AGP Executive Report

FIFA Leadership Crisis: Gianni Infantino apologised for “errors” tied to the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights, but says he will stay in office after FIFA’s management board reaffirmed confidence in him in Rabat. CAF Politics: Despite UEFA and others withdrawing support, several influential African football leaders—including CAF vice president Fouzi Lekjaa and council members from Egypt, Niger and Mauritania—have publicly backed Infantino ahead of a CAF executive committee meeting where the scrapped $4.2bn plan may still be discussed. CAF Champions League Draw: CAF held the preliminary-round draw for the 2026-2027 CAF Champions League in Cairo, setting matchups such as Zamalek vs AS Port and Pyramids vs Gor Mahia, with prize money of $6m for the winner and $100,000 for preliminary-round losers. Mauritania & Security: Mauritania’s deradicalisation approach highlights state-certified Islamic female spiritual guides (“mourchidates”) deployed in prisons and communities as Sahel-linked terror pressure grows. Climate & Food Security: The UN World Food Programme warns El Niño could push tens of millions more into acute hunger by 2027, with early preparedness ramped up across vulnerable countries.

Migration & EU Border Politics: Italy’s Meloni government is pushing EU-funded migrant return hubs “modeled on the Albanian model” after the deadly Ceuta surge, with a preliminary list reportedly including Mauritania and even Armenia—though Yerevan says no proposal was discussed with it. Ceuta Fallout: The Ceuta crisis is being used for political leverage in Europe and beyond, as Italy and other EU voices demand tougher border measures and faster returns. Mauritania Security & Social Cohesion: A report highlights Mauritania’s use of state-certified Islamic female spiritual guides (“mourchidates”) to help prevent radicalization and support stability amid Sahel-linked threats. Regional Counter-Terror Cooperation: The ISS and partners convened West African states and regional bodies to bridge divisions and coordinate action against violent extremism. Sports Governance & Politics: FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s re-election fight is intensifying, but African football leaders—including Mauritania’s Ahmed Yhaya—are publicly backing him after he scrapped a controversial World Cup revenue sell-off plan. Climate & Food Security: The UN World Food Programme warns El Niño could push tens of millions more into acute hunger and is ramping up early action in vulnerable countries.

FIFA Power Struggle: Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid is getting a boost from five influential African football leaders after he scrapped the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan to sell stakes in future World Cup revenue, with CAF set to debate the issue at its executive meeting and Mauritania’s Ahmed Yhaya among those backing him. Migration Policy Spillover: Italy is pushing an EU-funded “Albania model” for migrant return hubs outside the bloc, with reports listing Mauritania among potential host countries, but Armenia’s foreign ministry says no proposal was discussed with Yerevan. Regional Migration Politics: South Africa’s foreign minister Ronald Lamola rejected treating xenophobia as a South Africa-only issue, arguing the AU should tackle migration with a continent-wide, holistic approach. Mauritania & Security: A report highlights Mauritania’s use of state-certified Islamic female spiritual guides (“mourchidates”) to help deradicalize youth and support peace amid Sahel-linked threats. Climate & Food Security: The World Food Programme says El Niño could worsen hunger across 45 countries into 2027 and is ramping up preparedness, including in vulnerable frontline areas. UAE Visa Rules: The UAE rolled out a new police-clearance requirement for employment visas for citizens of 45 countries starting 15 August 2026.

FIFA Power Struggle in Africa: Leading CAF figures have publicly backed embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino as he seeks support from Africa’s 54 federations, welcoming his U-turn on a plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue while CAF weighs the issue at an executive meeting. EU Migration Policy Pressure: Italy is set to push EU-funded migrant return hubs modeled on the “Albanian model,” with a preliminary list reportedly including Mauritania among other African states, as EU interior ministers meet amid the Ceuta crisis. Mauritania in the EU Migration Mix: Reports say the detention/return-center idea could extend beyond traditional routes, and Mauritania is named as a potential host—though no official Mauritanian position is cited in the coverage. Digital Cooperation: Mauritania’s ICT minister hosted an Omani delegation in Nouakchott to expand cooperation on cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and online public services. Russian Voting Abroad: Russian citizens will be able to vote in State Duma elections at Russian missions including in Mauritania, with polling set for 20 September.

