AGP Executive Report

Food Security Shock: UN agencies warn the Strait of Hormuz crisis is turning into a hunger emergency, with higher oil and transport costs pushing more people into acute food insecurity in Somalia and Afghanistan. Mauritania-Libya Diplomacy: Mauritania and Libya’s foreign ministers met to boost political and economic cooperation and prepare a joint higher committee. Sahara Mining Tensions: A Mauritanian artisanal miners’ coalition denies claims that Mauritanian prospectors were targeted in a Morocco drone strike near Akleibat El Foula, urging accurate reporting to avoid strain between neighbors. Migration Court Ruling (US): A US federal judge struck down Trump-era policies that paused immigration and asylum decisions for applicants from 39 countries, including Mauritania, calling the delays unlawful. Mauritania Refugee Health: At Mbera camp, a nurse highlighted for triage and malnutrition screening is credited with reducing preventable deaths among new arrivals. Energy Cooperation: Russia says it is ready to share energy technologies with Mauritania to pursue “technological sovereignty,” including training and possible business missions. Electricity Access: AfDB launched a public tracker for Mission 300, listing Mauritania among priority countries for expanding power to millions.

Libya–Mauritania Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Foreign Minister Taher al-Baour met Libya’s Mohamed willed Merzoug during an official visit, focusing on boosting political and economic cooperation, preparing a Libyan–Mauritanian Joint Higher Committee, and activating previously signed agreements. US Immigration Court Ruling: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era policies that had paused asylum and other immigration decisions for applicants from 39 “high-risk” countries, including Mauritania, saying the delays left people in legal limbo. Detroit Crash Linked to ICE: In Detroit, a Mauritanian immigrant identified as Mohamd Salim Abdessamed was impaled after a crash involving immigration agents; family members say they were denied updates and hospital staff refused information. Energy Cooperation: Russia’s deputy energy minister said Moscow is ready to share energy technologies with Mauritania to achieve “technological sovereignty,” including training and possible business missions. Electricity Access Tracking: The AfDB launched Mission 300’s MapAfrica tracker to monitor projects expanding electricity access across Africa, listing Mauritania among priority countries. Sahara/Western Sahara Diplomacy: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to visit Tindouf camps to help restart negotiations on Western Sahara amid renewed international efforts.

US Immigration Ruling: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that paused asylum, work permits, green cards and citizenship decisions for applicants from 39 “high-risk” countries, including Mauritania—calling the delays unlawful and leaving people in legal limbo. Mauritania in Focus: The ruling explicitly lists Mauritania among those affected, while another report highlights Mauritania’s role in regional migration flows, including rescues of migrants off the coast. Energy & Technology: Russia says it is ready to share energy technologies with Mauritania to build “technological sovereignty,” including cooperation in mining, water resources and training for oil and gas specialists. Electricity Access: The AfDB launched a public tracker for Mission 300, prioritizing countries including Mauritania, to expand electricity access via grids, mini-grids and solar. Humanitarian Spotlight (Mbera): A nurse at Mauritania’s Mbera refugee camp is profiled for triage, vaccinations and malnutrition screening for new arrivals. World Cup & Regional Sports: Senegal’s World Cup qualification and a major Argentina vs Honduras friendly also feature, with Mauritania mentioned in Argentina’s recent warm-up results.

Mauritania Migration & Rescue: Mauritanian coastguard operations rescued 181 Gambians among 911 migrants over five days, including a 110-migrant case off Nouakchott after a motor breakdown. US Immigration Crackdown Hit Mauritania Region: A US judge blocked Trump-era immigration policies that paused asylum and other benefits for applicants from 39 “high-risk” countries; separate reports also cite ICE-linked chaos in a Detroit crash involving a Mauritanian man. Energy & Technology for Mauritania: Russia says it is ready to share energy technologies with Mauritania to build “technological sovereignty,” including training and possible business missions. Power Access in Mauritania: The AfDB launched a public tracker for Mission 300, listing Mauritania among prioritized countries for electricity expansion. Uranium Outlook: Coverage highlights how uranium demand is shifting toward small modular reactors, a trend that could shape investment decisions for mines like Mauritania’s Tiris. Women & Cities: A women-led urban development programme has concluded in Mauritania, focusing on inclusive planning and climate-resilient public spaces. International Context: EU migration “return platforms” drew sharp criticism from Josep Borrell, while Algeria–Morocco tensions over Western Sahara continue with UN envoy de Mistura set to visit Tindouf camps.

