AGP Executive Report

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.

Heritage & Identity: The 14th Mada’in Heritage Festival wrapped up in Ouadane, with the Culture Minister calling it a national project where memory meets development, featuring dozens of lectures and major artistic and literary contributions. Heritage City Launch: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani inaugurated the new “Heritage City” in Ouadane, showcasing Neyfara flute, Tabl drum performances, and a cultural hub built to preserve Mauritania’s Mahadra tradition while supporting public services. Culture Diplomacy: The Culture Minister held talks with ICESCO’s Director General on education, science, culture, and boosting Mauritanian Mahdhara promotion, while also meeting UNICEF on youth support, including centers for girls who drop out of school in Dar Naim and Kiffa. Women, Peace & Security: Mauritania participated in a UN-backed meeting on “Women, Peace and Security,” highlighting a national action plan aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 1325. Regional Leadership: Mauritanian diplomat Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected OIC Secretary-General in Jeddah, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha, with Mauritania’s role also reflected in multiple high-level diplomatic calls. Migration & Rescue: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off its coast near Amhijrat, including 17 children, after an engine failure left them stranded for days en route to the Canary Islands.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s diplomat Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected new Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha, with Palestine and Jerusalem placed at the top of his priorities. Regional Diplomacy: The election drew congratulations and follow-up calls, including from Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar, who also discussed the upcoming R4 meeting with Saudi and Türkiye. Human Mobility: Mauritania’s coast guard intercepted a migrant boat off Nouakchott carrying 161 people, including 17 children, after engine trouble left them without water and food; they were taken to a reception center. Sahara Contacts: Nouakchott said Polisario requests for a diplomatic mission or even a cultural center in Nouakchott were not approved, as talks also reportedly shifted toward detainees linked to contraband trafficking. Culture & Society: A wider debate on religious law resurfaced with coverage of apostasy punishment in classical Islamic legal doctrine, highlighting how it can affect people across the region.

OIC Leadership in Jeddah: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected and sworn in as the new Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha, with foreign ministers praising his long UN and crisis-management experience and pledging renewed focus on Palestine and Jerusalem. Diplomatic Outreach: The news also comes with Mauritania’s foreign minister meeting counterparts from Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and the Maldives in Jeddah, underscoring Nouakchott’s push to deepen regional ties. Humanitarian Rescue at Sea: Mauritania’s coast guard intercepted two migrant boats in quick succession—one with 161 people (including 17 children) and another earlier with 300+—as departures from The Gambia and nearby countries continue toward the Canary Islands. Culture & Skills Investment: Mauritania and Germany signed a €35m deal in Nouakchott for vocational training, coastal biodiversity protection, and blue-economy development, linking jobs and environment for coastal communities.

OIC Leadership in Jeddah: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha, with the vote tied to an emergency focus on Palestine and Al-Quds. Diplomatic Ripples: Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar and Saudi/Turkish officials congratulated the new OIC chief and pledged close coordination, including around the R4 regional format. Mauritania at the Center of Human Stories: Nouakchott reported coast guard rescues of 161 migrants (including 17 children) after a boat engine failed, with people departing Banjul and aiming for Spain’s Canary Islands. Regional Culture & Mobility Context: The same week also highlighted how Mauritania’s coast is increasingly used by West Africans seeking Europe, turning migration into a recurring humanitarian and social reality. Skills & Coastal Life: Mauritania and Germany signed a €35m deal for vocational training, coastal biodiversity protection, and blue economy development.

OIC Leadership in Jeddah: Mauritanian diplomat Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected new Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha, with Palestine and Al-Quds at the top of the agenda. Diplomatic Ripples: Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar held calls with Saudi and Turkish foreign ministers, including congratulating Saudi counterparts on the consensus OIC election. Regional Outreach: Mauritania’s foreign minister met Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and the Maldives on the sidelines of the OIC emergency meeting, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties. Migration at Sea: Mauritania’s coast guard intercepted a migrant boat carrying 161 people (including 17 children) off the coast near Amhijrat, after engine trouble left them without water and food. Culture & Film: The VII Lendoc Film Festival wrapped in St. Petersburg, featuring filmmakers including Mauritania and awarding top prizes across feature, direction, and acting.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected new Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha, with Palestine and Jerusalem set as top priorities. Diplomacy in Motion: Mauritania’s foreign minister, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, held talks in Jeddah with counterparts from Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria on strengthening bilateral ties. Regional Coordination: Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar congratulated the new OIC chief and discussed regional engagement with Turkey and Saudi Arabia, including preparations for upcoming meetings. Humanitarian Rescue at Sea: Mauritania’s coast guard intercepted a migrant boat carrying 161 people (including 17 children) off the coast near Amhijrat after an engine failure, with survivors taken to a reception center in Nouakchott. Culture & Lifestyle Lens: A €35m Mauritania–Germany deal backs vocational training, coastal biodiversity, and blue-economy development—aimed at skills, jobs, and healthier coastlines.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected new Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, succeeding Chad’s Hussein Ibrahim Taha, with a mandate focused on Palestine, combating Islamophobia, and pushing for more effective OIC action beyond statements. Coastal Rescue & Migration: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off the coast near Amhijrat, including 17 children, after a boat engine failure left people without water and food; they were taken to a reception center in Nouakchott. Blue Economy & Skills: Mauritania and Germany signed a €35m deal in Nouakchott to fund vocational training, coastal biodiversity protection, and blue-economy development. Culture & Film: The VII Lendoc Film Festival wrapped in St. Petersburg with Mauritania among participating countries, celebrating cross-cultural cinema and awarding top prizes across feature, directing, and acting categories. Heritage at Risk: New data maps 386 coastal UNESCO World Heritage sites with climate-risk boundaries, highlighting what could be lost as flooding and erosion intensify.

