AGP Executive Report

Cannes spotlight: Arab voices are front and center at Cannes 2026, from Egyptian jury trailblazer Youssef Wahbi to filmmaker Youssef Chahine and Tunisian director Ferid Boughedir, with the festival also highlighting how women’s representation is slowly rising in the official competition. Energy push: Africa’s business leaders are urging a faster shift of local capital toward gas projects, aiming to boost energy sovereignty and cushion oil-price shocks. Football buzz: Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul say they’ve been training harder than club duty for months, while Ghana and Cape Verde qualify for the 2026 World Cup but miss out on AFCON top-seed status. Arts on the ground: Earagail Arts Festival unveils a full, low-cost programme for all ages, and Sudan’s war-battered capital sees football return as leagues restart. Migration rights: Experts warn people detained in Equatorial Guinea, including Mauritanians, may face forced returns after U.S. deportations.

Energy Finance Push: Africa’s business leaders at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali are urging a major shift of $4.4trn in local wealth away from overseas “safe” assets and into long-term natural gas projects to strengthen energy sovereignty and cushion oil-price shocks. Football & Seeding Shock: Ghana and Cape Verde qualified for the 2026 World Cup, but both miss out on top seeds for the 2027 AFCON qualifying draw—an early sign that past AFCON struggles are still shaping the road ahead. Arts & Culture: Earagail Arts Festival has unveiled a full, all-ages programme with circus, street arts, workshops, and free contemporary performances—plus a reminder that prices stay low despite the cost-of-living squeeze. Film Equality Spotlight: France’s push for a fairer “glass ceiling” in film joins wider Cannes 2026 talk on women’s representation in the official competition. Mauritania in Focus: A rights group warns deportations from the US to Equatorial Guinea put detainees—including Mauritania nationals—at risk of being sent back to danger.

Arts & Culture: Earagail Arts Festival just unveiled a full, all-ages programme across Donegal, adding new stops in Lifford and Donegal Town, with free contemporary dance and circus/street arts plus family discounts to keep costs down. Film & Equality: France is pushing for women to get more power in cinema, with Cannes spotlighting progress but still falling short of the 50% goal in the main competition. Sports & Resilience: Football has returned to Khartoum’s war-scarred capital in Sudan, with league matches staged at battered stadiums—an emotional comeback for fans. Regional Focus (Mauritania-linked): Libya’s Sumud Convoy is back on the move toward Gaza after entering Libya again, while Mauritania’s government-backed stance on entry rules into Egypt remains firm. Business & Industry: First Quantum published its 2025 sustainability reports and renewed commitments on tailings management, while Rwanda hosts the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali as investment talks ramp up. Arts Spotlight: Spanish thriller “Todo lo necesario” is filming in Costa Calida, with locations in Africa including Senegal and Mauritania-linked story material.

Arts & Festival: Earagail Arts Festival has just unveiled its full programme, with circus, street arts and workshops expanding to Lifford and Donegal Town, plus free contemporary dance and low-cost family options to keep the cost-of-living crisis from shutting people out. Sports & Resilience: Football is back in Sudan’s Khartoum area as the domestic league restarts after the war—matches played at battered stadiums where fans say it feels “historic.” Film & Equality: At Cannes 2026, women directors are still underrepresented in the main competition, but the numbers show progress—pushing calls for a 50/50 goal. Cinema Spotlight: African cinema is again positioned as a Cannes discovery engine, with demand for African stories rising faster than supply. Mauritania in the Region: A Geneva-based expert group warns that Equatorial Guinea detentions may face refoulement after U.S. deportations, including Mauritanian nationals. Humanitarian Movement: Sumud Convoy has entered Libya again toward Gaza, marking its third attempt after earlier routes were blocked.

Arts & Festival Spotlight: Earagail Arts Festival just unveiled a full, all-ages programme across Donegal, expanding circus and street arts plus workshops to Letterkenny, Gaoth Dobhair—and for the first time Lifford and Donegal Town—while keeping prices low during the cost-of-living squeeze. Resilience Through Sport: Football is back in Sudan’s Khartoum area, with domestic league matches staged at battered stadiums after years of war damage, including Al Merrikh’s 3-1 win at Kober Stadium. Film & Equality: Cannes 2026 is drawing attention for women’s representation in the official competition, with organizers calling for progress toward a 50/50 goal. Human Rights & Movement: Libya’s Sumud Convoy has reportedly entered Libya again on its way toward Gaza, while Mauritania-linked detainees in Equatorial Guinea are flagged by experts as at risk of being sent back after U.S. deportations. Mauritania in the Wider World: Saudi Arabia’s cabinet also highlighted messages received from Mauritania’s president, underscoring regional diplomacy.

