AGP Executive Report

Chinese Medical Diplomacy: The PLA Navy hospital ship Auspicious Ark wrapped up its seven-day Mission Harmony-2026 stop in Nouakchott, reporting 6,864 patient visits, 38 surgeries, and the birth of a baby delivered aboard the ship. Culture & Media Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Minister of Culture discussed the case of journalist Issehak Ould Mokhtar with Syria’s information minister, urging intensified efforts to locate him. Governance & Public Policy: The government’s public policy address was framed as “ambition with realism,” focusing on everyday services like water, electricity, health, education, transport, plus issues such as corruption, migration, unemployment, and social backlogs. Transparency in Extractives: EITI praised Mauritania’s compliance efforts, highlighting legal frameworks for timely disclosure and forecasting work tied to gas and green hydrogen. Regional Infrastructure: Morocco and Mauritania signed an agreement to rehabilitate and widen the Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road link via Kilometer 55 to boost trade and mobility. Women & Children Rights: The head of Mauritania’s Constitutional Council is set to attend a conference on constitutional rights and guarantees for women and children in Africa in Angola.

Chinese Medical Diplomacy in Nouakchott: The PLA Navy hospital ship Auspicious Ark wrapped up its seven-day Mission Harmony-2026 stop in Mauritania, recording 6,864 patient visits, 38 surgeries, and delivering the “Auspicious Baby,” after 682 consultations and health education on shore. Culture & Media Cooperation: Mauritania’s Minister of Culture met Iran’s ambassador to review cultural and media cooperation, while the minister also traveled to Egypt for the Arab Ministers of Information session in Cairo. Regional Connectivity: Morocco and Mauritania signed an agreement in Rabat to rehabilitate and widen the Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road link via Kilometer 55, aiming to boost trade and movement of transport operators. Women & Children Rights Conference: The President of Mauritania’s Constitutional Council, Jalo Mamadou Bathia, headed to Angola for a conference on constitutional rights and guarantees for women and children in Africa. Islamic Affairs & UNDP Partnership: Mauritania’s Minister of Islamic Affairs and Original Education met UNDP’s resident representative to strengthen cooperation and joint programs. International Press Spotlight: The Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest exhibition opened in Jakarta, with a roadshow that previously visited Mauritania.

Health & Community: China’s PLA Navy hospital ship Auspicious Ark wrapped up its seven-day medical mission in Nouakchott, recording 6,864 patient visits and 38 surgeries, and delivering the “Auspicious Baby” with local doctors and families. Culture & Media Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Minister of Culture met Iran’s ambassador to review cultural and media cooperation, while the Atlantic Federation of African News Agencies (FAAPA) held its 8th general assembly in Salé with a health-sovereignty theme—Mauritania’s MNA is a founding member. Infrastructure & Regional Lifestyle: Morocco and Mauritania signed an agreement in Rabat to rehabilitate and widen the Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road link via Kilometer 55, aiming to boost trade and mobility. Women & Children Rights: The President of Mauritania’s Constitutional Council heads to Angola for a conference on constitutional rights and guarantees for women and children in Africa. Religious Affairs: Mauritania’s Islamic Affairs ministry met UNDP to strengthen cooperation in education and Islamic affairs. Public Life: The President of the Republic continued his Adrar visit, holding a major public rally in Atar focused on listening to citizens and sharing national priorities.

Chinese medical mission in Nouakchott: The Chinese naval hospital ship Auspicious Ark wrapped up a seven-day friendly visit, including the birth of “Auspicious Baby” aboard the ship after local prenatal care found a breech position; doctors also treated the mother for gestational hypertension, with both mother and newborn reported doing well. Culture & media cooperation: Mauritania’s Minister of Culture met Iran’s ambassador to discuss cultural and media ties, while the Atlantic Federation of African News Agencies (FAAPA) held its 8th general assembly in Salé, highlighting media’s role in health sovereignty. Local governance spotlight: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani met Atar stakeholders in Adrar, urging dialogue with citizens and outlining the visit’s goals of listening and informing. Religious affairs & UNDP: Mauritania’s Minister of Islamic Affairs met UNDP’s resident representative to strengthen cooperation in shared development priorities. Regional security solidarity: Mauritania condemned Houthi attacks on a Yemeni oil tanker and later joined broader Arab and regional condemnation of attacks on Taif. Family & social change: A global report notes declining marriage and rising cohabitation, framing shifting family patterns worldwide. Health in the Sahel: Coverage on noma underscores how free multi-stage surgeries by MSF can give children a chance at recovery.

