AGP Executive Report

Sahel Aid Coordination: SIPRI warns donors that Sahel resilience won’t last if humanitarian, development and peacebuilding work in separate silos, urging funding for shared outcomes across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. Mauritania Energy & Investment: Mauritania’s petroleum and energy minister joined a Houston roundtable on financing a fair energy transition, highlighting green hydrogen plans, while the country also pushed Arab-China business ties in Riyadh and welcomed Saudi business interest ahead of a February visit. Fishing Deal: Japan’s “Japon Toni” signed a 5-year tuna fishing agreement with Mauritania for 25 vessels, securing access to authorized tuna shares. Migration Rescue: MSF reports 1,046 migrants rescued off West Africa in a week, with survivors brought to Nouadhibou, Rosso and Dakar after departures from The Gambia. Tindouf Rights Claims: NGOs urged independent monitoring in Algeria’s Tindouf camps amid allegations of torture, discrimination and child recruitment, as a separate report says a Moroccan drone hit vehicles linked to Sahrawis near the buffer zone. Regional Security: Mauritania condemned Houthi attacks on civilian areas in Saudi Arabia and reiterated solidarity with Riyadh.

Tindouf Tensions: A Moroccan drone struck two vehicles belonging to Sahrawis from the Tindouf camps in the Sahara buffer zone, wounding two and burning one vehicle, as Mauritania tightens northern frontier surveillance and adds checkpoints. Rights Watch: NGOs at the UN Human Rights Council urged independent monitoring in Tindouf camps, alleging torture, racial discrimination and child recruitment. Migration Rescue: MSF said 1,046 migrants were rescued off West Africa in a week after boats left The Gambia for Spain’s Canary Islands; survivors were brought to Nouadhibou, Rosso and Dakar, with reports of severe dehydration and injuries. Energy & Investment: Mauritania’s petroleum and energy minister joined a Houston roundtable on financing the energy transition, highlighting green hydrogen plans; Mauritania also signed a 5-year tuna fishing agreement with Japan’s “Japon Toni” and participated in Arab-China business talks in Riyadh. Diplomacy: Mauritania condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian areas and reaffirmed solidarity with Riyadh; foreign minister meetings with Qatar and Italy also featured in the week’s coverage.

Energy & Infrastructure: President El Ghazouani laid the first stone of a 90 kV high-voltage power line linking Keurmacen to the port of Ndiago, a 12-month project costing 3.2 billion ouguiyas and financed by FADES to strengthen the national grid and improve electricity access in the area. Agriculture & Development Finance: Mauritania’s Agriculture Minister received an AFD delegation to speed up joint agricultural projects, agreeing on an action plan to meet deadlines. Economic Diplomacy: The Economy Minister held talks with senior international financial officials in Washington on global economic and financial developments, alongside the Finance Minister. Energy Sector Deal: Mauritania and the Taqa Arabia-GoGas consortium signed an exploration-production contract for gas in the Banda & Tevet fields, aimed at boosting electricity generation and energy reliability. Humanitarian & Migration: MSF reported 1,046 migrants rescued from Atlantic crossings, including arrivals in Nouadhibou, Rosso and Dakar, with many suffering severe dehydration and injuries. Culture & Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Culture Minister met ambassadors from Burkina Faso and Russia to advance cultural cooperation agreements. Sports: Vipers SC drew FC Nouadhibou 1-1 in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round first leg, setting up a tense return in Mauritania.

Mauritania–Energy & Investment: Mauritania signed an exploration-production contract with the Taqa Arabia-GoGas consortium for gas in the Banda & Tevet fields, aimed at boosting electricity supply and local jobs, while the AfDB approved financing for feasibility studies for the Awkar agro-pastoral stocks project in Hodh Chargui. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug met Qatar’s ambassador and Italy’s ambassador, and Mauritania took part in the 166th Arab League Council session in Cairo. Economy & Development: The Economy Minister met IFAD’s regional director to speed up agricultural projects, and a World Bank mission discussed budget support cooperation. Business Links: A Mauritanian employers’ delegation of 140 firms heads to Casablanca for the Mauritanian–Moroccan Economic Forum. Culture: Mauritanian novelist Mbarek Ould Beirouk won first prize at the Dakar International Literature Festival for “Sarah.” Sports: CAF Champions League first-leg results included Vipers SC drawing FC Nouadhibou 1-1. Humanitarian & Health: MSF supported migrants disembarked in Nouadhibou, Rosso and Dakar after Atlantic crossings, with survivors facing severe dehydration and injuries.