Energy Diplomacy: Russia says it is ready to share energy technologies with Mauritania to build “joint technological sovereignty,” including cooperation in mining, water and training for oil and gas specialists. Electricity Access: The AfDB launched Mission 300’s public tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor progress toward connecting 300 million more people to power by 2030, with Mauritania listed among priority countries. Humanitarian Spotlight (Mbera): A Mauritanian nurse at Mbera refugee camp is highlighted for triage, malnutrition screening and vaccination work for new arrivals. Migration at Sea: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 181 Gambians among 911 migrants over five days, including a 110-migrant rescue off Nouakchott. EU Migration Debate: EU’s new migration return approach draws sharp criticism over “platforms of return” and alleged betrayal of humanitarian principles. US-Mauritania Trade Pressure: The US proposes 12.5% tariffs on imports from Mauritania (and seven other African countries) over forced-labour enforcement concerns. Local Society: A women-led urban sustainability programme has concluded in Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia, focusing on gender-responsive city planning.

Humanitarian Health in Mauritania: At Mbera refugee camp, nurse Abidine Ould Sidewa is credited with speeding up triage, malnutrition screening, vaccinations and health education for new arrivals from Mali, helping cut preventable deaths. Migration Pressure & EU Policy: The EU’s new Migration and Asylum Pact faces fresh criticism over “externalizing” asylum, while Mauritania’s coast continues to see rescues, including 181 Gambians among 911 migrants saved over five days. Energy & Technology Sovereignty: Russia says it’s ready to share energy technologies with Mauritania to build “technological sovereignty,” including training and possible business missions. Electricity Access Tracking: The AfDB launched MapAfrica to monitor Mission 300 progress toward connecting 300 million more people to power by 2030, with Mauritania listed among priority countries. U.S. Trade & Forced Labour: Washington proposes a 12.5% tariff on imports from Mauritania and seven other African economies over forced-labour enforcement gaps. World Cup & Sports: Air Sénégal resumes ATR72-600 regional service, and World Cup warmups continue as Group previews draw attention across Africa and beyond.

Electricity Access Push: The AfDB launched the Mission 300 Progress Tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor real-time electrification across Africa, listing 74 active projects and highlighting Mauritania among priority countries. Uranium Deal Watch: Aura Energy says it is negotiating U.S. financing for its Tiris uranium project in Mauritania, aiming for a final investment decision by end-2026 after talks with a major nuclear utility and the U.S. DFC. Migration at Sea: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 110 West African migrants off Nouakchott after a boat engine failure, part of a wider five-day operation that brought 911 migrants to safety, including 181 Gambians. U.S. Tariff Pressure: Washington proposed a 12.5% tariff on exports from eight African countries, including Mauritania, citing weak enforcement against forced-labour-linked goods. Women in Cities: A women-led sustainable cities programme has wrapped up in Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia, focusing on gender-responsive urban planning and local leadership.

Atlantic Migration Rescue: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 110 West African migrants off Nouakchott after a boat engine failure, with 181 Gambians among 911 migrants saved or intercepted over five days along the Atlantic route. U.S. Deportations: The U.S. DHS confirmed deportations of 355 West Africans under its WOW initiative, including 110 Nigerians and 12 Mauritanians, with names and photos released. Trade Pressure on Mauritania: Washington proposed a 12.5% tariff on exports from Mauritania and seven other African countries over forced-labour compliance concerns, as the review of 60 economies moves forward. Uranium Deal Watch: Aura Energy says it is negotiating U.S. financing for Mauritania’s Tiris uranium project, targeting a final investment decision by end-2026 after talks with the DFC and a major nuclear utility. Health Diplomacy: Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanding cooperation in healthcare, including medical training, pharmaceuticals, preventive care and medical tourism. Regional Context: UN agencies warn the Sahel faces worsening humanitarian needs, with 24 million people requiring aid amid violence, displacement and climate shocks.

U.S.-Africa Trade Shock: The U.S. proposes a 12.5% tariff on imports from eight African countries over forced-labour concerns, including Mauritania, Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa—an extra cost that could reshape export flows to the American market. Humanitarian Strain in the Sahel: UN OCHA warns about 24 million people need aid across the Sahel as violence, displacement and climate shocks worsen, with funding at its lowest level in a decade. Migration Crisis Off Mauritania: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 181 Gambians among 911 migrants intercepted over five days, including 110 people off Nouakchott after an engine failure—another sign the Atlantic route remains deadly. Mauritania’s Uranium Push: Aura Energy says it is advancing financing talks for its Tiris uranium project, targeting a final investment decision by end-2026, with U.S. DFC discussions in the mix. Regional Health Diplomacy: Egypt and Mauritania explored deeper cooperation in healthcare, including medical training, pharmaceuticals and preventive health.

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.