Cultural diplomacy & media ties: Mauritania’s Minister of Culture met Iran’s ambassador to discuss cultural and media cooperation, while the minister also headed to Egypt for the Arab Ministers of Information session in Cairo. Press & regional news networks: The 8th General Assembly of the Atlantic Federation of African News Agencies (FAAPA) opens in Salé, with Mauritania’s news agency as a founding member and a focus on health sovereignty and the role of media in health crises. Local culture in the spotlight: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani met Atar’s local executives and stakeholders during his Adrar visit, emphasizing listening to citizens and addressing local priorities. Religious life & peacebuilding: Mauritania’s Islamic Affairs ministry met UNDP’s representative to strengthen cooperation, and Senegal’s President visited Nouakchott to discuss peace and coexistence with Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah. International cultural exchange: The Andrei Stenin photo contest exhibition opened in Jakarta, with a roadshow that previously visited Mauritania and will continue across Africa. Community stories: A Mauritanian mother gave birth aboard China’s hospital ship in Nouakchott, described as a moment of trust and care. Regional security statement: Mauritania condemned the Houthi attack on a Taif target, reaffirming solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

Presidential Listening Tour (Adrar): Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani held a major public rally in Atar, saying his Adrar visit aims to hear citizens’ concerns and then brief them on national priorities. Religious & Education Cooperation: The Minister of Islamic Affairs and Original Education met UNDP’s Mauritania representative to strengthen joint work. Culture & Faith Diplomacy: Djamaa El-Djazaïr’s rector met Mauritanian religious figures in Nouakchott to boost institutional and academic links. International Solidarity (Taif): Mauritania’s foreign ministry condemned the Taif attack in Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed solidarity with the Kingdom. Health & Human Stories: A Mauritanian mother gave birth aboard China’s naval hospital ship Auspicious Ark in Nouakchott, naming the baby “Khalil” and describing the experience as a moment of trust. Regional Security Talks: China’s defense chief met Mauritania’s officials during the Xiangshan Forum, calling for deeper security cooperation. Migration Pressure (US deportations): The US DHS published deportation names and photos, listing 12 Mauritanians among those targeted. Pastoralism Forum (Nouakchott+10): A high-level forum on pastoralism kicked off, with Mauritania highlighting milk self-sufficiency and red meat exports as key goals.

Western Sahara Diplomacy: Polisario leader Mohamed Yeslem Beissat says autonomy could be decided by Sahrawis and independence shouldn’t be imposed—an important shift in negotiating language. China-Africa Security: Beijing’s Xiangshan Forum wrapped with defense talks including Mauritania, as China pushes deeper security cooperation with African partners. Islamic Affairs & UNDP: Mauritania’s Minister of Islamic Affairs met UNDP’s representative in Nouakchott to strengthen joint programs. Medical Story of Trust: A Mauritanian mother gave birth aboard China’s hospital ship Auspicious Ark in Nouakchott, highlighting cross-border healthcare ties. Nouakchott Religious Diplomacy: Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye visited Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah in Nouakchott to promote peace and counter extremism. Culture & Youth Links: Mauritania’s Minister of Culture met Morocco’s counterpart to boost cultural cooperation and youth exchanges. Education & Skills: IDB signed €36m financing for vocational training and youth employment in Mauritania, aligning with the 2023–2030 strategy. Pastoralism Forum: “Nouakchott+10” on pastoralism kicked off, aiming at milk self-sufficiency, red meat exports, and regional value chains. Community & Migration (Lifestyle angle): In Ohio, Mauritanian asylum seekers are building new community life—bike repair, shared work, and support networks.

UN & Islamic Affairs: Mauritania’s Minister of Islamic Affairs met the UNDP representative in Nouakchott to strengthen cooperation on shared goals. Humanitarian & Health: A Mauritanian mother gave birth aboard China’s hospital ship Auspicious Ark at Friendship Port, a story framed as trust in cross-border medical support. Diplomacy & Peacebuilding: Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye visited Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah in Nouakchott, highlighting peace, coexistence, and efforts against extremism. Culture & Education: The UAE announced a new university of scientific disciplines in Nouakchott (capacity 1,500), while Mauritania’s culture ministry discussed bilateral cooperation with Morocco. Regional Security: Mauritania condemned the Taif attack in Saudi Arabia and reiterated solidarity with the Kingdom. Pastoralism Forum: “Nouakchott+10” on pastoralism kicked off, with Mauritania stressing milk self-sufficiency, red meat exports, and value-chain development. Immigration Reality Check: US DHS published names of 125 Africans facing deportation, including 12 Mauritanians, keeping the spotlight on Mauritanian diaspora pressures.

