Migration & Border Politics: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez faces a major political backlash after an estimated 60,000 migrants surged into Ceuta from Morocco, with at least 34 deaths reported; Sánchez blamed trafficking mafias and said Spain will use migration agreements to return arrivals through regulated procedures. EU Response: EU leaders and officials warned the situation is unacceptable while stressing Schengen rules limit “onward movements,” turning the crisis into a wider European dispute over external borders. US Consular Policy: The US announced a consular overhaul ending routine visa processing at its Abuja embassy and 24 other African missions from Aug 1, 2026, shifting applicants to regional hubs (with Nouakchott listed among affected posts). Mauritania–Oman Digital Push: Mauritania and Oman signed five MoUs to expand digital transformation, cybersecurity, smart-city services, and an IoT pilot for automated water meters. Mauritania–Russia Economic Ties: Moscow and Nouakchott signed an MoU to set up an economic consultation mechanism and boost trade, including fisheries and energy-related cooperation. Education & Skills: Morocco will open an engineering sciences campus in Nouakchott, aiming to upgrade Mauritania’s technical training in areas like networks, automation, and civil/electrical engineering. Energy Strategy: Coverage highlights a shift in Africa’s gas plans toward “export plus domestic” use, with Mauritania cited as an early example tied to LNG and local power needs.