AGP Executive Report

Mauritania–EU Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug met the French ambassador and the EU delegation head, Joaquín Tasso Vilallonga, reviewing cooperation and partnership priorities. OIC Engagement: Ould Merzoug also received the OIC Secretary-General, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, discussing ways to strengthen Mauritania–OIC cooperation and joint Islamic action. Palestine Policy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani reiterated Mauritania’s firm stance on the Palestinian cause ahead of an emergency Arab summit in Cairo, calling for Gaza reconstruction and steps toward an independent sovereign state. Energy & Investment Talks: Oil Minister Abessalam Ould Mohamed Salah held meetings in Belgium and with EU officials on a just energy transition, including hydrogen and green minerals, and EU support for Mauritania’s electricity reforms. Regional Security & Migration Pressure: A maritime security brief warned that disruptions and piracy risks could create a security vacuum in the Gulf of Guinea, while intercepts off Senegal and Mauritania show smuggling networks remain active. Health & Rights Context: A wider regional report highlighted Ebola’s toll in the DRC and noted renewed Mauritanian civil-society outrage over sexual violence, pushing for stronger legal protections. Economy & Development Finance: Government updates focused on financing for water supply between Gouraye and Kiffa, backed by Abu Dhabi funding. Sports & Regional Presence: Mauritania’s match officials and regional football links continued to grow, with Senegal hosting WAFU-A U-17 qualifiers featuring Mauritania.

EU Migration Policy: The EU’s asylum applications fell to a five-year low in the first half of 2026, with 332,000 requests across EU+ (including Switzerland and Norway), down 17% year-on-year, as Brussels points to tighter migration policy and deals with Northern African partners including Mauritania. Maritime Security: Mauritania and Senegal are flagged in a Gulf of Guinea warning from the regional MARSEC committee, citing risks of a security vacuum as piracy resurges in East Africa and noting large-scale irregular migration interceptions at sea. Energy Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Oil Minister met Belgian and EU officials in Brussels, pushing for stronger cooperation on hydrogen and a “just energy transition,” while highlighting EU support tied to electricity reforms and green-hydrogen frameworks. Regional Cooperation: Mauritania’s Foreign Minister met the OIC Secretary-General in Nouakchott, reviewing cooperation priorities and reaffirming support for stronger Islamic action. Gold Exploration: RAMINVEST Holding announced the next phase of drilling at the Wompou Gold Project after assays up to 50.14 g/t and the definition of six priority targets for first-pass testing. Government Water Funding: A cabinet update said Mauritania approved financing for a water supply project between Gouraye and Kiffa, with Abu Dhabi Fund support of $30m (MRO 10bn). President’s Visit: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani began a working and viewing trip to Aleg in Brakna, accompanied by senior ministers and advisers.

Prime Minister–China Ties: Nouakchott’s Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay met China’s ambassador Tang Zhongdong to discuss boosting bilateral cooperation. OIC Cooperation: Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug received OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, reviewing Mauritania–OIC coordination and priorities for joint Islamic action. Regional Diplomacy: The Foreign Ministry also held talks with Senegal’s counterpart Yassine Fall, while Mauritania’s top diplomats met counterparts and ambassadors including Italy and Qatar. Presidential Field Visit: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani left for Aleg in Brakna for a working and inspection visit, with a large delegation including key ministers. AU Spotlight: A commentary highlights Mauritania’s AU leadership momentum after the President was elected AU chair. Energy & Finance: Oil Minister Abessalam Ould Mohamed Salah met Belgium and EU officials on hydrogen and a “just energy transition,” while the Economy Minister met the World Bank’s resident representative to deepen development cooperation. Water & Infrastructure Funding: Government briefings say Abu Dhabi for Development will partially finance a water supply project linking localities between Gouraye and Kiffa. Frontier Tensions: Reports allege Moroccan drone strikes in the Tindouf buffer zone affecting Sahrawi-linked gold prospecting, as Nouakchott urges prospectors to stay within Mauritania. Humanitarian-Development Coordination: A SIPRI brief argues Sahel donors must coordinate humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding work across Mauritania and neighbors.

