AGP Executive Report

Digital Education Boost: MBRGI and The Digital School announced a three-year push to support 500,000+ learners in Mauritania, Nigeria, Lesotho, Zambia, Namibia, and Angola, with school support, digital learning spaces, teacher training, and job-ready skills. Culture & Music Spotlight: Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali is set to bring her desert blues to Berlin’s Humboldt Forum area via the Durchlüften festival (free entry), highlighting Mauritanian griot-rooted music on an international bill. LGBTQ+ Refugee Stories: A new documentary short, Exiled for Existing, shares accounts from LGBTQ+ refugees fleeing laws and violence across Africa, including mentions of Mauritania in the wider regional context. Sports & Identity Tension: Iran and Egypt urged FIFA to avoid any “Pride Match” presentation around a World Cup game in Seattle, keeping the debate over religion, identity, and global sport in the spotlight. Mauritania in Diplomacy: Oman’s foreign minister received a call from Mauritania’s counterpart, reaffirming cooperation and regional stability ties.

Digital Education Expansion: MBRGI and Dubai’s Digital School are rolling out a three-year tech-driven learning push for over 500,000 people across Mauritania and five other African countries, focusing on school support, digital learning spaces, teacher training, and job-market readiness. Mauritania in the Spotlight: A U.S. Africa Command mission highlighted partner training and interoperability with Mauritanian forces after B-52H bombers flew a conditioning sortie over Atar. Culture & Music: Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali is set to bring desert blues to Berlin’s Humboldt Forum festival “Durchlüften” (free entry), while her name also appears in Ireland’s Earagail Arts Festival lineup this July. Human Rights & Mobility: A Safe Passage Project summit in Abuja called for stronger, rights-based sexual and reproductive health services for migrants and displaced people, including in Mauritania. International Policy: The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2027–2036 as an International Decade of Strengthening Peace for Future Generations, with Mauritania among the sponsors.

Digital Education: MBRGI and The Digital School launched a digital learning push for 500,000+ people across Mauritania and five other African countries, focusing on school support, teacher training, learning spaces, and youth job readiness. Arts & Music: Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali is set to bring desert blues to the Earagail Arts Festival in Ireland, while Berlin’s Humboldt Forum festival Durchlüften also spotlights her Mauritanian sound among a wider international lineup. Culture, Identity & Rights: A new short documentary, Exiled for Existing, shares LGBTQ+ refugee stories from across Africa, including Mauritania, where same-sex relationships can carry extreme penalties. Regional Spotlight (Mauritania): U.S. Africa Command showcased trilateral air training with Mauritania near Atar, highlighting partner interoperability and regional security cooperation. UN & Peace: The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2027–2036 the International Decade of Strengthening Peace for Future Generations, with Mauritania among the sponsors.

Culture & Music: Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali is set to headline Ireland’s Earagail Arts Festival, bringing her Moorish griot-rooted sound to Letterkenny on July 10, while Gwenno and other acts round out the July programme. Local Diplomacy: Mauritania’s foreign minister, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, spoke by phone with Oman’s Sayyid Badr, reaffirming brotherly ties and plans to deepen cooperation. Culture, Identity & Rights: A new short documentary, Exiled for Existing, shares LGBTQ+ refugee stories, highlighting that in several African countries—including Mauritania—same-sex relationships can carry severe punishment. Community & Development: The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2027–2036 the International Decade of Strengthening Peace for Future Generations, with Mauritania among the sponsors. Security & Training: U.S. Africa Command carried out a trilateral air training mission over Atar, Mauritania, featuring B-52H operations with Mauritanian and Czech forces. Migration Policy: Ireland is considering opting into EU “return hub” rules, with Mauritania listed among possible destinations.

Dakar Rally & Tudor: Tudor’s new role as official timekeeper spotlights how the Dakar Rally stays “dirty, dangerous, exhausting” and truly untamed—an adventure-style spectacle rooted in the Sahara’s original Paris-to-Dakar spirit. Mauritania Culture & Lifestyle: A guide to sand yachting in Mauritania leans into desert winds, safety, and respectful local culture—plus a look at gowé, a healing West African plant now entering the perfumery world. Music & Arts: Earagail Arts Festival’s July lineup spotlights Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali and other international acts, while Provence’s music-documentary film festival brings Elvis and John Lennon to the screen. LGBTQ+ Stories: “Exiled for Existing” shares refugee accounts from countries where same-sex relationships can mean prison or death, premiering during Pride Month 2026. Rights & Migration: EU plans for “return hubs” outside the bloc draw sharp criticism, with Mauritania listed among potential destinations. UN Peace Agenda: The UN General Assembly proclaims 2027–2036 as an International Decade of Strengthening Peace for Future Generations.