EU Migration Push: Italy is set to propose EU-funded migrant return/detention hubs outside the bloc at an emergency meeting of interior ministers after the Ceuta crisis, using the “Albania model,” with a preliminary list that includes Mauritania among other African states. Schengen Tensions: Rome’s move follows Italy suspending Schengen-related arrangements with Spain for a month, while Spain and other EU partners trade accusations over who failed to respond. US Visa Pressure on Africa: The United States has made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, potentially requiring up to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, including Mauritania, with the bond forfeited only if visa terms are breached. Mauritania Digital Cooperation: Mauritania and Oman signed MoUs to deepen cooperation on digital transformation, including cybersecurity and online public services. Regional Environment & Data: Gulf of Guinea states were urged to share fisheries and marine biodiversity data to unlock international funding, with Mauritania named among participating countries. Sports Politics: African football leaders publicly backed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino despite his reversal on a controversial World Cup revenue plan, citing FIFA development funding as key for many federations.

EU Migration Response: Italy is pushing an “Albania model” for EU-funded migrant return hubs outside the bloc at an emergency EU interior ministers meeting after the Ceuta crisis, with potential host countries reportedly including Mauritania and other African states, and Rome also urging stricter use of the EU’s GSP+ readmission-linked scheme. Ceuta Crisis Fallout: The surge into Spain’s North African enclave—tied to a Supreme Court ruling on due process—has triggered an EU scramble for a unified approach, with Spain installing a floating barrier and EU leaders trading blame over “disinformation” and border control failures. US Visa Policy: The United States has made its visa bond programme permanent, with some B1/B2 business and tourist applicants from 50 countries (including Mauritania) potentially required to post refundable deposits up to $20,000 before visas are issued. Mauritania-Digital Cooperation: Mauritania and Oman held talks in Nouakchott to expand cooperation on digital transformation, cybersecurity, and online public services. Russian Voting Abroad: Russian citizens will be able to vote in State Duma elections at Russian missions including in Nouakchott on 20 September. Water/Energy Protests in the Region: Across North Africa and the Sahel, people are again taking to the streets over water and electricity shortages, with Mauritania mentioned among the wider regional pressure points.

US Visa Policy: Washington has made its refundable visa-bond programme permanent, with consular officers able to require up to $20,000 from applicants for B1 business and B2 tourism visas in 50 countries (including Mauritania and many other African states), with full refunds only if travellers comply and leave on time. EU Migration Crisis: The Ceuta border surge is driving an EU emergency response: interior ministers are set to meet, Spain is installing a floating barrier, and Italy is pushing for Africa-based EU migrant hubs like its Albania model. Mauritania–Oman Digital Push: Mauritania’s ICT minister hosted an Omani delegation in Nouakchott to expand cooperation on cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and online public services. Sahara Politics: A POLISARIO UN representative reiterated Sahrawi commitment to freedom and sovereignty, citing the case of political prisoner Enaâma Asfari and urging Security Council action. Environment: Mauritania launched a nationwide aerial seeding campaign to fight desertification, targeting 8.7 million hectares with native drought-resistant seeds.