Border & security tensions: Reports from Mauritanian prospectors say a Moroccan drone struck two vehicles linked to Sahrawis near the buffer zone from Tindouf, wounding two and burning out one vehicle, as Nouakchott tightens frontier surveillance and adds checkpoints. Human rights in the camps: NGOs urged independent monitoring in Tindouf camps at the UN Human Rights Council, alleging torture, enforced disappearances, racial discrimination, and child recruitment, while noting figures cited by groups were not independently verified. Energy & investment diplomacy: Mauritania’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy joined a Houston roundtable on financing a “fair and equitable” energy transition, highlighting green hydrogen plans; meanwhile, Mauritania signed a fishing agreement in Tokyo for Japanese tuna vessels to fish in Mauritania for five years. Economic outreach: Mauritania participated in the Arab–China Business Conference in Riyadh, with chamber leaders pushing cooperation in energy, trade, mining, food security and AI. Government follow-up: Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Diay reviewed major development projects, urging faster implementation and stronger monitoring to meet deadlines. Regional military cooperation: The Armed Forces chief held talks with Mali’s counterpart to activate cooperation, especially along shared border areas.

Sahel Aid Coordination: A new SIPRI policy brief warns donors that humanitarian, development and peacebuilding efforts in the Sahel won’t deliver lasting resilience unless they’re coordinated across sectors, citing the Sahel Resilience Partnership spanning Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. Tindouf Rights Monitoring: NGOs at the UN Human Rights Council’s 63rd session urged independent monitoring in Algeria’s Tindouf camps, alleging torture, racial discrimination and child recruitment, while noting some figures were not independently verified. Border Tensions & Gold Prospecting: A Moroccan drone strike hit vehicles linked to Sahrawis from the Tindouf camps in the buffer zone, as Mauritania tightens northern frontier surveillance and adds checkpoints. Energy & Investment Diplomacy: Mauritania signed a 5-year tuna fishing agreement with Japan’s “Japon Toni,” backed Arab-China business engagement in Riyadh, and pushed energy-transition financing via a Houston roundtable on green hydrogen. Government Oversight: The Prime Minister ordered faster delivery of major projects, stressing monitoring and removing obstacles. Regional Security: Mauritania condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian areas and reaffirmed solidarity with Riyadh. Human Rights Institutions: Mauritania’s National Human Rights Committee met Qatar-based partners to expand cooperation. Economy & Agriculture Finance: The AfDB backed feasibility work for the Awkar agro-pastoral stocks project in Hodh Chargui, while IFAD talks focused on accelerating funded projects.

Mauritania-Morocco Ties: Morocco’s embassy in Nouakchott held a Throne Day reception, with Mauritanian officials attending, while President-elect Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani sent a congratulatory cable to King Mohamed VI. Diplomatic Meetings: Mauritania’s foreign minister met Italy’s Antonio Tajani on cooperation; he also met Qatar’s ambassador, and held talks with Saudi officials at the Arab League foreign ministers’ session in Cairo. Health & EU-AU Cooperation: Health Minister Naha Mint Hamdi Ould Mouknass traveled to Brussels for an EU-AU ministerial conference on inclusive health and African health sovereignty. Domestic Governance: Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Diay pushed faster delivery on major projects, urging sectors to remove obstacles and speed up implementation of the Nouakchott Development Program. Security & Regional Cooperation: Armed Forces Chief of General Staff Mokhtar Bolla Chaabane met Mali’s General Oumar Diarra to activate military cooperation along the border areas. Human Rights: Mauritania’s National Human Rights Committee met Qatar-based partners to plan future cooperation with the Arab Network for Human Rights. Energy & Infrastructure: The President laid the first stone of the 90kV Keurmacen–Ndiago power line to expand the grid and supply the Ndiago port, funded via FADES. Migration & Aid: MSF reported emergency medical support for 1,046 Atlantic-route migrants disembarking at Nouadhibou, Rosso and Dakar, including women and minors.

