AGP Executive Report

Public Health & Rumours: Africa CDC says “genital theft” misinformation has sparked deadly mob violence across parts of East Africa, including killings after false claims that touching someone can make their genitals disappear. Diplomacy: In Nouakchott, Mauritania’s foreign minister met Qatar’s ambassador to discuss bilateral cooperation, while Mauritania also joined Arab League foreign ministers’ talks in Cairo. Culture & Education: Mauritania’s Minister of Higher Education met an Italian delegation on boosting higher education and scientific research ties. Faith & Youth Against Extremism: A Mauritania-linked initiative highlights women’s religious leadership—such as Mourchidates—as a community tool to prevent violent extremism. Migration & Human Cost: An open day in Nouakchott tackled illegal migration with youth workshops, as another Atlantic tragedy reported survivors after 27 days adrift and deaths linked to the route. Regional Solidarity: Mauritania condemned attacks on Kuwait and other regional targets, reaffirming support and calling for restraint and diplomacy.

US Green Card Lottery (DV-2026): The US State Department has released DV-2026 selectee data, listing 16 African countries while Nigeria is again excluded; the Kentucky Consular Centre registered about 129,516 prospective applicants from 20.8 million qualified entries, with visas capped at roughly 51,850 after deductions and a September 30, 2026 deadline. Culture & Education Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Minister of Higher Education met an Italian delegation to boost cooperation in higher education and scientific research, while the Culture Ministry also met UNFPA’s resident representative to strengthen collaboration. Nouakchott Youth & Migration Dialogue: The Ministry of Culture hosted an open day on illegal migration with the “Watana” volunteer program, featuring workshops on risks, shelters, and youth-led solutions. Women, Faith & Extremism Prevention: A Dakar conference highlighted Mauritania’s “Mourchidates” as state-trained female religious guides helping counter violent extremism through community legitimacy and proximity. Regional Solidarity: Mauritania condemned attacks on Kuwait and other Gulf targets, reaffirming support for regional stability and international law.

Humanitarian Solidarity: Mauritania marked the International Day of Charity (Sept 5), highlighting how philanthropy and volunteering can support healthcare, education, housing and child protection as humanitarian needs keep rising. Migration & Youth Dialogue: In Nouakchott, the Ministry of Culture (via the Watana volunteer program) held an open day on illegal migration, with workshops on shelters, youth risks, and youth-led solutions. Women vs Extremism: A Dakar conference spotlighted women’s religious leadership as a tool against violent extremism, including Mauritania’s state-trained Mourchidates. Culture & Literature: Nouakchott hosted a Moroccan Cultural Centre evening launching its 2024–2025 activities, and the Ministry of Culture presented the book “Archaeology: Sand and Snow in Symbiosis.” Sports & Heritage: The President inaugurated expanded football federation facilities, an academy for ages 11–15, and the Mauritanian Sports Channel. Regional Diplomacy: Mauritania condemned attacks on Kuwait and a Saudi oil tanker, reaffirming solidarity and rejecting aggression.

Higher Education & Science: Mauritania’s Higher Education Minister Yacoub Ould Moine met an Italian delegation in Nouakchott to boost cooperation in higher education and scientific research. Culture & Youth: The Ministry of Culture (via its acting secretary-general) hosted an open day on illegal migration with the “Watana” volunteer program, featuring workshops on shelters, youth migration risks, and youth-led solutions. Women, Faith & Extremism: A Dakar conference highlighted women’s religious leadership as a practical tool against violent extremism, spotlighting Mauritania’s state-trained Mourchidates. Humanitarian & Migration Tragedy: A migrant boat found off Spain’s Canary Islands after 27 days at sea left five dead and dozens rescued, with survivors describing drinking seawater when provisions ran out. Diplomacy: Mauritania condemned attacks on Kuwait and also denounced assaults on a Saudi oil tanker and other regional targets, calling for restraint and dialogue. Culture Policy: Mauritania’s Culture Ministry met UNFPA’s resident representative to strengthen cooperation. Sports & Heritage: Nouakchott saw the inauguration/expansion of sports facilities and a Mauritanian Sports Channel headquarters, aiming to grow youth training and local coverage.

