Mauritania

The EU Commission faces pressure over fisheries negotiations with Mauritania. Latvia warns that Russia, China, and Turkey could benefit if EU vessels exit the region.

Mauritania is working to revive tourism after facing armed attacks from groups linked to al-Qaeda. Security measures have successfully halted these attacks.

Federal immigration agents arrested an illegal migrant from Mauritania who was employed as a correctional officer at an Indiana jail. The individual was working in a security role despite being in the country illegally.

ICE arrested Selah Dine Habib, an alleged illegal immigrant from Mauritania, who claimed asylum based on homosexuality but later married a woman in 2025. He was employed as a corrections officer in Indiana after passing employment authorization checks, including E-Verify, before his arrest in May 2025.

The African Development Bank's annual meeting in Brazzaville addresses challenges from the central African Ebola outbreak and economic impacts of the Iran war. Newly elected President Sidi Ould Tah aims to bridge Africa's $400 billion financing gap by diversifying fundraising, amid declining Western aid and rising fuel costs linked to the Iran conflict.

Mauritania is addressing radicalization through an innovative approach centered on female Islamic guides who engage in faith-based community outreach. These women leaders play a crucial role in countering extremism by leveraging religious teaching and community connections to prevent radicalization.

Mauritanian waters are being emptied by foreign fishing vessels due to agreements between Mauritania's government and these vessels, raising questions about who benefits from these deals. The agreements have led to the depletion of fish stocks in Mauritanian waters. This situation is causing concerns about the sustainability of fisheries in the region.

Mauritania plans to close most private primary schools and move students to free public schools, sparking a backlash. The plan affects private schools and students will be transferred to public schools. This decision has generated opposition.

Mauritania officials propose phasing out private schools to address systemic discrimination, but the private school sector is concerned about the potential impact on education quality. The measure aims to promote equality, but its effects on the education system are uncertain. The move has sparked a divisive debate among stakeholders.

Thousands of migrants in Mauritania have been deported to remote borders under an EU-backed effort to halt migration. The crackdown has raised concerns about forced deportations and human rights issues.

Mauritania has deported thousands of migrants to Mali and Senegal following an EU deal, significantly reducing migration flows to Europe. The crackdown has forced many migrants into hiding.