AGP Executive Report

Energy & Tech Diplomacy: Russia’s Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin told Mauritania it can share energy technologies to help achieve “joint technological sovereignty,” alongside talks on geological exploration, mining, water management and training for Mauritanian specialists. Uranium Investment: Aura Energy says it is negotiating with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation for up to $170m to back Mauritania’s Tiris uranium project, with a feasibility study due in September and a possible final investment decision by year-end. U.S. Trade Pressure: The U.S. proposes a 12.5% tariff on exports from eight African economies over forced-labour compliance, including Mauritania, as part of a wider Section 301 review. Migration & Border Response: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 181 Gambians among 911 migrants during five days of Atlantic-route operations, including a 110-migrant rescue off Nouakchott after engine failure. Regional Governance & Women in Cities: A women-led urban sustainability programme wrapped up in Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia, while Mauritania also appears in broader regional cooperation and governance-focused initiatives. Sahara Peace Process: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to visit Tindouf Camps to deliver a final warning tied to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and the autonomy track under Moroccan sovereignty.

Mauritania Migration Watch: Mauritanian coast guard operations between 28 May and 2 June rescued or intercepted 911 migrants, including 181 Gambians, with the latest rescue off Nouakchott involving 110 people after an engine failure. U.S.-Africa Pressure on Trade: Washington is considering a 12.5% tariff on exports from eight African economies—among them Mauritania—citing weak enforcement against goods linked to forced labour. Nuclear Energy Dealmaking: 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 U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and a major nuclear utility. Regional Health Diplomacy: Egypt and Mauritania discussed deeper cooperation in healthcare, including medical training, pharmaceuticals, preventive health and medical tourism. Women & Local Governance: A women-led sustainable cities programme has concluded in Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia, highlighting gender-responsive urban planning and stronger local networks. Sahel Context: Commentary warns Mali’s escalating crisis could spill over across the Sahel, raising regional security stakes.

LGBTQ+ Law Shock in West Africa: Ghana’s parliament passed a bill criminalising same-sex relations and “promotion” of LGBTQ rights, with prison terms up to 10 years—raising fresh fears about rights, enforcement, and donor pressure. Mauritania Migration at Sea: Mauritanian coast guard operations rescued/intercepted 911 migrants over five days, including 181 Gambians; the latest rescue off Nouakchott saved 110 people after an engine failure. U.S. Deportations Target West Africa: The U.S. confirmed deportation plans for 355 people, naming 110 Nigerians and listing others including 12 Mauritanians—part of a wider crackdown tied to immigration violations and criminal records. U.S.-Africa Forced-Labour Tariffs: Washington proposed a 12.5% tariff on exports from eight African economies, including Mauritania, citing weak forced-labour enforcement—now under review. Energy/Investment Watch (Mauritania): Aura Energy says it is pushing toward a 2026 final investment decision for its Tiris uranium project, with talks involving U.S. DFC financing and a major nuclear utility. Regional Health Diplomacy: Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanding healthcare cooperation, including medical training and pharmaceutical collaboration.

U.S.-Africa Trade Pressure: Washington is proposing a 12.5% tariff on exports from eight African economies—including Mauritania—over forced-labour enforcement gaps, as the USTR reviews 60 countries under Section 301; the move is still under review and would add duties after a public comment process. U.S. Immigration Crackdown: The U.S. confirmed plans to deport 355 West Africans, with Mauritania listed among those affected (12 people), as DHS releases names and photos under its West Africa Operations Watch program. Mauritania Uranium Push: Aura Energy says it is advancing the Tiris uranium project toward a final investment decision by end-2026, with talks for up to $170m financing from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and a memorandum with a major nuclear utility. Regional Migration at Sea: Mauritanian coast guard operations rescued 911 migrants over five days, including 181 Gambians, highlighting the continuing Atlantic irregular migration flow off Nouakchott. Health Diplomacy: Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanding cooperation in healthcare, medical training, pharmaceuticals, and preventive health during talks between Egypt’s health minister and Mauritania’s ambassador. AfDB Economic Message: AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah urged Africa to mobilize domestic savings for industrial investment, warning that the continent can’t keep exporting raw materials and importing prosperity.

U.S.-Tariff Pressure on Mauritania: Washington is proposing a 12.5% tariff on imports from eight African countries, including Mauritania, saying they failed to ban or enforce forced-labour restrictions—raising fresh trade pressure for the region. Mauritania Uranium Push: Aura Energy says it is negotiating U.S. financing for its Tiris uranium project, targeting a final investment decision by end-2026 after talks with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and a “major” nuclear utility. Healthcare Cooperation: Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanding ties in medical training, pharmaceuticals, preventive healthcare and medical tourism during a ministerial meeting in Cairo. Atlantic Migration Crisis: Mauritanian coast guard rescues show the Atlantic route is still deadly and intensifying—911 migrants intercepted in five days, including 181 Gambians, with multiple boats departing from Banjul and incidents reported off Nouakchott. Regional Security Context: Coverage also flags how instability in the Sahel could spill over, as Mali’s conflict and Islamist pressure continue to reshape the wider security landscape.