Migration as Hybrid Coercion: A new analysis argues Europe’s asylum rules are being pressured through deliberate migration routing, turning desperate crossings into foreign-policy messaging. Women & Faith Against Extremism: A Dakar conference highlighted women’s religious leadership as a practical tool to prevent violent extremism, including Mauritania’s state-trained Mourchidates. Illegal Migration in Mauritania: Nouakchott hosted an open day on illegal migration, with workshops on risks for youth, shelters, and youth-led solutions. Culture Ministry Outreach: The Culture Ministry met UNFPA’s resident representative to strengthen cooperation. Atlantic Tragedy: A boat off Spain’s Canary Islands left five dead and 44 survivors after 27 days adrift, with reports of drinking seawater. Regional Solidarity: Mauritania condemned attacks on Kuwait and Saudi-linked shipping, calling for restraint and diplomacy. Deportation Pressure: The US published an updated West Africa deportation list of 427 people, including Mauritania. Heritage & Sports: Ouadane wrapped up the 14th Heritage Cities Festival, while Nouakchott saw new sports facilities inaugurated.

Women & Faith Against Extremism: A Dakar conference highlighted how women’s religious leadership can help prevent violent extremism, spotlighting Mauritania’s Mourchidates trained and deployed through the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. Culture Ministry Outreach: In Nouakchott, Mauritania’s Culture Ministry met UNFPA’s resident representative to strengthen cooperation, and later hosted an open day on illegal migration with youth workshops on risks, shelters, and solutions. Migration Tragedy at Sea: Off Spain’s Canary Islands, a migrant boat after 27 days adrift left five dead and dozens rescued, with survivors describing drinking seawater after supplies ran out—another stark reminder of the Atlantic crossing’s human cost. Mauritania Condemns Regional Attacks: Mauritania issued strong condemnations over attacks on Kuwait and on a Saudi oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, calling for restraint, dialogue, and respect for international law. Heritage & Books: Nouakchott saw cultural events including a Moroccan Cultural Centre evening and the book presentation “Archaeology: Sand and Snow in Symbiosis,” reinforcing literature and shared heritage.

Culture & Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Polisario-linked National Secretariat praised Algeria’s steadfast Sahrawi stance and sent condolences over Algeria’s wildfire victims, while also highlighting brotherly ties with Mauritania. Women, Faith & Extremism Prevention: A Dakar conference spotlighted women’s religious leadership as a practical tool against violent extremism, including Mauritania’s state-trained Mourchidates. Migration Human Cost: Survivors from a boat off Spain’s Canary Islands described 27 days adrift and drinking seawater after provisions ran out; five men died and dozens were rescued. Culture Ministry Moves: Nouakchott hosted talks between Mauritania’s Culture Ministry and UNFPA, plus an open day on illegal migration led by the “Watana” volunteer program, with workshops on youth migration and shelters. Regional Security Condemnations: Mauritania condemned attacks on Kuwait and a Saudi oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, reaffirming solidarity and rejecting aggression. Sports & Heritage: Nouakchott saw the inauguration of expanded sports facilities and continued heritage programming, including Ouadane’s Heritage Cities Festival legacy.

Regional Security & Extremism: JNIM agreed to lift its nearly 11-month siege of Léré in northern Mali after talks involving local elders and the city’s commander, though mines and IEDs on main roads mean supplies won’t fully resume yet. Foreign Affairs: Mauritania condemned attacks on Kuwait and also denounced strikes on a Saudi oil tanker plus simultaneous attacks targeting the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, urging restraint and dialogue. Women, Faith & Extremism Prevention: A Dakar conference highlighted women’s religious leadership as a “double opportunity” for countering violent extremism, spotlighting Mauritania’s state-trained Mourchidates. Migration & Human Cost: An open day in Nouakchott tackled illegal migration with workshops on youth risks, shelters, and solutions. Culture & Books: The Minister of Culture presented a new book, “Archaeology: Sand and Snow in Symbiosis,” framing poetry as a bridge between civilizations. Heritage & Sports: Nouakchott hosted museum visits by Senegal’s parliament leadership, while Ouadane’s Heritage City and sports facility expansions underscored Mauritania’s push to turn culture into public life.