US Green Card Lottery (DV-2026): The US State Department has published DV-2026 selectee figures, listing 16 African countries while Nigeria is again excluded, after 20.8 million qualified entries and about 129,516 prospective applicants registered at the Kentucky Consular Centre; visas are limited to roughly 51,850 after statutory deductions, with applicants urged to act before Sept 30, 2026. Mauritania Diplomacy: Nouakchott condemned attacks on Kuwait and reaffirmed solidarity, calling for restraint and dialogue. Justice Cooperation: Mauritania and Russia are set to sign extradition/transfer treaties for convicted offenders at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow. Energy & Regional Gas: The MSGBC Basin push continues as Mauritania and Senegal advance LNG and domestic gas plans, with GTA already producing gas and LNG. Security & Extremism: Reports say an al-Qaeda-linked group lifted a siege of Léré in northern Mali near the Mauritanian border after local negotiations. Sports: Vipers SC prepare for the CAF Champions League opener against FC Nouadhibou, with the first leg in Uganda and return in Mauritania.

Humanitarian Spotlight: On the International Day of Charity (Sept. 5), UN-linked reporting highlights how philanthropy and volunteering are increasingly used to support healthcare, education, housing and child protection as humanitarian needs rise. US Immigration Update: The US State Department published DV-2026 “Green Card Lottery” selection lists and applicant registration figures, with about 129,516 prospective applicants registered and a processing deadline of Sept. 30, 2026. Mauritania Diplomacy: Nouakchott hosted meetings with India and Italy’s ministers, while Mauritania also reaffirmed solidarity after attacks on Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, urging restraint and dialogue. Justice Cooperation: Russia and Mauritania are set to sign extradition and transfer treaties for convicted offenders at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow. Security & Extremism: A report says al-Qaeda-linked JNIM agreed to lift a siege of Léré in northern Mali after negotiations involving local elders, with humanitarian conditions still affected. Energy & Jobs: Coverage points to the MSGBC Basin’s push from discovery to execution, with Mauritania and Senegal advancing gas and LNG projects. Public Health: Africa CDC and Mauritania joined a workshop to develop a behavioural intelligence and infodemic management framework for outbreak decisions. Migration Tragedy: Spanish rescue services reported deaths after a migrant boat drifted for 27 days near the Canary Islands, with survivors describing drinking seawater.

International Charity Day: The UN marks September 5 as a reminder that philanthropy and volunteering help cushion crises and support services like health, education, housing and child protection, as humanitarian need keeps rising. US Green Card Lottery: The US State Department says about 129,516 people applied for DV-2026, with several African countries among those selected; applicants must submit before Sept 30, 2026. Diplomacy in Nouakchott: Mauritania’s foreign minister met India’s ambassador, while the higher education minister received an Italian delegation to boost cooperation in universities and research. Energy & regional ties: Mauritania and Russia are set to sign extradition and transfer treaties for convicted offenders at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow. Security solidarity: Mauritania condemned attacks on Kuwait and also reiterated condemnation of attacks on Saudi and other regional targets, calling for restraint and dialogue. Health data for outbreaks: Africa CDC and member states, including Mauritania, advanced a behavioural intelligence and infodemic management framework. Sports: Vipers SC prepare for the CAF Champions League first leg against FC Nouadhibou, while regional U-17 qualifiers continue with Mauritania in the mix.

WAFU-A U-17 Build-Up: Sierra Leone’s U-17 “Sierra Stars” arrived in Dakar for the Sept 7–20 qualifiers, with 32 members set for mandatory MRI age checks before opening against The Gambia on Sept 7. Diplomatic Outreach: President Sheikh Mohamed welcomed 18 new ambassadors to the UAE, including envoys from Mauritania and several European and Asian countries, pledging support to strengthen ties. Justice Cooperation: Russia and Mauritania are set to sign extradition and transfer treaties for convicted offenders at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow. Public Health Data: Africa CDC and participating countries including Mauritania advanced a behavioural intelligence and infodemic management framework to improve outbreak and health-service decisions. Regional Security: Mauritania condemned attacks on Kuwait and also condemned the attack on a Saudi oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, calling for restraint and dialogue. Energy & Investment: The MSGBC Basin’s gas push is moving into execution, with GTA first gas/LNG already delivered and new investment focus ahead of AEW 2026. Football Focus: Vipers SC begin their CAF Champions League campaign this Saturday against FC Nouadhibou, aiming to start strong in the first leg.