Mauritania Energy & Industry: Aura Energy says it is on track for a final investment decision by end-2026 for its Tiris uranium project, after signing a memorandum of understanding with a “major” international nuclear utility and advancing its bankable feasibility study to September 2026. Regional Energy Security: A UN trade agency warns that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could push up oil import costs for vulnerable economies, with Mauritania cited among countries highly exposed to price shocks. Sahel Security & Militancy: Reporting highlights renewed fighting in northern Mali, where the FLA and JNIM are described as coordinating against the Malian junta and Russian-linked forces around Kidal. Immigration & Legal Fallout: The US is seeking to deport a Mauritanian man accused of fraudulent asylum claims, after authorities say he later married and worked in Indiana. Public Health: CEPI is set to fund Moderna and partners with about $60m to accelerate Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine development amid an outbreak in eastern DR Congo.

Mauritania-US Immigration & Asylum Fraud: A Mauritanian man, Selah Dine Habib, is in U.S. ICE custody after authorities allege he used a false “gay” asylum claim, then later married in Indiana and worked as a corrections officer—raising fresh questions about how asylum cases are vetted and how quickly identities can be challenged. Sahel Security & Mali’s Fight for Control: Mali’s junta and Russian backers launched airstrikes on Kidal after fighters linked to the FLA and JNIM reportedly drove out government forces, underscoring how shifting alliances keep northern Mali unstable. Regional Counterterrorism Sanctions: The UN updated its sanctions list (June 1) with prominent names and groups tied to Nigeria’s terrorism networks, signaling continued pressure on financing and cross-border extremist activity. Energy & Investment Signals for Mauritania: Aura Energy says it is nearing a final investment decision for its Tiris uranium project in Mauritania, with a funding pathway supported by a memorandum with an international nuclear power company. Public Health: CEPI is backing Moderna and partners with about $60m to accelerate Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine development amid a growing outbreak in eastern DR Congo. Governance & Economy Watch: An IMF paper warns central banks across the Middle East and Central Asia face renewed political pressure and financing demands, threatening inflation control during energy and food shocks.

Energy & Investment: Aura Energy says it is nearing a final investment decision on Mauritania’s Tiris uranium project, with a potential announcement by year-end and a bankable feasibility study due in September, supported by a memorandum of understanding with a major international nuclear power company. Public Health Preparedness: Mauritania has activated heightened surveillance of reported Ebola cases in several countries, rolling out coordinated preventive measures across ministries to strengthen health security and entry-point protection. Regional Security Context: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama links Sahel instability partly to Libya’s collapse, arguing it became a transit route for terrorist groups, and calls for stability efforts involving Algeria and Mauritania. Health Funding: CEPI is set to provide about $60m to Moderna and partners to accelerate an Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine, as outbreaks in eastern DR Congo continue amid security challenges. Immigration & Law: A Mauritanian man accused of fraudulently claiming asylum in the US after alleging he was gay has been detained by ICE after being hired as a corrections officer in Indiana.

Ebola Preparedness: Mauritania has announced heightened surveillance of reported Ebola cases across several African countries, rolling out coordinated preventive measures at entry points to strengthen national health security. Regional Health & Security: CEPI is set to fund about $60m for Moderna and two other groups to accelerate an Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine, with trials complicated by the security situation in eastern DR Congo. Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee the Western Sahara file should no longer sit on its agenda, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy plan as the new framework. Mining & Development: The World Bank is expanding support for mining activities in developing economies, aiming to turn mineral wealth into jobs and growth as demand could double by 2040. Human Rights Watch: Ghana’s parliament approved a bill criminalizing the “promotion” of LGBTQ activities, with prison terms up to 10 years and a duty to report, expected to be signed by President John Dramani Mahama.

Mauritania Health Security: Mauritania has activated heightened surveillance and a coordinated national emergency mechanism over reported Ebola risks in the region, with measures rolled out across ministries and at entry points. Mining & Jobs: The World Bank says it is expanding support for mining in developing economies, arguing mineral demand could double by 2040 and that benefits depend on governance, infrastructure, and private investment. Clean Energy Access: The AfDB launched a clean cooking programme in Africa, backed by Italy, aiming to reach about one million households and cut millions of tonnes of carbon emissions. Press Freedom Watch: A new global map based on the World Press Freedom Index reports a sharp decline, with most countries now facing “difficult” or “very serious” conditions for journalists. Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee the Sahara file should no longer sit on its agenda, citing Security Council Resolution 2797 and its autonomy plan. Regional Politics: Ghana’s parliament passed a bill criminalizing the “promotion” of LGBTQ activity, with prison terms up to 10 years, drawing strong criticism from human rights groups.