Migration & Deportations: The UN’s IOM is helping enable US third-country deportations, including to places that may lack basic rights protections, with some agreements reportedly not publicly disclosed. Mauritania in Focus: A US Africa Command training mission included B-52H bomber sorties over Atar, Mauritania, highlighting partner interoperability and regional security cooperation. LGBTQ+ Stories & Refugees: A short documentary, Exiled for Existing, shares first-person accounts from LGBTQ+ refugees fleeing laws that criminalize same-sex relationships, with a premiere during Pride Month 2026. Human Rights in the Sahel: Human Rights Watch reports grave abuses in Mali by militants, Malian forces, and allies, including civilian killings, drone strikes, and attacks on Fulani communities. Water & Health Access: A data map shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for over 2 billion people worldwide. Culture & Music: Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali is set to perform internationally at Ireland’s Earagail Arts Festival, bringing Moorish griot traditions to new audiences. EU Asylum Policy: Ireland signals it wants to opt into EU “return hub” rules, with destinations reportedly including Mauritania. Sports & Pride: Iran and Egypt urge FIFA to avoid “Pride Match” branding around a World Cup game in Seattle.

Private Sector Boost: The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) signed 13 financing and cooperation agreements at the IsDB Group’s 2026 Annual Meetings in Baku, including a Shariah-compliant SME line of financing with Azerbaijan’s Business Development Fund. LGBTQ+ Refugee Stories: “Exiled for Existing” shares first-person accounts from LGBTQ+ refugees, with Mauritania named among places where same-sex relations can be punishable by death, spotlighting Pride-era activism and asylum realities. Mali Civilian Harm: Human Rights Watch reports grave abuses in Mali by militants and the Malian armed forces, including killings of civilians and children, plus drone strikes. Water Access Map: A new global data map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, with billions lacking reliable clean water. EU Deportation Debate: Ireland signals it wants to opt into EU “return hub” rules, with Mauritania listed among possible destinations—raising fresh human-rights concerns. Mauritania Culture & Lifestyle: A guide to sand yachting in Mauritania points to desert wind patterns, safety tips, and respectful local engagement. Music Spotlight: Earagail Arts Festival’s July programme features Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali alongside international acts, bringing Moorish griot-inspired sounds to new audiences. Regional Diplomacy: Oman’s foreign minister spoke with Mauritania’s Sayyid Badr, praising shared security and cooperation. UN Peace Decade: The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2027–2036 the International Decade of Strengthening Peace for Future Generations, with Mauritania among the sponsors.

LGBTQ+ Refugee Film: A new short documentary, Exiled for Existing, shares first-person stories from refugees fleeing laws that criminalize same-sex relationships, with Mauritania named among countries where it can be punishable by death. Human Rights in the Sahel: Human Rights Watch reports grave abuses in Mali by militants and armed forces, including killings of civilians and children, plus drone strikes. EU Asylum Crackdown: Ireland signals it wants to opt into EU “return hub” rules, with Mauritania listed among possible host countries—raising fresh concerns for migrants’ rights. Mauritania Diplomacy: Oman’s foreign minister spoke by phone with Mauritania’s counterpart, praising regional stability and pledging deeper cooperation. Culture & Music: Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali is set to headline Earagail Arts Festival in July, bringing Moorish griot traditions and psychedelic guitar to international audiences. Migration & Education in Nouadhibou: A local education center in Nouadhibou offers French, Arabic, and math to migrant children, aiming to connect them to Mauritania’s public schooling. Fashion Spotlight: Mauritanian designer Kadiata Diallo’s brand Niuku highlights African fashion ambition and perseverance after facing barriers abroad.