Diplomatic Outreach: Mauritania’s Finance Minister Codioro Moussa N’Guénore met Spain’s ambassador in Nouakchott to review economic and financial cooperation, while the Housing Minister met Turkey’s envoy to focus on urban planning and public works. Arab League Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug met Saudi’s deputy foreign minister in Cairo on the sidelines of the Arab League foreign ministers’ session, discussing regional and international developments. Energy & Economy Deals: Mauritania signed an AfDB financing agreement for feasibility studies on the Awkar agro-pastoral stocks project in Hodh Chargui, while the Economy Ministry also met an IFAD regional director and an IMF mission on tax policy support; separate talks covered China’s development grants, including Nouakchott sewage and the Friendship Hospital expansion. Oil & Gas: The Taqa Arabia-GoGas consortium contract for gas exploitation in Banda & Tevet was highlighted as a step toward boosting electricity supply. Local Development: Nouakchott hosted the start of an energy and future cities conference, and Nouadhibou’s president inaugurated fish storage and conservation infrastructure. Justice & Rights: A new roundup notes Mauritania’s death-penalty provisions for certain drug offences. Migration & Health: MSF reported medical support for migrants disembarking in Nouadhibou, Rosso and Dakar after Atlantic crossings. Consular/Immigration: US DV-2026 figures show 129,516 prospective applicants registered worldwide, with Mauritania not singled out in the provided breakdown.

Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug met Qatar’s ambassador in Nouakchott to review bilateral cooperation, while Mauritania also condemned attacks on Kuwait and called for restraint and dialogue. Economy & Finance: The Economy and Finance Minister met China’s development agency to discuss grants and projects including Nouakchott’s sewage work and the Friendship Hospital expansion; the IMF mission also arrived to support tax policy analysis, and a World Bank team met the budget minister on budget support. Development Finance: AfDB signed an agreement to finance feasibility studies for the Awkar agro-pastoral stocks project in Hodh Chargui, and IFAD’s regional director discussed accelerating agriculture projects and improving their environmental and economic sustainability. Energy & Industry: Mauritania and the Taqa Arabia-GoGas consortium signed an exploration-production contract for Banda & Tevet gas fields, aimed at boosting electricity supply and local content. Regional Engagement: Mauritania’s employers’ delegation heads to Casablanca for the Mauritanian-Moroccan Economic Forum, while the 10th International Conference on Energy and Future Cities opened in Nouakchott. Security & Justice: Russia and Mauritania are set to sign extradition/transfer treaties for convicted offenders at the Russia–Africa Summit. Humanitarian & Migration: MSF supported migrants in distress after disembarkations on West African shores, including cases reaching Nouadhibou.

Mauritania–Russia Justice Ties: Mauritania and Russia are set to sign extradition and transfer treaties for convicted persons at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, following talks in Nouakchott on justice cooperation and legal assistance. Security & Diplomacy: Mauritania condemned attacks on Kuwait and reiterated support for regional stability, while the President also held a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stressing solidarity and urging restraint. Energy & Investment: Mauritania and Senegal are pushing the MSGBC gas push beyond discovery—GTA has reached first gas and LNG exports, and both countries are now focused on execution and domestic gas markets. Public Health Governance: Africa CDC and participating states including Mauritania advanced a continental framework to use behavioural and information data for outbreak response and infodemic management. Illegal Migration Focus: Nouakchott hosted an open day on illegal migration with youth and experts under the Watana volunteer program, aiming to shape practical solutions. Regional Cooperation: Mauritania also continued diplomatic engagement with partners including India, Italy, Algeria, the US, and China, covering education, finance, and oil/renewables.