Mauritania-Russia Justice Deal: Mauritania and Russia are set to sign treaties on extradition and transfer of convicted offenders at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow on 28–29 October, following talks in Nouakchott between justice officials. Diplomatic Outreach: Mauritania’s officials also met Algeria’s and the U.S. ambassadors in Nouakchott to review cooperation in economy and development, while the country participated in preparations for the Arab–Chinese summit in Beijing. Energy & Oil Talks: The Mauritanian Ministry of Energy and Oil held discussions with China’s ambassador on boosting ties in oil and renewable energy. Regional Security Condemnations: Mauritania condemned attacks on Kuwait and Saudi-linked incidents in the region, reiterating solidarity and calling for restraint and dialogue. Public Health Data Push: Africa CDC and participating countries including Mauritania advanced a continental framework to use behavioural and information data to improve outbreak response and trust in health services. Migration Focus: An open day in Nouakchott tackled illegal migration, shelters, youth risks, and solutions. Sports: Vipers SC prepare for the CAF Champions League first round against Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou, aiming to secure a strong first-leg result.

Mauritania–Russia Justice Ties: Mauritania and Russia are set to sign treaties on extradition and transfer of convicted offenders at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow on 28–29 October, after talks in Nouakchott on justice cooperation and legal assistance. Diplomacy & Security: Mauritania reiterated condemnation of attacks on Kuwait and Saudi Arabia-linked incidents in the region, calling for restraint, dialogue and respect for international law. Energy & Oil Cooperation: The Mauritanian Minister of Energy met China’s ambassador to discuss strengthening relations in oil and renewable energy, while Mauritania also engaged Algeria and the US on economic cooperation. Public Health & Data Use: Africa CDC and Mauritania joined a workshop in Mombasa to advance a continental behavioural intelligence and infodemic management framework to improve outbreak and health-service decisions. Illegal Migration Focus: Nouakchott hosted an open day on illegal migration, with workshops on shelters, youth risks and solutions led by the Watana volunteer programme. Sports: Vipers SC begin their CAF Champions League campaign this Saturday against Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou, while Mauritania is also in the WAFU-A U-17 qualifiers group stage. Regional Solidarity: The Polisario Front’s secretariat praised Algeria’s stance on the Sahrawi cause and extended condolences to Algeria over wildfire victims, also highlighting Mauritania–Sahrawi brotherhood.

Diplomacy & Security: Mauritania condemned the attacks targeting Kuwait and reaffirmed full solidarity, calling for restraint, dialogue and respect for international law. Regional Security: Mauritania also condemned attacks on a Saudi oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and simultaneous strikes against the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, stressing rejection of acts that threaten regional stability and navigation safety. Energy & Investment: Mauritania and China are deepening cooperation, with talks focused on oil and renewable energy development, while the MSGBC gas push puts Mauritania and Senegal in the spotlight as LNG hubs. Extremism Watch: A report says al-Qaeda-linked JNIM agreed to lift a siege of Léré in northern Mali near the Mauritanian border after negotiations, though mines and explosives still disrupt normal movement. Sports: Vipers SC begin their CAF Champions League campaign with a first-round home clash against Mauritanian champions FC Nouadhibou, aiming to start strong. Humanitarian & Migration: Spanish authorities reported five deaths after a migrant boat was found off the Canary Islands following 27 days adrift, with survivors describing drinking seawater.

Women vs Extremism: Mauritania’s “Mourchidates” and Senegal’s faith leaders are spotlighted in a Dakar peer exchange on how women’s religious guidance can curb violent extremism. Energy & Investment: The MSGBC gas push is moving into execution, with Mauritania-Senegal GTA already producing LNG and new projects like BirAllah drawing investor attention. Migration Tragedy: A boat found off Spain’s Canary Islands after 27 days at sea left five dead and dozens feared lost, with survivors describing drinking seawater. Sports (CAF): Vipers SC say they’re ready for their CAF Champions League opener against Mauritania’s Nouadhibou, aiming to secure a strong first-leg result. Diplomacy & Security: Mauritania condemned attacks on a Saudi oil tanker and other regional strikes, reiterating solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia. Illegal Migration Focus: Nouakchott hosted an open day on illegal migration, with workshops led by youth and experts under the “Watana” volunteer program. Oil Talks with China: Mauritania’s energy minister met China’s ambassador to discuss oil and renewable energy cooperation. Health Aid: Qatar Charity launched an eye-surgery convoy in Mauritania targeting cataracts and vision care in Moudjeria, El Ghaire and Legrane.

