AGP Executive Report

Customs & Finance Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Finance Minister Kodioro Moussa N’Guenor met Algeria’s Customs Director General Abdelhafid Bakhouche in Nouakchott to boost customs cooperation and coordination. Energy & Investment: Mauritania and France signed a concessional loan for €39.2m to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aimed at cutting rural-urban gaps and expanding access to electricity. IMF Talks: The Prime Minister received an IMF delegation to review and strengthen cooperation, while the budget minister also met IMF representatives on financing and economic support. Energy Sector Oversight: The Energy and Oil Minister Mohamed Ould Khaled warned contractors to speed up project delivery or face contract withdrawal, stressing quality and deadline compliance. Regional Security & Human Rights: Amnesty International renewed pressure on Mali’s security model, accusing Malian forces and Russian-linked Wagner personnel of war crimes along the Mauritania border, including killings and torture of civilians. Sahara Diplomacy: The Moroccan Sahara file is set to return to the UN Security Council in October, with the US pushing Polisario toward “real choices” tied to Morocco’s autonomy framework. Sports & Politics Spillover: AFCON 2027 qualifiers saw Mauritania lose 2-1 to Benin, adding to regional attention on national team performance.

Amnesty on Mali War Crimes: Amnesty International released a new report accusing Mali’s army and Russian-linked Wagner personnel of war crimes along the Mauritanian border, documenting at least 34 civilian deaths in seven incidents (2023-2025), plus torture, disappearances and drone strikes. Energy Delivery Pressure: In Nouakchott, the Energy Minister warned contracting firms to speed up energy and oil projects or face contract withdrawal, stressing service quality and deadline compliance. Budget-IMF Talks: The budget minister met an IMF delegation to discuss cooperation aimed at supporting Mauritania’s economic development. Energy Strategy & Gas Forum: President El Ghazouani said Mauritania joined the Gas Exporting Countries Forum as an observer ahead of planned LNG exports, framing it around an integrated energy strategy and low-carbon ambitions. Regional Diplomacy: El Ghazouani addressed ECOWAS on regional integration, while Mauritania also hosted Guinea-Bissau’s foreign minister to deepen fisheries and maritime cooperation. Education Cooperation: Mauritania signed a Brazil academic cooperation agreement and held talks with Guinea-Bissau on higher education and research links. International Partnerships: Kosmos Energy met the President in Nouakchott, and Mauritania took part in UN CEDAW meetings in Geneva. Regional Mobility Policy: Tanzania removed Nigerians from its “referred visa” category, while keeping referral requirements for some other countries including Mauritania.

Mali Accountability: Amnesty International says Malian forces and the Wagner Group killed and tortured at least 34 civilians in seven incidents between June 2023 and Dec 2025 across Segou, Mopti and Timbuktu near the Mauritanian border, urging Bamako to investigate and prosecute. Presidential Diplomacy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani met Kosmos Energy’s delegation in Nouakchott, with the energy minister and cabinet officials present, as Mauritania continues to court investment. UN Engagement: Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs met UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee in New York, discussing conflict prevention and stronger UN-Mauritania cooperation. Energy & Investment Push: Mauritania’s delegation is participating in Houston’s offshore oil and gas technologies conference, aiming to attract investors and showcase its energy potential. Regional Mobility Rules: Tanzania removed Nigerian nationals from its “referred visa” category, while keeping referral requirements for countries including Mauritania. Climate Risk Context: Morocco ranked 45th in the 2026 WorldRiskIndex, with Mauritania placed higher in the same report.

Mali Border Accountability: Amnesty International says Mali’s army and the Wagner-linked Africa Corps killed at least 34 civilians in seven incidents between June 2023 and Dec. 2025 along the Mauritanian border, alleging shootings, torture, disappearances, looting and destruction, and urges Bamako to open impartial investigations. UN Diplomacy: Mauritania’s foreign minister met UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York, focusing on strengthening Mauritania–UN cooperation and shared global challenges. Energy & Investment: Mauritania is showcasing its oil, gas and renewables potential at the OTC conference in Houston, seeking partnerships and investment for offshore exploration and exploitation. Regional Connectivity: Morocco and Mauritania signed a framework to rehabilitate and expand the El Guerguerat–Nouakchott road corridor (about 480 km), reinforcing a key North-West Africa to West Africa land route. Bilateral Business: A Mauritanian–Moroccan business forum in Nouakchott backed joint technical committees to fast-track priority projects in areas like fisheries and agriculture. International Finance: The President received an IFC delegation on private-sector financing, including support for women’s jobs and banking opportunities.

