Mata Festival Wrap-Up: The 14th Mata International Equestrian Festival in Morocco closed with a call for peace, unity, and development, blending Sufi spirituality with traditional saddle-less horse riding and international cultural exchange. LGBTQ+ Rights Debate: The EU’s Pride Month messaging sparked backlash over alleged hypocrisy, with critics pointing to how many countries still criminalize same-sex relations. Tourism & Heritage Spotlight: Mauritania is being pitched as a last “authentic tourism frontier,” with the Eye of Africa (Richat Structure) and desert hospitality drawing renewed attention from travelers and investors. Digital Growth: Mauritania and the World Bank expanded WARDIP to add AI infrastructure and skills training, aiming to boost AI-powered services across sectors. Migration Pressure on Mauritania: Mauritania’s coastguard reported 1,100+ migrants rescued in under two weeks, signaling a renewed Atlantic crossing surge after Tabaski. Health Alert: A diphtheria outbreak prompted a CDC travel health notice covering Mauritania and several nearby countries, urging travelers to check vaccinations. Culture in Motion: A Lighthouse International Film Fest surf lineup brings new wave surf films to local audiences, pairing lifestyle with global screen culture.