Mauritania Health Security: Mauritania has announced heightened surveillance of reported Ebola virus disease cases across several African countries, rolling out coordinated preventive measures at entry points through joint action by the Foreign Affairs, Interior, Health, and Transport ministries. Regional Diplomacy: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee (C24) that the Western Sahara file should no longer sit on its agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 and the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty should take precedence. Human Rights Backlash: Ghana’s parliament approved a bill criminalizing the “promotion” of LGBTQ activity, with prison terms up to 10 years and limits on funding for related groups, drawing renewed condemnation from rights groups. Economy & Foreign Policy: South Africa is seeking Gulf financing to stabilize its economy while balancing deeper ties with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar alongside BRICS engagement and continued defense of non-alignment, including engagement with Iran. Energy Access Finance: The AfDB and Italy launched a clean cooking programme targeting energy access for about one million African households, aiming to cut millions of tonnes of CO2.

Western Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee (C24) that the Sahara file is “anachronistic,” arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 has shifted the process and that keeping it on the General Assembly agenda violates UN Charter rules. Regional Security & Politics: Algeria reaffirmed its Western Sahara position at the C24 seminar, backing the Sahrawi right to self-determination and rejecting Morocco’s claims amid renewed talks. Ghana’s Rights Law: Ghana’s parliament passed a bill that would punish “promoting, sponsoring or advocating” LGBTQ+ acts with up to 10 years in prison, with additional penalties for engaging in LGBTQ acts; the law is expected to be signed by President John Dramani Mahama. Mauritania in the Spotlight: Mauritania’s Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Djay was among leaders attending Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s annual Hajj reception in Mina. Economy & Governance: South Africa is seeking billions from Gulf states to stabilize its economy while balancing ties with Iran, BRICS partners, and Western policy pressures.

Mauritania & Regional Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Djay was among leaders at Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s annual Hajj reception in Mina, underscoring Nouakchott’s continued engagement with Gulf partners. Western Sahara Politics: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale argued the Sahara dispute should no longer sit on the UN Committee of 24 agenda, citing Security Council primacy and pointing to Resolution 2797 and the Autonomy Plan; meanwhile Algeria reaffirmed its decolonization principles and backed Sahrawi self-determination at a UN seminar. Senegal Power Shift: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye fired PM Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the cabinet, deepening a fiscal and IMF-linked crisis and fracturing the 2024 alliance. Human Rights & Law: Ghana’s parliament passed a bill imposing up to 10 years in prison for promoting LGBTQ activities and banning funding for LGBTQ groups, with President John Dramani Mahama expected to sign. Security & Governance: Mali remains under pressure after major attacks and shifting control dynamics, with renewed calls for national unity amid jihadist and separatist threats.

Mauritania in the spotlight via regional diplomacy: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale argued the Western Sahara dispute should not sit on the UN Committee of 24 agenda, pointing to Security Council Resolution 2797 and the Autonomy Plan as the only credible path, while Algeria reaffirmed in Managua that Western Sahara must be settled through international legitimacy and self-determination, rejecting Morocco-linked claims. Regional governance shake-up: Senegal’s political crisis deepened as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye fired PM Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the cabinet amid a frozen IMF programme and mounting debt pressures. Security and instability across the Sahel: coverage highlighted Mali’s worsening crisis and the risk of spillover as jihadist pressure grows and governance fractures. Development and institutions: a Bridge to Africa academic programme opened in the Canary Islands with a delegation from Tifariti’s University, aiming for shared research and policy cooperation between African and European universities. Mauritania-linked humanitarian/rights angle: a report on a Mauritanian citizen detained in the US after clearing E-Verify raised questions about local vetting and federal screening reliability.

Western Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale told the UN C-24 seminar in Managua that keeping the Sahara on the agenda is “anachronistic,” arguing the Security Council’s Resolution 2797 and the Autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty should drive the process. Regional Standoff: Algeria, also at the same C-24 event, reaffirmed the principles for a “just and lasting” settlement and reiterated Sahrawi self-determination, while referencing renewed direct talks under UN and US auspices. Mauritania in the Spotlight: Mauritania’s Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Djay was among leaders attending Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s annual Hajj reception in Mina, underscoring Nouakchott’s continued engagement with major regional partners. Sahel Security Context: Coverage of Mali’s instability highlights how attacks and shifting alliances are reshaping governance and security across the region, with spillover risks for neighbors. Culture & Education Links: The “Bridge to Africa” program opened at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with a delegation from the University of Tifariti, aiming to build shared academic pathways between African universities and the Canaries.

Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale told the UN C-24 seminar in Managua that keeping the Western Sahara file on the agenda is “anachronistic,” arguing the Security Council should lead after Resolution 2797 and the Autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty—while Algeria’s delegation reaffirmed in the same forum that Western Sahara’s self-determination remains grounded in UN legitimacy. Academic Cooperation: Mauritania’s University of Tifariti joined the second “Bridge to Africa” program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, pushing university-to-university partnerships on research, jobs, health, energy and rights. Regional Education Agenda: An Africa-Europe higher education push in Tunis focused on moving African universities from junior partners to co-designers of shared academic pathways under Erasmus+. Mauritania in International Spotlight: Reports also note Mauritania’s diplomatic engagement as ambassadors from Azerbaijan and Somalia formally took up posts after presenting credentials to Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani. Counterterrorism Context (Sahel): Mali’s security crisis remains in focus as jihadist-linked offensives tighten pressure around Bamako and northern areas.