UN Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug met UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York, reviewing cooperation priorities and global challenges as UNGA81 winds down. Western Sahara Process: Separate UNGA sidelines meetings also included Mauritania’s UN envoy talks with Staffan de Mistura, while reporting points to preparations for an October Security Council return to MINURSO and the political track. Sudan Mediation: Mauritania welcomed the signing of a Sudanese political framework agreement, pledging support for unity, security and stability. Humanitarian & Migration Funding: The EU announced nearly €710m for displaced people and crisis relief, including €380m for sub-Saharan migration-related support and €140m targeting refugees and host communities in eastern Mauritania. Regional Connectivity: Morocco and Mauritania signed a framework deal to rehabilitate and expand the El Guerguerat–Nouakchott road corridor, aiming to strengthen a North-West Africa land route. Rights & Protection: Trarza launched an awareness convoy on trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling, under the state human rights and justice framework.

Mauritania-France ties: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani launched a Mauritanian-French Business Forum in Paris, aiming to deepen economic partnership and investment cooperation. UN diplomacy: Mauritania’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug used UNGA week to reaffirm Mauritania’s commitment to the UN Charter and international law, stressing dialogue, sovereignty, and rule-of-law reforms. Western Sahara talks: U.S. adviser Massad Boulos said Washington sees no “imminent” settlement to the Western Sahara dispute, while reiterating U.S. recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty and support for autonomy under Moroccan rule; he noted productive but inconclusive rounds involving Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario Front. EU support affecting Mauritania: The EU announced nearly €710m for displaced people and crisis relief, including migration-related funding that targets host communities in eastern Mauritania. Regional governance and rights: A report on Mauritania highlights the conviction of journalist “Warda,” pointing to growing restrictions on freedom of expression. Infrastructure for trade: Morocco agreed to help upgrade the 480-km Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road to boost transport and trade links with Mauritania.

Family Planning Funding Pressure: The Ouagadougou Partnership says Francophone West Africa has a record of averting millions of unintended pregnancies since 2011, but warns gains are fragile as global health financing tightens and countries must make smarter political choices on budgets, disbursement and accountability. UN Diplomacy for Mauritania: Mauritania’s foreign minister used UNGA 81 in New York to reaffirm commitment to the UN Charter and international law, stressing sovereignty, non-interference, and a push to strengthen institutions, rule of law and rights. Western Sahara Talks Under Scrutiny: U.S. adviser Massad Boulos said Washington does not see an “imminent” breakthrough on the Western Sahara dispute, while reiterating support for Morocco’s autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty and noting ongoing rounds involving Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario Front. EU Aid With Mauritania Link: The EU unveiled nearly €710m for displaced people and crisis relief, including funding for migration governance and support for host communities in eastern Mauritania. Regional Connectivity Deal: Morocco and Mauritania signed a framework to rehabilitate and widen the 480-km Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road corridor to boost trade and access to Atlantic routes.

UN Diplomacy & Law: Mauritania’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug used the UNGA in New York to reaffirm the country’s commitment to the UN Charter and international law, stressing sovereignty, non-interference, and a push for inclusive political dialogue and rule of law. EU Humanitarian Push (Africa-linked): The EU unveiled an almost €710m aid package, with at least €554.5m directly targeting Africa, including €140m for refugees and host communities in eastern Mauritania and Kenya, plus migration protection and reintegration support. Sahara Talks (US stance): US adviser Massad Boulos said Washington sees no immediate settlement to the Moroccan Sahara dispute, while reiterating US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty and support for autonomy talks involving Mauritania. Regional Connectivity: Morocco agreed to help rehabilitate and widen the 480-km Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road corridor, aiming to boost trade and transport links. Freedom of Expression: Mauritania’s journalist “Warda” conviction drew attention to growing restrictions on free speech. Health & Rights: The UN Special Rapporteur on adequate housing announced a visit to Ghana, with a press conference planned in Accra—relevant to regional housing rights debates.

