengthening cooperation. Aura Energy Tiris Team: Aura named its leadership to move Mauritania’s Tiris uranium project toward construction, with the BFS due mid-October and financing targeted by end-2026. Diplomacy & Regional Integration: Mauritania’s leaders continued UN and ECOWAS engagement, reaffirming support for regional integration and international law.

Energy & Finance: Mauritania signed a €39.2m concessional loan with France to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aiming to cut rural-urban gaps and expand access to electricity. IMF Talks: The Prime Minister met an IMF delegation, while the budget minister also received an IMF mission to review cooperation and strengthen economic support. Diplomacy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani reaffirmed Mauritania’s commitment to deeper West African integration at an ECOWAS summit in Sierra Leone, and met Kuwait’s Crown Prince in New York, highlighting green hydrogen potential and debt relief ties. Regional Security: Amnesty International released a report accusing Mali’s army and Wagner-linked forces of war crimes along the Mauritanian border, including at least 34 civilian deaths. Moroccan Sahara: A U.S. envoy told the Polisario the “basis for a solution is on the table,” pointing to Morocco’s autonomy plan as the UN process heads back to the Security Council. Sports (Mauritania): Benin beat Mauritania 2-1 in AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with Mauritania scoring via a late penalty.

Amnesty International on Mali border war crimes: A new 75-page report says Mali’s army and Russia-linked Wagner forces committed war crimes in joint operations along the Mauritanian border between 2023 and 2025, documenting at least 34 civilian deaths in seven incidents, torture, enforced disappearances, looting and two drone strikes that Amnesty says killed at least 23 people, including children. Energy push in Nouakchott: The Minister of Energy and Oil urged contractors to speed up energy and oil projects, warning that delays could mean contract withdrawal and cancellation for poor performance, with closer follow-up on quality and deadlines. Gas and regional diplomacy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani said Mauritania is preparing for LNG exports from the Great Ahmeim field and reiterated support for deeper West African integration at an ECOWAS summit in Sierra Leone. Budget talks with IMF: The budget minister met an IMF delegation to discuss cooperation for Mauritania’s economic development. Education cooperation: Mauritania signed a Brazil academic cooperation agreement and held talks with Russia on higher education and research links. AFCON 2027 qualifiers (Mauritania): Benin beat Mauritania 2-1, with Mauritania scoring via a second penalty after Benin conceded a first spot-kick save.

Climate & Health Warning: A new report says Sahel countries face major death tolls from El Niño heat, with Nigeria, Sudan, Niger and Chad among the hardest hit. Energy Delivery Focus: Schneider Electric says West Africa’s gas boom now hinges on building and delivering projects on schedule, not just reserves. Mauritania–Kosmos Energy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani met a Kosmos Energy delegation, including Mauritania operations officials, at the Presidential Palace in Nouakchott. Oil & Gas Promotion: Mauritania is showcasing its offshore oil and gas potential at Houston’s OTC conference, aiming to attract investors and partnerships. Mali War Crimes Claims: Amnesty International alleges Malian forces and Wagner committed war crimes, including at least 34 civilian deaths, in operations near the Mauritania border. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Benin beat Mauritania 2-1 in Abidjan, with Rodolfo Aloko scoring twice as Mauritania fought back via two penalties. Regional Travel Rules: Tanzania removed Nigerian nationals from its “referred visa” category, while keeping referral requirements for countries including Mauritania. Business Ties: A Mauritanian-Moroccan business forum in Nouakchott pushed for technical committees to speed up urgent investment projects, including fisheries and agriculture.

Mali War Crimes: Amnesty International says Mali’s army and Russia’s Wagner group killed at least 34 civilians in seven incidents between 2023 and 2025 along the Mauritanian border, alleging torture, enforced disappearances, looting and destruction of civilian property. Mauritania Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug met UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York to review cooperation and shared global challenges, while Mauritania also held talks with a UN Africa assistant secretary-general on conflict prevention and peace. Energy & Investment: Mauritania is taking part in Houston’s offshore oil and gas technologies conference, highlighting its potential for exploration, exploitation and renewables to attract investors. Oil & Gas Corporate News: First Quantum announced it will release its Q3 2026 results on Oct. 28, with mines including operations in Mauritania. Regional Connectivity: Morocco and Mauritania signed a framework to rehabilitate and expand the El Guerguerat–Nouakchott road corridor, strengthening a key North-West Africa to West Africa land route. Business Forum: The Mauritanian-Moroccan Economic Forum in Nouakchott ended with calls for joint technical committees to speed up urgent projects in areas like fishing and agriculture. AFCON 2027 Context: With qualifiers ongoing, Mauritania’s group rivals posted results, keeping the race tight ahead of upcoming matches.