Mauritania–Oman Diplomacy: Oman’s foreign minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi received Mauritania’s Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, reviewing brotherly ties and pledging deeper cooperation across key sectors. UN Peace Agenda: The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2027–2036 the International Decade of Strengthening Peace for Future Generations, with Mauritania among the sponsors. Culture & Lifestyle Spotlight: Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali is set to headline the Earagail Arts Festival in July, bringing her Moorish griot roots and psychedelic guitar to international audiences. Migration & Education in Mauritania: A Nouadhibou educational center is offering French, Arabic, and math to migrant children, aiming to connect them to Mauritania’s public schooling as an alternative to dangerous irregular journeys. Regional Human Rights Watch: A report on EU “return hubs” flags destinations reportedly including Mauritania, raising concerns about outsourcing asylum and protections. Global Context: A World Bank “Mission 300” electrification push is connecting tens of millions across Africa, while a separate map shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions.

Water Access: A new global map shows safe drinking water is still out of reach for over 2 billion people, with many low-income countries stuck below 20% access. Diplomacy: Oman’s foreign minister, Sayyid Badr, spoke with Mauritania’s counterpart to reaffirm brotherly ties and cooperation. Culture & Music: Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali is set to headline the Earagail Arts Festival this July, bringing her Moorish griot roots and psychedelic guitar to international audiences. Migration & Rights: EU plans for “return hubs” outside the bloc are drawing sharp criticism, with Mauritania listed among reported possible destinations. Sports & Identity: Iran and Egypt urged FIFA to prevent “Pride Match” displays at a World Cup game in Seattle, escalating culture-war pressure around stadium presentation. Education for Migrant Kids: A Nouadhibou learning center is helping vulnerable migrant children access French, Arabic, and math classes and link into Mauritania’s public schooling. UN Peace Agenda: The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2027–2036 as an International Decade focused on strengthening peace for future generations.

Sahara Political Memory: A new reflection argues the Sahara’s legitimacy can’t be reduced to the Polisario’s Cold War-era rise, and looks at how traditional authorities like the chiujs and Sahrawi notables could shape a future autonomy framework. Oman–Mauritania Diplomacy: In Muscat, Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr received a call from Mauritania’s counterpart, with both sides stressing brotherly ties and plans to deepen cooperation. Mauritania in the Spotlight: A U.S. Africa Command mission over Atar highlighted partner training and interoperability with Mauritanian forces. Music & Culture Calendar: Earagail Arts Festival’s July programme spotlights Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali and other international acts, alongside traditional music sessions. Nouakchott Humanitarian Education: A migrant-focused school in Nouadhibou offers French, Arabic and math, aiming to keep children in learning and connect them to public education. UN Peace Initiative: The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2027–2036 as an International Decade for strengthening peace for future generations, with Mauritania among sponsors. Migration Rights Pressure: A report warns the EU is pushing “return hubs,” with destinations reportedly including Mauritania, raising serious rights concerns. Fashion & Identity: A profile follows Mauritanian designer Kadiata Diallo as she builds her Niuku brand and challenges barriers in the fashion world. Sports & Pride Tension: Iran and Egypt urged FIFA to avoid “Pride Match” branding around a World Cup game in Seattle, fueling culture-and-faith debate.

Political Memory of the Sahara: A new reflection looks beyond the 1973 Polisario era, arguing that Sahrawi legitimacy and social cohesion grew from earlier tribal balances, mediation systems, and recognized authorities—now relevant as autonomy talks move toward a decisive phase. Oman–Mauritania Diplomacy: Sayyid Badr received a call from Mauritania’s foreign minister, with both sides stressing “brotherly relations” and plans to deepen cooperation across key sectors. Mauritania in the spotlight (military): A U.S. Africa Command mission over Atar featured B-52H bombers in trilateral training with Mauritanian and Czech forces, highlighting interoperability and regional security messaging. Music & culture calendar: Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali is set to headline the Earagail Arts Festival in July, bringing Moorish griot traditions and psychedelic guitar to international audiences. Human rights & migration: The EU is pushing “return hubs” and offshore deportation momentum, with destinations reportedly including Mauritania—raising concerns for families, detention, and access to justice. Global Sumud updates: Activists detained in eastern Libya tied to a Gaza-bound convoy are reported to be in the release process, with some already reaching Tunisia and others expected soon. Education for migrant children (Nouadhibou): A local center in Mauritania offers French, Arabic, and math to vulnerable children, aiming to connect them to public schooling as an alternative to risky migration. Fashion & identity: A profile spotlights Mauritanian designer Kadiata Diallo and her Niuku brand, tracing her path from Mauritania to Paris and her push to reclaim African luxury through fashion.