Rescue at Sea: Mauritania’s coastguard pulled more than 160 migrants from a boat in trouble off its coast, including 17 children, in a second major operation this week—another reminder of the Atlantic crossing’s deadly risks. Culture & Skills for the Future: Mauritania and Germany signed a €35m deal in Nouakchott to back technical and vocational training, protect coastal biodiversity, and develop the blue economy—aimed at jobs, cleaner coasts, and stronger marine management. Humanitarian Focus: An Emirati minister highlighted Mauritania-linked training for women as midwives to cut maternal deaths, framing education and skills as a way to turn aid recipients into active community partners. Film & Voices: The VII International Lendoc Film Festival wrapped in St. Petersburg, with Mauritania among the participating countries, celebrating cross-cultural storytelling through cinema. Regional Solidarity: Foreign ministers including Mauritania condemned Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase, calling them a dangerous escalation and urging respect for sovereignty and international law.

Mauritania–Germany Cooperation: Mauritania and Germany signed a €35m deal in Nouakchott to boost vocational training, protect coastal biodiversity, and develop the blue economy, with funding for upgrading training institutions and supporting marine research and ecosystem protection. Migration at Sea: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 315 migrants off Nouadhibou, including 40 children, after a boat drifting from The Gambia was found in a difficult humanitarian situation. Sahel Food Resilience: A WFP-supported land restoration push is helping communities in the Sahel turn cracked, rain-starved fields into steadier harvests by capturing seasonal water and rebuilding soil. Culture & Film: Mauritania was among the countries represented at the VII Lendoc Film Festival in St. Petersburg, highlighting cinema as a bridge across cultures. Tea & Everyday Culture: Chinese green tea is fueling Mauritania’s and the wider Sahel’s ataya tradition, with China supplying most of Mauritania’s tea imports. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign ministers including Mauritania condemned Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur base, calling them a dangerous escalation and a violation of sovereignty.

Economic Hardship: A new Global Finance ranking puts Nigeria among the world’s poorest, dropping to 56th of 60 for GDP-PPP per capita, with most of the very bottom countries also in Africa. Migration at Sea: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 315 migrants off Nouadhibou, including 40 children, as departures toward Europe via the Atlantic route continue. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign ministers including Mauritania condemned Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase, calling them a dangerous escalation and a violation of sovereignty. Culture & Community: The VII Lendoc Film Festival in St. Petersburg wrapped up with “Kara Kyzyl Sary” winning best feature, highlighting cross-border cinema voices. Tea Traditions: Chinese green tea is shaping ataya culture across Mauritania and the Sahel, with China supplying the vast majority of Mauritania’s tea imports. Public Health Focus: A systematic review highlights high overweight and obesity rates across the Middle East and North Africa, with women hit harder.

Film & Culture: The VII International Lendoc Film Festival wrapped in St. Petersburg, with Mauritania among the participating countries, and awards going to “Black, Red, Yellow” (Best Film) and “Song of the Djinns” (Best Director), highlighting cinema as a bridge across cultures. Migration & Human Stories (Mauritania): Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 315 migrants off Nouadhibou, including 40 children, after a boat drifting from The Gambia went into distress—another reminder of the dangerous Atlantic route. Regional Politics & Identity: Moroccan analyst Samir Bennis challenged Spanish media’s portrayal of Taleb Alisalem as a “Morocco expert,” questioning who gets to speak on Western Sahara and Ceuta/Melilla. Community & Skills (UAE–Mauritania link): An Emirati minister pointed to UAE-supported training of Mauritanian women as midwives to cut maternal mortality, framing aid as empowerment. Diplomacy & Conflict: Foreign ministers including Mauritania condemned Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur base, warning of escalation and violations of sovereignty. Everyday Culture (Tea): Chinese green tea is fueling Mauritania’s and the wider Sahel’s ataya tradition, with “three cups” rituals spreading from homes to roadside stalls.