EU Humanitarian Push for Africa: The EU announced nearly €710m for displaced people and crisis-hit populations at UNGA in New York, 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 €140m for refugees and host communities in eastern Mauritania and Kenya, and €97m for food insecurity, malnutrition and climate shocks. UN Diplomacy & International Law: Mauritania’s FM Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug used UNGA to reaffirm commitment to the UN Charter and international law, stressing sovereignty, non-interference, and an inclusive national political dialogue. Regional Mobility Policy: A new visa openness snapshot shows intra-African travel still faces barriers, with Mauritania among countries shifting toward pre-travel visas—highlighting friction with regional integration goals. Infrastructure & Trade Links: Morocco and Mauritania signed a framework to rehabilitate and widen the 480-km Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road corridor, aimed at easing transport and boosting trade. Energy Recognition: Mauritania’s Energy Minister Mohamed Ould Khaled received an African Leadership Excellence Award in New York for energy and strategic resource governance. Sahel Health Funding Debate: The Ouagadougou Partnership urged stronger leadership and financing to protect family planning gains across Francophone West Africa, naming Mauritania among member states.

UN Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the UN Charter and international law in New York, stressing sovereignty, non-interference, and peaceful dispute settlement, alongside an inclusive national dialogue aimed at strengthening institutions and rights. Regional Cooperation: Mauritania and Morocco signed a framework agreement in Rabat to rehabilitate and widen the 480-km Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road corridor, targeting smoother transport and trade flows after Mauritania–Morocco commerce topped $400m in 2025. Energy & Governance: Mauritania’s Energy and Petroleum Minister Mohamed Ould Khaled received an African Leadership Excellence Award in New York for energy leadership and strategic resource governance. Health Policy: The Ouagadougou Partnership urged stronger national leadership and sustainable financing to protect family planning gains across Francophone West Africa, naming Mauritania among member states. Security/International Law: A UNGA moment saw major walkouts during Netanyahu’s speech, underscoring how the Israel-Gaza crisis continues to shape global diplomacy. Sports & Identity: In AFCON 2027 qualifying, Mauritania opened with a 3-1 win over the Central African Republic, while the post-Messi era in Argentina saw Cristian Romero named captain.

UN Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug told the UN General Assembly in New York that the country is anchored in the UN Charter and international law, backing rule of law, judicial independence, anti-corruption, and an inclusive national political dialogue. Regional Infrastructure: Morocco and Mauritania signed a framework in Rabat to rehabilitate and widen the 480-km Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road corridor, aiming to cut transport costs and boost trade between the two countries. Human Rights Watch: A Nouakchott court upheld the five-year prison sentence of journalist/activist “Warda” (Maimouna Mint Ahmed Souleimane), highlighting tighter restrictions on peaceful expression and social media. Energy & Industry: Mauritania’s Energy and Petroleum Minister Mohamed Ould Khaled received an African Leadership Excellence Award in New York, while a separate report flags progress on the Aman green hydrogen project with CWP Global. Sports & National Pride: Mauritania opened AFCON 2027 qualifying with a 3-1 win over the Central African Republic, with Koita scoring a penalty and late goals from Camara and Diallo.

Diplomacy in New York: Mauritania’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug met Cameroon’s External Relations chief Lejeune Mbella Mbella to review bilateral ties and shared issues. EU ties: Ould Merzoug also held talks with the UN Alliance of Civilizations’ High Representative Miguel Ángel Moratinos, while EU Ambassador Jean-Eric Paquet presented credentials to India’s President Murmu, underscoring EU-India cooperation. Francophonie politics: Louise Mushikiwabo, seeking a third term as OIF Secretary General, said the Rwanda–DRC conflict has “no place” in the organization; Mauritania’s Coumba Ba is among the candidates. UNGA flashpoint: Netanyahu’s UN speech triggered a mass walkout by dozens of delegations, including Mauritania, as he accused remaining delegates of being “moral cowards.” Rights and justice: Mauritanian journalist “Warda” received a five-year sentence tied to social media posts, highlighting tighter restrictions on freedom of expression. Energy & resources: Mauritania’s Energy Minister Mohamed Ould Khaled was honored at IFAL for energy leadership; the ministry also signed an agreement with CWP Global to advance the Aman green hydrogen project. Anti-corruption & governance: Mauritania’s National Assembly delegation attended Qatar’s Arab Convention against Corruption conference, with resolutions on mutual legal assistance and preventive measures. Local development: A World Bank mission met Nouakchott officials on assessing decentralization and support for productive medium-sized cities. Sports (regional): Mauritania opened AFCON 2027 qualifiers with a 3-1 win over the Central African Republic.