Islam & UNDP in Nouakchott: Mauritania’s Minister of Islamic Affairs received the UNDP representative to discuss cooperation and joint priorities. Culture & faith diplomacy: Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye met UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah in Nouakchott, highlighting peace, coexistence, and countering extremism through religious and intellectual leadership. Health story with cultural resonance: A Mauritanian mother gave birth to “Khalil” aboard China’s hospital ship Auspicious Ark, turning a medical emergency into a trust-building moment with Chinese doctors. Education & youth skills: Mauritania and the Islamic Development Bank signed a €36m financing deal to boost vocational training and youth employment. Religious leadership ties: Djamaa El-Djazaïr’s rector met Mauritanian religious and academic figures to strengthen institutional and academic links. Regional solidarity: Mauritania condemned the Taif attack in Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed full solidarity with the Kingdom. Pastoralism forum: “Nouakchott+10” on pastoralism kicked off, focusing on development goals like milk self-sufficiency and red meat exports. Immigration pressure abroad: The US published deportation names/photos including 12 Mauritanians, adding to ongoing diaspora and rights concerns.

US Immigration Crackdown: The US Department of Homeland Security published names and photos of 125 Africans facing deportation, with Kenyans the largest group (49) and Mauritania listed with 12, alongside Morocco (11) and South Africa (9). Regional Solidarity & Faith Diplomacy: Mauritania condemned the Taif attack in Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed full solidarity with the Kingdom, while Senegal’s President visited Nouakchott to meet UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah on peace and coexistence. Cultural & Institutional Links: Nouakchott hosted talks involving Djamaa El-Djazaïr leadership and Mauritanian religious figures, and Mauritania’s Minister of Culture met Morocco’s counterpart to discuss cultural and youth cooperation. Education & Skills Push: The UAE announced a new university of scientific disciplines in Nouakchott (capacity 1,500, engineering-focused), and Mauritania signed an IDB financing deal to expand vocational training and youth employment. Sahel Pastoralism Forum: “Nouakchott+10” kicked off, aiming to boost pastoralism’s role in development and regional cooperation. Health & Human Stories: A Chinese PLA Navy hospital ship arrived in Nouakchott for medical services and cultural exchanges.

UAE–Senegal Peace Diplomacy: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye met Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah in Nouakchott, highlighting peacebuilding, coexistence, and the role of religious and intellectual leaders in countering extremism. Regional Culture & Faith Links: Mauritania’s Ministry of Justice met Palestine’s Awqaf minister to boost cooperation, while Djamaa El-Djazaïr’s rector met Mauritanian religious figures to strengthen academic ties. Nouakchott+10 Pastoralism Forum: A high-level forum on pastoralism kicked off, with Mauritania stressing milk self-sufficiency, red meat exports, and value-chain development. Education & Skills Push: The UAE announced a new university for scientific disciplines in Nouakchott (Toujounine), and Mauritania signed IDB financing to improve vocational training and youth employment. Agriculture & Food Security: The Arab Organization for Agricultural Development praised Mauritania’s potential and backed efforts toward food self-sufficiency. Culture Cooperation: Mauritania’s culture minister discussed bilateral cooperation with Morocco, including youth and arts exchanges. Humanitarian & Migration Pressure: Reports highlight Malian survivors fleeing jihadists into Mauritania and Malian refugees registered near the border, underscoring ongoing displacement. International Medical Exchange: China’s PLA Navy hospital ship Auspicious Ark arrived in Nouakchott for a week of medical services and cultural activities. Local Community Life Abroad: In Ohio, West African and Mauritanian asylum seekers build community around a bike-refurbishing shop and mutual aid.

Immigration & Community Life: A U.S. DHS deportation list named 125 people from Kenya, Ghana, Morocco, Mauritania and South Africa, including 12 Mauritanians—photos and names now public. Religious Diplomacy: Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye met UAE Fatwa Council chair Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah in Nouakchott, underscoring peace and coexistence efforts. Culture & Faith Events: Mauritania’s 39th International Conference on the Prophet’s Biography opened in Nouakchott, with President Ghazouani stressing how to manage diversity and difference. Education & Youth: The EU approved €9.5m budget support for Mauritania’s education and health reforms under SCAPP. Regional Development: Nouakchott hosted the high-level forum “Nouakchott+10” on pastoralism, aiming at milk self-sufficiency and stronger value chains. Health & Exchange: China’s PLA Navy hospital ship Auspicious Ark arrived in Nouakchott for a week of medical services and cultural activities. Human Rights Focus: Mauritania’s human rights commissioner in Geneva highlighted human rights education and training plans. Migration Hardship Abroad: Reports from Ohio spotlight Mauritanian asylum seekers building new lives in small-town communities.