Diplomatic Push: Mauritania’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug met UN chief António Guterres in New York to review cooperation and current global issues ahead of the UN’s October Sahara review. Regional Infrastructure: Morocco and Mauritania signed a framework to rehabilitate and expand the El Guerguerat–Nouakchott road corridor, a 480-km link meant to strengthen trade and the North-West Africa to West Africa route. Humanitarian & Rights: Mauritania launched a Trarza awareness convoy on trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling, urging stronger protection of children and human rights. Security & Migration: The Mauritanian Coast Guard rescued 260 irregular migrants off Nouakchott, including Senegalese and Gambians, after a week-long sea voyage. Western Sahara Watch: UN meetings also signal preparations for MINURSO discussions, with Mauritania reaffirming its role in the UN-led political process. Sports (CAN 2027): Burkina Faso’s win over the Central African Republic raised pressure on Benin ahead of Benin vs Mauritania.

Mauritania-France ties: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani launched the Mauritanian-French Business Forum in Paris, aiming to deepen economic partnership and investment cooperation. Migration at sea: Mauritanian Coast Guard rescued 260 irregular migrants off Nouakchott, including 132 Senegalese and 120 Gambians, after a week-long voyage from Banjul. Regional infrastructure: Morocco agreed to help upgrade the 480-km Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road to boost transport and trade, as part of the Royal Sahel initiative. EU humanitarian push: The EU announced nearly €710m for displaced people and crisis relief, with at least €554.5m targeting Africa, including support for migrants and host communities in eastern Mauritania. Family planning gains under pressure: The Ouagadougou Partnership urged stronger leadership and financing to sustain family planning progress across Francophone West Africa, including Mauritania. Football—CAN 2027: Mauritania opened its AFCON 2027 qualifiers with a 3-1 win over CAR, while Benin drew Burkina Faso 1-1 in Group F.

Migration at Sea: Mauritania’s Coast Guard rescued 260 irregular migrants off Nouakchott after spotting two boats near the fish market; the group included 132 Senegalese and 120 Gambians, plus people from Guinea-Conakry, Nigeria and Mali, with women and children among those onboard. Regional Health Policy: The Ouagadougou Partnership says Francophone West Africa’s family planning gains are “fragile” amid shifting funding, citing 30.3 million unintended pregnancies averted and millions of unsafe abortions and maternal deaths prevented since 2011, with Mauritania among member states. Road & Trade Links: Morocco and Mauritania signed an agreement to rehabilitate and widen the 480-km Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road corridor, aiming to boost transport and trade after 2025 trade topped $400 million. UNGA Diplomacy: Mauritania’s foreign minister reaffirmed commitment to international law and UN principles during UN General Assembly talks in New York. Western Sahara Talks: U.S. adviser Massad Boulos said Washington does not see an “imminent” settlement, while praising Algeria’s constructive role and reiterating support for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.

Mauritania Diplomacy at UNGA: Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug reaffirmed Mauritania’s commitment to the UN Charter and international law, stressing sovereignty, non-interference and peaceful dispute settlement, while outlining efforts to strengthen institutions, rule of law, rights and freedoms. EU Aid Focuses on Africa: The EU unveiled a nearly €710m humanitarian package, with at least €554.5m—over 78%—directed to Africa, including support for migrants, refugees and host communities in eastern Mauritania and Kenya, plus emergency health and crisis relief. Morocco–Mauritania Road Deal: Morocco and Mauritania signed an agreement in Rabat to rehabilitate and widen the 480-km Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road corridor, aiming to boost transport and trade after 2025 bilateral trade topped $400m. Regional Health Gains Under Pressure: The Ouagadougou Partnership urged stronger national leadership and financing to sustain family planning progress in Francophone West Africa, warning that funding uncertainty threatens recent gains. Visa-Free Push in Africa: A new report highlights that intra-African travel requiring visas rose in 2025, with Mauritania among countries tightening rules, while Togo expanded visa-free access for African nationals. Football—AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: In Group F, Mauritania beat the Central African Republic 3-1, while Benin and Burkina Faso drew 1-1; Mauritania now leads with three points.

EU Humanitarian Push for Africa: The EU announced nearly €710m for displaced people and crisis-hit populations, with at least €554.5m (over 78%) aimed at Africa—€380m for migration-related support in sub-Saharan Africa, including protection, voluntary return and reintegration, plus €97m for emergency needs tied to conflicts, food insecurity, malnutrition and climate shocks. Mauritania in the Spotlight: The EU package includes €140m for refugees and host communities in eastern Mauritania, alongside migration governance and training. UNGA Diplomacy and Mauritania’s Position: Mauritania’s foreign minister, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the UN Charter and international law ahead of the UN General Assembly. Regional Integration via Roads: Morocco and Mauritania signed an agreement to rehabilitate and widen the 480-km Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road corridor to boost trade and transport. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Group F): Mauritania opened with a 3-1 win over the Central African Republic, while Benin drew Burkina Faso 1-1—setting up the next round against Mauritania. Family Planning Funding Watch: The Ouagadougou Partnership urged stronger national leadership and sustainable financing to protect family planning gains across Francophone West Africa, including Mauritania.