Mauritania–Russia Justice Deal: Mauritania and Russia are set to sign extradition and transfer treaties for convicted offenders at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, with work also starting on mutual legal assistance and joint justice seminars. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Nouakchott condemned attacks on Kuwait and urged restraint and dialogue, reaffirming solidarity while rejecting aggression that threatens regional stability. Counter-Extremism & Women’s Roles: A Dakar-focused UN-backed exchange highlighted Mauritania’s state-trained “Mourchidates” as faith leaders helping prevent violent extremism through community legitimacy and proximity. Energy & Investment: The MSGBC Basin is moving from discovery to execution, with Mauritania and Senegal pushing gas and LNG momentum—highlighted by the GTA project’s first LNG exports and plans for further developments. Humanitarian & Migration: Spain’s Canary Islands rescue reported five deaths and dozens feared after a migrant boat drifted for 27 days; survivors said they drank seawater after food and water ran out. International Links: Mauritania’s foreign minister met India’s ambassador, while education talks continued with Italy. Sports: Vipers SC begin their CAF Champions League campaign against Nouadhibou FC. US Visa Lottery: The US released DV-2026 Green Card Lottery selections, with African countries—including West African states—featured among registered selectees.

Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug met India’s ambassador in Nouakchott to review bilateral ties, while the Higher Education Minister received an Italian delegation focused on cooperation in higher education and research. Ambassadorial outreach: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani welcomed the credentials of 18 new ambassadors in Abu Dhabi, including Mauritania’s envoy, as Nouakchott also hosted budget and economic meetings with Benin, Algeria, and the US. Security & regional solidarity: Mauritania condemned attacks on Kuwait and earlier strikes in the Gulf, calling for restraint and dialogue. Justice cooperation: Russia and Mauritania are set to sign treaties on extradition and transfer of convicted persons at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, alongside work on mutual legal assistance. Counter-extremism & society: Mauritania highlighted women’s roles in preventing violent extremism, including state-trained “Mourchidates” in the region. Migration pressure: An open day in Nouakchott tackled illegal migration, shelters, and youth risks, as reports continued on deadly Atlantic crossings. Energy & investment: Mauritania and China discussed oil and renewable energy cooperation, while the MSGBC gas push keeps investors focused on GTA LNG and future basin projects.

Mauritania–Algeria Diplomacy: The Polisario Front’s National Secretariat praised Algeria’s “steadfast” Sahrawi stance and sent condolences to Algerians after recent wildfires, while also highlighting Mauritania–Sahrawi brotherhood and cooperation under President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani. Diplomatic Appointments: President Sheikh Mohamed received credentials from 18 newly appointed ambassadors to the UAE, including envoys from Mauritania and several European and Asian countries, signaling continued diplomatic outreach. Security and Justice Cooperation: Russia and Mauritania are set to sign extradition and transfer treaties for convicted persons at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, following talks with Mauritania’s judicial authorities in Nouakchott. Regional Tensions: Mauritania condemned attacks targeting Kuwait and also condemned attacks on a Saudi oil tanker and simultaneous strikes across the Gulf, urging restraint and dialogue. Energy and Investment: Mauritania and Senegal’s MSGBC gas push is moving from discovery to execution, with GTA first gas/LNG milestones and new investment focus ahead of African Energy Week. Public Policy & Youth: An open day in Nouakchott tackled illegal migration with youth and experts, under the Watana volunteer program. International Peacekeeping: A 15th National Gendarmerie unit left Nouakchott for the Central African Republic to serve under a UN peacekeeping umbrella.