Women & Faith Against Extremism: A Dakar peer-to-peer exchange spotlighted women’s religious leadership as a practical tool to counter violent extremism, highlighting Mauritania’s state-trained Mourchidates. Illegal Migration & Youth Solutions: In Nouakchott, Mauritania’s culture ministry backed an “open day” on illegal migration, with workshops on shelters, youth risks, and youth-led solutions. Tragedy at Sea: A migrant boat found off Spain’s Canary Islands after 27 days adrift left five dead and dozens rescued, with survivors describing drinking seawater after provisions ran out. Culture Diplomacy: Nouakchott hosted UNFPA talks with the culture ministry, while Mauritania also marked regional cultural ties through book presentations and Morocco’s cultural season events. Heritage in Action: The Heritage Cities Festival continued to celebrate Ouadane’s “Heritage City,” blending traditional performances with heritage preservation and development. Regional Security: Mauritania condemned attacks on a Saudi oil tanker and other regional targets, reaffirming rejection of threats to navigation and stability.

Migration grief and community resilience: In Senegal’s Mbour, Aminata Boye has turned the disappearance of her sons into support for bereaved families, where roughly one in three households in the Tefees neighbourhood has lost someone to the Atlantic route. Regional security and maritime tensions: Mauritania condemned an attack on a Saudi oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and the simultaneous strikes on UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, stressing rejection of acts that threaten regional stability and navigation safety. Mauritania’s cultural diplomacy: Nouakchott hosted a Moroccan Cultural Centre evening launching its 2024-2025 programme, with performances and poetry celebrating shared heritage between Morocco and Mauritania. Culture and books: Mauritania’s Culture Minister oversaw the presentation of “Archaeology: Sand and Snow in Symbiosis,” framing poetry as a bridge between civilizations. Heritage in action: The 14th Mada’in Heritage Festival in Ouadane wrapped up with a message that investing in culture strengthens stability and turns historic cities into living spaces. Youth and early learning: Mauritania’s Social Work Minister met the World Bank to expand cooperation on pre-school education, aiming to reach 100,000 children. Sports as culture: Nouakchott saw the inauguration of expanded football facilities and a new Mauritanian Sports Channel headquarters, boosting youth training and local coverage.

OIC Leadership in Focus: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected new Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, taking over from Hissein Brahim Taha at the OIC’s extraordinary council in Jeddah—an event that drew regional diplomacy and fresh expectations for action. Culture & Heritage in Nouakchott/Adrar: The President inaugurated Ouadane’s “Heritage City” as part of the 14th Heritage Cities Festival, with traditional music and a heritage village meant to preserve Mauritanian identity while serving as a development hub. Books & Arts: Mauritania’s Culture Minister presided over the presentation of “Archaeology: Sand and Snow in Symbiosis,” framing poetry as a bridge between civilizations. Sports Infrastructure: New sports facilities were inaugurated, including expanded FFRIM headquarters, an academy for ages 11–15, and a revamped Mauritanian Sports Channel. Youth & Education: The World Bank met Mauritania’s Social Work Minister on expanding pre-school education to reach 100,000 children, with UNICEF-backed youth centers also highlighted. Regional Ties: Mauritania’s National Assembly leadership visited the National Museum Office in Nouakchott, underscoring cultural links with Senegal.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, taking over from Hissein Brahim Taha after the 23rd Extraordinary Session in Jeddah—an event that drew regional congratulations and renewed focus on the Palestinian cause. Culture & Heritage: In Ouadane, President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani inaugurated the “Heritage City” as part of the 14th Mada’in al-Turath festival, with traditional performances and a new cultural hub built to preserve Mauritania’s identity. UNICEF & Early Learning: Mauritania’s Minister of Social Work met UNICEF to expand youth support, including centers for girls who drop out of school in Dar Naim and Kiffa. Education, Culture Diplomacy: The Minister of Culture met ICESCO’s director general to advance Mauritanian mahdhara promotion and education-science-culture cooperation. Sports Infrastructure: Nouakchott saw the inauguration of expanded football federation facilities, an academy upgrade for ages 11–15, and a new Mauritanian Sports Channel headquarters. Regional Ties: Algeria marked the 70th anniversary of its liberation revolution with a reception in Nouakchott, underscoring deep bilateral links.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, taking over from Hissein Brahim Taha and pledging to prove his mandate through action. Culture & Heritage: The 14th Mada’in Heritage Festival wrapped up in Ouadane, with officials calling culture an engine for stability and development, while the President inaugurated a new “Heritage City” featuring Mahadra-inspired spaces and traditional performances. Books & Arts: Mauritania’s Culture Minister presided over the presentation of “Archaeology: Sand and Snow in Symbiosis,” framing poetry as a bridge between civilizations. Youth & Education: The Minister of Social Work met a World Bank team to push pre-school education, aiming to reach 100,000 children. Sports Infrastructure: Nouakchott saw the inauguration of expanded football federation facilities, a youth academy, and a new Mauritanian Sports Channel hub. Regional Ties: Mauritania’s Minister of Culture held talks with ICESCO and met UNICEF, while the Moroccan Cultural Centre in Nouakchott launched its 2024–2025 cultural season.