Oman–Mauritania Diplomacy: In Muscat, Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr received a call from Mauritania’s Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, with both sides praising brotherly ties and pledging deeper cooperation across key sectors. Mauritania–Oman Royal Message: Separately, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik sent a written message to Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, delivered in Nouakchott to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations. Mauritania in Global Migration Debates: A U.S. lawsuit highlights how ICE changed a policy that led to arrests during routine check-ins, while other coverage points to education access for migrant children in Mauritania as a safer alternative to irregular journeys. Culture & Lifestyle Spotlight: Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali is set to headline the Earagail Arts Festival’s July music programme, bringing her Moorish griot traditions and psychedelic guitar to international audiences. Sports, Identity, and Tension: Iran and Egypt urged FIFA to avoid “Pride Match” displays around a World Cup game in Seattle, keeping rainbow flags separate from stadium presentation. Travel & Adventure: A guide to sand yachting in Mauritania focuses on desert winds, safety gear, dune navigation, and respecting local culture.

Mauritania in the spotlight: A UN General Assembly resolution backed by Mauritania has proclaimed 2027–2036 the International Decade of Strengthening Peace for Future Generations, calling for dialogue and intergenerational engagement. Local culture & lifestyle: Qatar Charity inaugurated a solidarity market in Toujounine district of Nouakchott, backing about 60 low-income families with 62 small stalls to boost local trade and livelihoods. Arts & music (Mauritania connection): Internationally acclaimed singer Noura Mint Seymali—Mauritania’s global musical voice—was highlighted in Earagail Arts Festival’s July programme, bringing Moorish griot traditions and psychedelic guitar to the stage. Education & migration in Mauritania: A Nouadhibou educational centre is offering French, Arabic and maths to migrant children, aiming to connect them to Mauritania’s public schooling as an alternative to risky journeys. Human rights & mobility: A U.S. Africa Command mission over Atar, Mauritania, showcased partner training and interoperability, while broader regional debates continue around deportation and migrant rights.

Mauritania Lifestyle & Travel: A practical guide to sand yachting in Mauritania highlights the best wind conditions, safer dune navigation tips, and how to respect local culture while riding. Community Support in Nouakchott: Qatar Charity inaugurated a solidarity market in Toujounine district, Nouakchott, backing about 60 low-income families with 62 small stalls to boost local trade and livelihoods. Culture & Identity: A profile of fashion designer Kadiata Diallo spotlights her Mauritanian brand Niuku and the push to turn African style into a global success story. Regional Humanitarian Focus: A report on SRHR services calls for stronger, rights-based support for migrants and refugees, noting Mauritania among the countries where the Safe Passage Project operates. International Peace Agenda: The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2027–2036 as the International Decade of Strengthening of Peace for Future Generations, with Mauritania listed among the sponsors. Global Sports Controversy: Iran and Egypt urged FIFA to scrap “Pride Match” rainbow-themed promotion for a World Cup game in Seattle, escalating culture-and-faith tensions around major events.

Fragrance & Heritage: Amouage is set to launch a 2027 perfume built around a new natural extract from gowé, a West African healing plant harvested through traditional methods in northern Senegal, partnering with CPL Aromas, Hamaé and Eden Ecosystem. Migration & Rights: A lawsuit in Philadelphia challenges ICE’s policy shift that led to arrests during routine check-ins, including a Mauritanian slavery survivor now suing over unlawful re-detentions. Nouakchott Community Support: Qatar Charity inaugurated a solidarity market in Toujounine, Nouakchott, backing about 60 low-income families with 62 small stalls to boost local trade. Education for Migrant Children: A Nouadhibou educational center is offering French, Arabic and math to vulnerable migrant children, aiming to connect them to Mauritania’s public schooling. Culture & Identity: A profile highlights Mauritanian fashion designer Kadiata Diallo and her Niuku brand, shaped by her Paris training and a push to reclaim African fashion. Travel & Lifestyle: A practical guide shares how to sand yacht in Mauritania, from wind timing and safety gear to respecting local communities.