Migration Tragedy Off Mauritania: The UNHCR says at least 144 refugees and migrants are dead or missing after a boat left The Gambia for Spain’s Canary Islands, drifted for 25 days, and was rescued near Nouadhibou with only 38 survivors; two children lost their entire families and are recovering in hospital, while Mauritanian coastguard reports the missing number at 122 after the vessel ran out of fuel. German Diplomacy, Mauritania Link: Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul wrapped up a Nigeria visit after stopping in Mauritania, where talks focused on security, migration management, and counterterrorism amid the Atlantic route’s deadly toll. Culture Spotlight—Mauritanian Music: Noura Mint Seymali, a major Mauritanian star from a griot family, speaks about taking her “desert funk” sound to the UK and pushing for Mauritanian music to be better known worldwide. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS signed an intergovernmental agreement backing the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a project spanning about 6,800–6,900 km across West Africa and linking gas to Morocco and Europe, with Mauritania set to sign the framework ceremony. Travel Policy Note: Lebanon published a list of 13 African countries eligible for visa-on-arrival tourism, including Mauritania, with strict border requirements like proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.