UNGA 2026 Focus: As world leaders head to New York for the UN General Assembly, coverage highlights how the week’s agenda is shaped by the US-Iran standoff and wider strains on the international system. Culture & Books: Mauritania’s Minister of Culture presented the book “Archaeology: Sand and Snow in Symbiosis,” framing poetry as a bridge between civilizations. Heritage in Ouadane: The President inaugurated Mauritania’s new “Heritage City” in Ouadane, with traditional music and a plan to turn heritage into a living cultural and development hub. Mada’in Heritage Festival Wrap: The 14th edition of the Heritage Cities Festival concluded in Ouadane, with talks, seminars, and major artistic contributions. Education for Children: The Minister of Social Work met the World Bank to expand pre-school education, aiming to reach 100,000 children. Regional Culture Links: The Moroccan Cultural Centre in Nouakchott launched its 2024-2025 cultural season with performances and poetry. Sports Facilities: Nouakchott saw the inauguration of expanded football and sports-media facilities, including a new sports medicine center and upgraded sports channel. OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected OIC Secretary-General, a diplomatic moment echoed across member states. Migration at Sea: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants, including 17 children, en route to the Canary Islands.

Culture & Heritage: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani inaugurated Ouadane’s new “Heritage City” as part of the 14th Mada’in al-Turath festival, with traditional music, Mahadra symbolism, and a heritage village meant to preserve culture while serving public sectors. Literature & Arts: The Culture Minister presided over the book presentation “Archaeology: Sand and Snow in Symbiosis,” highlighting poetry as a bridge between civilizations. Education for Children: The Social Work Minister met a World Bank team to boost pre-school education, aiming to reach 100,000 children. Youth & Gender: Mauritania discussed a “Women, Peace and Security” framework, stressing women’s participation and a national action plan aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 1325. Regional Cultural Links: Nouakchott’s Moroccan Cultural Centre opened its 2024–2025 season with performances and poetry. Sports Infrastructure: The President oversaw new sports facilities, including upgrades to the football federation, an expanded youth academy, and a modern Mauritanian Sports Channel. Humanitarian & Migration: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants (including 17 children) off the coast near Amhijrat. Diplomacy: Mauritanian diplomat Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected OIC Secretary-General, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha.

OIC Leadership in Jeddah: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at an extraordinary ministerial session in Jeddah, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha, with Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif highlighted as top priorities. Culture & Heritage in Ouadane: The 14th Mada’in al-Turath (Heritage Cities) Festival wrapped up in Ouadane, with the President inaugurating a new “Heritage City” featuring Neyfara flute, Tabl drum performances, and a Mahadra-focused cultural space. Mahdhara & Youth Focus: Mauritania’s Culture Minister met ICESCO’s Director General to discuss education, science, culture, and strengthening the Mahdhara; separately, talks with UNICEF centered on youth strategy and support centers for girls in Dar Naim and Kiffa. Women, Peace & Security: A Mauritanian human-rights official took part in a UN-backed meeting on “Women, Peace and Security,” outlining the country’s national action plan aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 1325. Migration & Coastal Rescue: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off Amhijrat (including 17 children) en route to Spain’s Canary Islands, underscoring the ongoing Atlantic migration pressure.