Diplomacy & Regional Solidarity: Mauritania’s Polisario-related statement praised Algeria’s “steadfast” Sahrawi position and sent condolences to Algerians after wildfires, while also reaffirming Mauritania–Sahrawi brotherhood and cooperation. Security & Foreign Policy: Nouakchott condemned attacks on Kuwait and other regional targets, urging restraint, dialogue and respect for international law; the President also held a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemning missile attacks. Justice Cooperation: Russia and Mauritania are set to sign extradition/transfer treaties for convicted offenders at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, following talks with Mauritania’s judicial authorities in Nouakchott. Energy & Investment: Mauritania and China continued oil and energy cooperation talks, including renewable energy; meanwhile, the MSGBC Basin push highlights GTA gas/LNG progress and new execution plans for Mauritania’s BirAllah. Public Administration & Governance: The budget minister delegate returned to Nouakchott after meetings in Benin, focusing on bilateral coordination and shared priorities. Migration & Youth: A Nouakchott open day tackled illegal migration with workshops on shelters, youth risks and solutions, as Mauritania faces ongoing pressure from regional mobility. Health Policy: Africa CDC and Mauritania joined a workshop in Mombasa to advance a behavioural intelligence and infodemic management framework for public health decisions.

Mauritania Diplomacy: Nouakchott condemned attacks on Kuwait and Saudi-linked regional strikes, calling for restraint, dialogue and respect for international law. Regional Security & Extremism: A report says al-Qaeda-linked JNIM lifted a siege of Léré in northern Mali near the Mauritanian border after local mediation, but mines and IEDs still block normal movement. Sahel Governance: Mauritania hosted the SEALS Council of Ministers session on drought impacts, underscoring Sahel-wide coordination. Migration Policy: An open day in Nouakchott tackled illegal migration with youth and experts, focusing on risks, shelters and youth-led solutions. Energy & Economy: Mauritania and Senegal are framed as growing gas and LNG hubs as the MSGBC Basin shifts from discovery to execution, anchored by GTA first gas/LNG milestones. Health & Information Systems: Africa CDC and Mauritania joined work to advance a behavioural intelligence and infodemic management framework to improve outbreak and immunisation decisions. International Cooperation: Mauritania pushed Arab-Chinese summit preparations in Beijing and held talks with China on oil and renewables.

Foreign Policy & Security: Mauritania condemned attacks on Kuwait and also denounced the assault on a Saudi oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, urging restraint, dialogue, and respect for international law. Counter-Extremism & Women’s Role: A Dakar conference highlighted Mauritania’s state-trained “Mourchidates” as female religious guides helping prevent violent extremism. Energy & Investment: Coverage points to MSGBC gas momentum—GTA first gas/LNG milestones and plans for Mauritania’s BirAllah—shifting the basin from discovery to execution. Migration & Humanitarian Crisis: Reports from the Canary Islands describe a boat adrift for 27 days with survivors saying they drank seawater after provisions ran out; Mauritania also appears in regional efforts to identify and assist migrants. Regional Diplomacy: Mauritania sent a delegation to Beijing for Arab-Chinese summit preparations and held talks with China on oil and renewables. Defense & Peacekeeping: A 15th National Gendarmerie unit departed Nouakchott for UN peacekeeping in the Central African Republic.

Arab-Chinese Diplomacy: Mauritania sent a delegation led by its Arab League permanent representative to Beijing to coordinate preparations for the mid-June Arab-Chinese Summit, reaffirming support for “One China” and backing Chinese development, security and governance initiatives. Energy & Investment Talks: In Nouakchott, the Energy and Oil minister met China’s ambassador to discuss oil and renewable energy cooperation, while the Economy and Finance minister held separate meetings with Algeria’s and the U.S. ambassadors on expanding economic and development ties. Budget & Government Work: The budget minister delegate returned to Nouakchott after talks in Cotonou, and the Council of Ministers’ SEALS session wrapped up in Nouakchott on Sahel drought response. Regional Security & Migration: Mauritania condemned attacks on a Saudi oil tanker and strikes across the Gulf, and held an open day on illegal migration with youth workshops under “Watana.” Peacekeeping: A new 15th gendarmerie unit departed Nouakchott for UN peacekeeping in the Central African Republic. Leadership Abroad: President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani left for Paris for the Francophone Summit, and held a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urging restraint.