Migration and human cost: In Senegal’s Mbour, grief is spreading fast: AFP reports that about one in three households in the Tefees neighborhood has lost someone to the Atlantic route, with residents like Anna Diop describing repeated tragedies tied to pirogues bound for Europe. Mauritania diplomacy: Mauritania condemned attacks on a Saudi oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and simultaneous strikes targeting the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, stressing solidarity and rejecting threats to regional security and navigation. Regional security: Mauritania’s National Security Director-General met the UAE’s National Drug Enforcement Authority chief in Abu Dhabi to discuss stronger anti-drug cooperation, including monitoring trafficking networks and improving cross-border coordination. Health and development: Qatar Charity launched an eye-surgery medical convoy in Mauritania, targeting Moudjeria, El Ghaire and Legrane with consultations and cataract surgeries in partnership with Mauritania’s blindness-control programme. Public health preparedness: The Sahrawi Republic joined a Nouakchott workshop with Africa CDC on strengthening North Africa’s public health emergency response and surveillance systems.

Health & Aid in Mauritania: Qatar Charity launched a specialised eye-surgery medical convoy in Moudjeria, El Ghaire and Legrane, targeting 2,500 consultations and 250 cataract surgeries, with glasses and medicines also planned. Public Health Preparedness: Nouakchott hosted a North Africa workshop on public health emergency response, focused on strengthening regional disease surveillance and lab networks, and improving national public health institutes. Security Cooperation: Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace officials met at the AU in Addis Ababa to stress UAE support for African-led conflict prevention and reconciliation. Regional Security & Drugs: Mauritania’s National Security chief met UAE’s drug enforcement authority head to discuss tighter cross-border cooperation against trafficking and psychotropic crimes. Sports Development: Mauritania’s President oversaw the inauguration of expanded sports facilities, including upgrades to the football federation, an academy expansion, and a new Mauritanian sports channel headquarters. Migration & Transit: Senegal’s consulate in Dakhla said it will identify Senegalese nationals among migrants intercepted off Dakhla and arrange repatriation, including transit once Mauritania authorises.

Eye Health in Mauritania: Qatar Charity launched a specialised eye-surgery medical convoy in Moudjeria, El Ghaire and Legrane, targeting 2,500 consultations and 250 cataract surgeries, with glasses and medicines provided in cooperation with Mauritania’s National Programme for Blindness Control. Public Health Cooperation: The Sahrawi Republic took part in a Nouakchott workshop with Africa CDC on strengthening North Africa’s public health emergency response, including surveillance, lab support and information sharing. Sports Development: Mauritania’s football infrastructure push continues with the inauguration/expansion of FFRIM facilities, including a sports medicine center and upgrades to the federation’s academy and sports channel headquarters. Regional Security & Drugs: Mauritania’s National Security Director-General met with the head of the UAE’s National Drug Enforcement Authority to discuss boosting cooperation against drug trafficking and cross-border organised crime. Migration Pressure: Senegal’s consulate in Dakhla plans a mission to identify Senegalese nationals among migrants intercepted off Dakhla, with repatriation expected once Mauritania authorises transit. Football Governance Shockwaves: FIFA President Gianni Infantino met Nigeria’s sports leadership as Nigeria rebuilds after NFF leadership resignations, while FIFA’s abandoned $20bn commercial-rights plan continues to spark fallout.

Eye Health Drive: Qatar Charity launched a specialized eye-surgery convoy in Mauritania, targeting Moudjeria, El Ghaire and Legrane, with plans for 2,500 consultations and 250 cataract surgeries plus glasses and medicines. Public Health Preparedness: The Sahrawi Republic joined a North Africa workshop in Nouakchott on public health emergency response, focused on disease surveillance, lab support and information sharing. Sahara Security & Diplomacy: A US military delegation visited Dakhla port to discuss maritime infrastructure, connectivity and shared security priorities, building on earlier US engagement at El Guerguerat. Drug Enforcement Talks: Mauritania’s National Security DG met Qatar’s drug enforcement authority head to strengthen anti-drug cooperation and cross-border coordination. Regional Migration Response: Senegal said its consulate will identify Senegalese nationals among 201 migrants intercepted off Dakhla, with repatriation linked to Mauritania transit authorization. Sports & Youth: Mauritania-linked football news includes U-23 Eagles coaching appointments and Olympic Eagles planning, while Mauritania also continues sports infrastructure upgrades.