Migration & Human Cost: UNHCR reports at least 144 refugees and migrants dead or missing after deadly boat incidents off Mauritania, with rescue operations in Nouadhibou bringing hundreds ashore but survivors describing a brutal Atlantic crossing. Mauritania in the Spotlight: A ghost fishing boat found in the Caribbean is drawing new attention after clues point to West Africa, with observers linking its style to Mauritania and nearby coasts. Regional Energy & Integration: ECOWAS heads of state signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a nearly 6,900 km project meant to connect West African gas to Morocco and onward to Europe, with Mauritania listed among participating states. Arts & Culture: Mauritanian singer Noura Mint Seymali talks up her “desert funk” sound ahead of UK and European dates, saying her music “deserves to be known.” Music & Storytelling: Morocco’s International Storytelling Festival in Rabat featured Mauritanian storyteller Abdellah Mohammed Bilal, sharing tales of building a “safe country” with stability and decent living. Sports Media: beIN and the French Tennis Federation extended Roland-Garros broadcasting rights across MENA and Asia through 2031, with Mauritania included as non-exclusive. Security: Libyan forces intercepted a desert gold-smuggling attempt near the Libyan-Egyptian border, detaining suspects of Mauritanian, Chadian, Libyan and Sudanese nationalities.