US Visa Bond Turns Permanent: The Trump administration has made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, effective Aug 3, raising the maximum deposit to $20,000 for some B1/B2 business and tourist applicants from 50 countries (with 30 African states included, including Mauritania). Diplomatic Pushback: Nigerian experts are urging reciprocal measures against Washington over what they call discriminatory treatment. Ceuta Migration Shock: Spain’s Ceuta crisis is driving an EU scramble, with interior ministers set for an urgent meeting as thousands cross from Morocco and dozens die; EU leaders say most arrivals were pushed back, while Schengen and border-control tensions flare. Sahara Politics: A POLISARIO UN representative renewed calls for action over Sahrawi political prisoner Enaâma Asfari, citing an indefinite hunger strike and UN responsibility. Mauritania Environment & Tech: Mauritania launched a nationwide aerial seeding campaign to fight desertification (covering 8.7 million hectares), and moves on digital cooperation, including Oman-Mauritania ties to expand the digital economy.

U.S. Visa Bond Made Permanent: The U.S. State Department has turned its visa bond pilot into a permanent rule, meaning some B1/B2 business and tourist applicants from 50 countries—30 in Africa, including Mauritania—may be asked to post a refundable deposit before a visa is issued. Ceuta Migration Crisis: Spain’s enclave of Ceuta has again become a flashpoint after tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco in a chaotic surge, with EU leaders calling for urgent coordination and debate over border controls and responsibility. Mauritania Environment: Mauritania launched a four-day nationwide aerial seeding campaign to fight desertification, targeting 8.7 million hectares across nine regions with 3 tons of native drought-resistant seeds. Regional Health Security: WHO-backed health ministers from five African countries, including Mauritania, endorsed an eight-year strategy to strengthen health security and emergency response, with plans to expand coverage further. Sahara Diplomacy: The U.S. is engaging Sahrawi peace actors in Laayoune ahead of an upcoming UN Security Council meeting, pushing for a political process that includes broader Sahrawi representation.

EU Migration Crisis: EU interior ministers are set for an urgent meeting after Spain’s Ceuta border chaos, where tens of thousands crossed from Morocco and at least 67 people died; Spain says most arrivals were returned and a 500-metre floating barrier is being installed, while Italy and others push back and France says Schengen suspension is “not on the table.” U.S. Visa Policy: The U.S. has made its visa-bond programme permanent for selected countries, raising the maximum refundable security deposit to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants; Mauritania is listed among affected nations, alongside many across Africa. Mauritania Environment: Mauritania launched a four-day aerial seeding campaign to fight desertification affecting over 84% of its land, targeting 8.7 million hectares with 3 tons of native drought-resistant seeds across nine regions. Regional Security & Diplomacy: The U.S. is expanding engagement around the Western Sahara file ahead of a UN Security Council meeting, including talks with Sahrawi peace movement leaders in Laayoune. Sahel Context: Coverage continues to frame the Sahel as the new epicentre of jihadist violence, stretching from Mauritania and Senegal through Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and beyond.

Environment & Resilience: Mauritania launched a nationwide four-day aerial seeding campaign to fight desertification, covering 8.7 million hectares and dispersing 3 tons of native, drought-resistant seeds across nine regions, with officials citing the need to restore grazing lands, stabilize dunes and protect biodiversity as desertification affects over 84% of the country. Digital Cooperation: Oman and Mauritania signed five MoUs in Nouakchott to deepen cooperation on digital transformation, cybersecurity and e-government, including an IoT pilot for automated water meter reading and partnerships in smart-city and security/surveillance technology. International Partnerships: Russia and Mauritania signed an MoU to set up a consultation mechanism to boost trade and investment, highlighting fisheries, agriculture, mining and electric power as priority areas. Regional Politics & Security (Sahel): A new analysis argues West African states need more than solidarity statements as jihadist tactics evolve, calling for stronger active security cooperation with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger under the Alliance of Sahel States. Migration & Borders (Context): Coverage of the Ceuta crisis and wider U.S. visa policy changes dominated global headlines this week, but Mauritania’s direct political angle here is mainly through its role in regional migration agreements and ongoing international engagement.