Religious & cultural diplomacy in Nouakchott: The 39th International Conference on the Prophet’s Biography opened with a theme on managing diversity, with President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani calling for dialogue and social cohesion. Islamic cooperation ties: Mauritania’s Minister of Justice met the Palestinian Awqaf and Religious Affairs minister, while the Rector of Djamaa El-Djazaïr met Mauritanian religious and academic figures to strengthen institutional links. Regional pastoralism push: A high-level forum on pastoralism “Nouakchott+10” kicked off, aiming to boost milk self-sufficiency, red meat exports, and regional value chains. Culture, youth, and education funding: Mauritania signed an IDB financing deal for vocational training and youth employment, and the EU approved €9.5m budget support for education and health reforms. New learning capacity in Nouakchott: The UAE announced a planned university of scientific disciplines in Nouakchott (Toujounine) for engineering and energy-related fields. Human stories beyond borders: Reports highlighted Malian survivors fleeing jihadist violence into Mauritania, and a growing Mauritanian community in Ohio building life through community support and work.

Immigration & Community Life: An AP photo-essay spotlights how Mauritanian asylum seekers are reshaping small-town America, with Lockland, Ohio becoming a West African hub where community spaces like a bike-repair shop help newcomers rebuild routines and belonging. Religious Dialogue & Anti-Extremism: In Nouakchott, the Rector of Djamaa El-Djazaïr met Mauritanian religious and academic figures, while the Great Mosque of Algiers’ rector called for an international network to manage diversity and curb hate speech. Culture & Youth Development: Mauritania and Morocco discussed cultural and youth cooperation, including exchanges between arts groups and activating the Mauritanian Institute of Arts. Education & Skills: Mauritania signed an IDB financing deal (36 million euros) to expand vocational training and youth employment, and the UAE announced a new “university of scientific disciplines” in Nouakchott. Humanitarian & Rights: Amnesty International reports Malian survivors fleeing jihadist abuses into Mauritania, with UNHCR registering 290,000 Malian refugees in Hodh Ech-Chargui. Health Diplomacy: China’s PLA Navy hospital ship Auspicious Ark arrived in Nouakchott for a week of medical services and cultural exchanges. EU Support for Services: The EU approved €9.5 million budget support to back education and health reforms under SCAPP.

Religious & Academic Exchange: The Rector of Djamaa El-Djazaïr met Mauritanian religious and academic figures in Nouakchott, aiming to strengthen institutional and scholarly ties. Youth & Skills: Mauritania and the Islamic Development Bank signed a €36m financing deal to boost vocational training and youth employment. Higher Education Push: The UAE announced plans for a new “University of Scientific Disciplines” in Nouakchott, targeting 1,500 students and engineering-focused programs. Culture Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Minister of Culture met Morocco’s counterpart to deepen cooperation in culture, youth exchanges, and support for the Mauritanian Institute of Arts and the Azougui site. Human Rights Education: A Mauritanian human rights commissioner took part in a Geneva meeting marking the UN Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training, highlighting the “Republican School” and public awareness efforts. Sahel Human Impact: Amnesty International reports abuses by jihadist groups driving Malians into exile, with 290,000 registered in southeastern Mauritania. Education/Health Budget Support: The EU approved €9.5m budget support for reforms in education and health under SCAPP. Prophet’s Biography Conference: Nouakchott hosted the 39th International Conference on the Prophet’s Biography, centered on managing diversity and difference. International Medical Visit: China’s PLA Navy hospital ship Auspicious Ark arrived in Nouakchott for a seven-day medical mission and cultural exchanges. Religious Dialogue Against Extremism: The Great Mosque of Algiers’ rector called for an international network to promote dialogue and curb extremism, including monitoring hate speech online.

Prophet’s Biography Conference: Mauritania’s 39th International Conference on the Prophet’s Sira opened in Nouakchott under the theme of managing diversity and difference, with President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani stressing dignity and social cohesion. Religious Dialogue Against Extremism: The Rector of the Great Mosque of Algiers called in Nouakchott for an international network of religious and scientific institutions, plus a joint platform to monitor hate speech online. Human Rights Education: A Mauritanian human rights commissioner took part in a Geneva meeting marking the UN Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training, highlighting the “Republican School” and training for public actors and civil society. Culture & Youth Partnerships: The Minister of Culture met UNDP’s resident representative, with plans to launch a volunteer platform under Youth Connect, linking civic service to sustainable development. EU Support for Education and Health: The EU approved €9.5m in budget support for Mauritania’s SCAPP, targeting education and health reforms and improved access and quality. Medical Diplomacy: China’s PLA Navy hospital ship Auspicious Ark arrived in Nouakchott for a seven-day mission combining medical services, training, and cultural exchange. Sahel Displacement Spotlight: Amnesty International reported that jihadist groups in Mali have driven religious freedom abuses and mass displacement, with UNHCR registering 290,000 Malian refugees in Mauritania’s Hodh Ech-Chargui.