Diplomacy & Culture Ties: Tunisia’s President Kais Saied met Mauritania’s foreign minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, reaffirming stronger cooperation in economy, trade, culture, education and research, with a written message delivered from President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani. Regional Peace & Security: Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio arrived in Mauritania for high-level ECOWAS talks focused on Sahel security, including terrorism, violent extremism and trafficking. Bilateral Cooperation: Mali and Mauritania pledged deeper defense and security collaboration after a Bamako meeting, stressing shared history, culture and regional development. Migration & Human Stories: Mauritania’s crackdown is reducing departures from its Atlantic coast, but migrants in Nouadhibou say security checks and expulsions have stalled their Europe dreams. Tourism & Heritage: Mauritania is being pitched as an “authentic tourism frontier,” spotlighting the Eye of Africa (Richat Structure) and desert community hospitality. Education & Innovation: The World Bank will expand Mauritania’s WARDIP programme with AI infrastructure and skills training. Religious Life: Pope Leo XIV renewed calls for migrant integration during his Spain visit, while Mauritania’s wider region continues to see church leadership updates and cross-border religious engagement.