Western Sahara Diplomacy: A U.S. embassy political advisor met Sahrawi leaders in Laayoune to discuss breaking the deadlock and pushing a political solution ahead of an upcoming UN Security Council meeting. Digital Cooperation: Oman and Mauritania signed five MoUs in Nouakchott to expand digital transformation, cybersecurity, smart-city tech, and training, including an IoT smart water-meter pilot. Education Link: Morocco will open an engineering sciences campus in Nouakchott, offering specialized programs aligned with Mauritania’s higher-education strategy. Energy Politics: ECOWAS states backed a proposed trans-Atlantic gas pipeline linking Nigeria, Senegal and Mauritania to the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline via Morocco. Sahel Security: Commentary warns the Sahel’s terror threat is evolving faster than “solidarity” statements, calling for deeper security cooperation among AES countries. Migration Pressure: Spain’s Ceuta crisis continues after a mass crossing from Morocco left at least 57 dead; Spain says it will use migration agreements (including with Mauritania) for returns. U.S. Visa Overhaul: From August 1, routine U.S. visa processing ends at Abuja and many other African posts, shifting applicants to regional hubs—Nouakchott is listed among affected missions.

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.

Digital Governance: Mauritania and Oman agreed to deepen cooperation on digital transformation, cybersecurity, online public services and modernising government administration after high-level talks in Nouakchott. Economic Diplomacy: Russia and Mauritania signed a memorandum to boost economic and investment cooperation, with trade growth highlighted and fisheries, agriculture, mining and power flagged as priority areas. Sahel Security: A new analysis warns the Sahel’s terror threat is evolving faster than “solidarity” statements, urging stronger, active security cooperation among Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger within the Alliance of Sahel States. US Consular Policy: The US announced routine visa processing will end at its Abuja embassy and 24 other African missions from August 1, 2026, shifting applicants to regional hubs while keeping embassies open and existing visas valid. Energy Strategy: A report says Africa’s gas producers, including Mauritania, are pushing a dual approach—LNG exports plus domestic gas for power and industry—to make projects more bankable and development-focused.

U.S. Visa Overhaul for Africa: The U.S. Department of State says routine visa processing will stop at its Abuja embassy and 24 other African missions from August 1, 2026, with applicants redirected to designated regional hubs; Washington says the shift is meant to tighten security screening, cut costs, and standardize vetting, while existing valid visas remain unaffected. Regional Mobility Impact: The list of affected posts includes Nouakchott, alongside major hubs across West and Central Africa, meaning more travel for routine applicants even as embassies keep operating for diplomatic and emergency consular needs. Mauritania Tech Push: Mauritania’s national IPv6 transition committee met to speed up adoption, targeting 25% IPv6 uptake by end-2026 to align with the country’s 5G rollout. Energy & Investment Context: Morocco is seeking U.S. Exim Bank and World Bank backing for a proposed $26bn trans-African gas pipeline linking West African gas to Europe, with ECOWAS backing already signed—an issue that touches regional energy planning including Mauritania. Local Governance & Society (International): A report highlights how Spain’s Canary Islands have become a key arrival point for unaccompanied migrant children, underscoring ongoing pressures on Atlantic migration routes.

U.S. Consular Overhaul: The U.S. will end routine visa processing at its Abuja embassy and 24 other African diplomatic posts from August 1, 2026, shifting applicants to regional hubs and citing tighter security screening, lower costs, and more consistent adjudication. Regional Energy Politics: Morocco is seeking U.S. Exim Bank and World Bank backing for a proposed $26 billion trans-African gas pipeline meant to link West African gas sources, including Mauritania, to the Maghreb-Europe network. Digital Governance & Connectivity: Mauritania’s national IPv6 transition committee met to speed up protocol adoption ahead of 5G rollout, targeting 25% IPv6 adoption by end-2026. Mining & Local Economy: Kinross declared a Q2 2026 dividend of $0.04 per share and reiterated its presence in Mauritania through its operations, as it also updated project economics. International Mobility Impact: The same U.S. policy change lists Nouakchott among affected posts, meaning more Mauritanians may need to travel to designated hubs for routine visas.