Anti-Corruption & Parliament: Mauritania’s National Assembly President Mohamed Bemba Meguett led a parliamentary delegation in Doha for the sixth session of the Arab Convention against Corruption, backing resolutions on faster mutual legal assistance and preventive anti-corruption measures. Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Djay met France’s ambassador Emmanuel Besnier to review bilateral cooperation, while Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug held UN-related talks in New York with the EU’s Jozef Síkela and the UN Alliance of Civilizations’ Miguel Ángel Moratinos. Governance & Development: The government’s public policy won strong backing in the National Assembly, with MPs focusing on water, electricity, health, education, transport, corruption, migration, unity, jobs and social backlogs. Local Development & Finance: A World Bank mission met Mauritania’s decentralization minister to assess progress on supporting medium-sized cities, and Mauritania signed an IDA financing donation of $30m for budget support. Extractives Transparency: EITI praised Mauritania’s extractive transparency record, including forecasting revenues from gas and green hydrogen. Press Freedom: Journalist “Warda” (Maimouna Mint Ahmed Souleimane) received a five-year sentence, with rights groups warning it signals tighter restrictions on peaceful expression. Regional Politics & Security: An Africa File update flags intensifying jihadist pressure in Mali and a major rebel offensive in Ethiopia, underscoring wider instability affecting the region.

Foreign Policy Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug met EU and UN officials in New York, discussing ways to deepen cooperation with the European Union and the UN’s Alliance of Civilizations. Government & Governance: Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Diay’s general policy won strong backing in the National Assembly, with MPs focusing on water, electricity, health, education, transport, and tackling corruption, migration, unemployment and social backlogs. Local Development & Finance: A World Bank mission met Mauritania’s decentralization minister to review progress on support for decentralization and development of productive medium-sized cities. Extractives Transparency: EITI praised Mauritania’s compliance efforts in the extractive sector, including timely disclosure and forecasting revenues from gas and green hydrogen. International Partnerships: Mauritania’s delegation met World Bank leadership in Washington to push faster delivery of funded projects and improve implementation efficiency. Security & Regional Context: A new report warns jihadist expansion is moving from the Sahel toward West Africa’s coastal belt, driven by weak governance and criminal networks. Sports (AFCON Qualifiers): Mauritania plays Central African Republic in AFCON qualifiers today, a key fixture as the 2027 campaign begins.

UN Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug met the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships and UN Alliance of Civilizations chief Miguel Ángel Moratinos in New York, focusing on cooperation and shared priorities. Government & Economy: Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Diay’s policy statement won parliamentary confidence, with MPs backing a plan framed around water, electricity, health, education, transport, and tackling corruption, migration, unemployment and social backlogs. Finance & Development: Mauritania secured an IDA financing agreement worth $30m for budget support, while a ministerial committee pushed to improve Mauritania’s Millennium Challenge Corporation indicators. Extractives Transparency: EITI praised Mauritania’s compliance efforts, including forecasting revenues from gas and green hydrogen, and highlighted leadership across stakeholders. Local Governance: A World Bank mission met the decentralization minister on tracking progress for medium-sized city development. Energy/Industry Links: Mauritania and the EU signed a budget support agreement, and Mauritania also signed/advanced deals tied to green hydrogen and industrial cooperation. Regional Context: Western Sahara’s militarised “Berm” and Morocco’s UN positions continued to draw attention, alongside Mauritania-Morocco infrastructure cooperation like the Nouakchott–Dakhla road link.

Government Policy & Economy: Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Diay won MPs’ confidence after presenting a “realistic” policy agenda focused on water, electricity, health, education, transport, food prices, and tackling corruption, migration, unity, unemployment and social backlogs. Decentralization & Cities: A World Bank mission met Mauritania’s decentralization minister in Nouakchott to review progress on support for decentralization and development of productive medium-sized cities. Finance & Industry: Mauritania’s finance minister held talks in Riyadh with the UN Industrial Development Organization on backing the national industrial strategy. World Bank Portfolio: In Washington, Mauritania’s delegation discussed with the World Bank vice president implementation challenges and ways to speed up development policy support. MCC Indicators Push: The prime minister chaired a committee meeting on accelerating Mauritania’s Millennium Challenge Corporation indicators to unlock potential investment. Foreign Relations: The foreign minister met Spain’s ambassador; he also joined Arab foreign ministers’ consultative talks at the UN in New York. Culture & Press Freedom: Mauritania’s culture minister pressed Syria to intensify efforts to locate journalist Issehak Ould Mokhtar. Health Diplomacy: China’s PLA Navy hospital ship Auspicious Ark left Nouakchott after a week-long mission reporting thousands of consultations and surgeries. Regional/International: Mauritania also signed a budget support agreement with the EU and backed Sahrawi participation in Africa CDC social-behaviour change workshops in Nouakchott.