Film Equality Push: France is being urged to take responsibility for breaking the glass ceiling for women in film, as Cannes 2026 spotlights only five women directors in the main competition—progress, but still far from parity. Mauritania in the Spotlight: A new report warns that people detained in Malabo, including Mauritanians, face imminent risk of being sent back after U.S. deportations—raising fresh concerns about refoulement. Digital Sovereignty: Mauritania just secured a second direct subsea-cable link to Europe: a 670+ km EllaLink branch landed in Nouadhibou, boosting resilience and capacity for national operators. Regional Arts & Culture: French-Algerian actor Tahar Rahim shares his Cannes-era weekend ritual—coffee, a cigarette, and people-watching—while African cinema continues to draw global attention at Cannes.

Women in Film at Cannes: France is being urged to “break the glass ceiling” for women directors as Cannes’ official competition shows only 5 women out of 22 films—progress, but still far from parity. Spotlight on Tahar Rahim: French-Algerian star Tahar Rahim shares a simple weekend ritual—coffee and a cigarette—while promoting his new Sky thriller “Prisoner.” Mauritania’s Digital Leap: Mauritania just landed a second direct subsea cable link to Europe: EllaLink’s 670+ km branch reached Nouadhibou, boosting route diversity and digital resilience. Migration Rights Watch: Experts warn that people detained in Malabo, including Mauritanians, face imminent risk of being sent back after U.S. deportations—raising serious refoulement concerns. Sumud Convoy Update: Libya’s Sumud Convoy is reported to have restarted toward Gaza, with Egypt entry tied to strict procedures and nationality rules.

Arts & Weekend Culture: French-Algerian star Tahar Rahim kicks off the weekend with a simple ritual—coffee and a cigarette—then talks family movie nights and his new Sky thriller Prisoner, a six-part hunt story that pairs a prison officer with a trained killer. Digital Connectivity for Mauritania: EllaLink and Mauritania’s digital ministry confirm a new 670+ km subsea cable branch landed in Nouadhibou, giving the country a second direct Europe link and more route resilience for faster, scalable online services. Film & Global Spotlight: Cannes keeps spotlighting African cinema, with fresh stories drawing international attention as demand for African screen content grows. Regional Humanitarian Tension: Libya’s Sumud Convoy is reported to have returned and restarted toward Gaza, while Egypt’s entry rules remain a key sticking point. International Rights Watch: Experts warn that deportations from the U.S. may put detainees in Equatorial Guinea—including Mauritanians—at risk of being sent back to danger.

Sumud Convoy Update: Libya’s Sumud Convoy has entered again on its way to Gaza, but Libya’s government says it will not allow people who don’t meet Egypt’s entry rules to pass—while Egypt’s land crossings are restricted to Libyan nationals, pushing activists toward air routes instead. Human Rights Watch: Separate experts warn that people detained in Malabo, including Mauritanians, face imminent risk of being sent back after deportations from the U.S., urging safeguards against refoulement. Digital Mauritania: Big connectivity news—EllaLink has landed a new 670+ km subsea cable branch in Nouadhibou, giving Mauritania a second direct Europe route and boosting digital resilience. Arts & Culture: African cinema is turning heads at Cannes again, with demand for African and diaspora stories reportedly outpacing supply. Business/Industry: First Quantum published its 2025 sustainability reports and commits to aligning tailings storage with the global industry standard by 2030.

Mining Update: Montage Gold says its Q1-2026 work is moving fast, with progress on operations and planning. Migration & Rights: Experts warn Equatorial Guinea faces imminent refoulement risks for detainees tied to U.S. deportations, including people from Mauritania—raising fresh alarms about returns to danger. Gulf Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia’s cabinet reaffirmed unwavering support for Gulf security after attacks on UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman briefing on messages from Mauritania’s president. Mauritania Connectivity: EllaLink landed a new 670+ km subsea cable branch in Nouadhibou, giving Mauritania a second direct Europe route and boosting digital resilience. Sahel Security: Jihadist groups continue disrupting supply routes into Mali, including attacks on Moroccan lorries—showing how regional instability keeps tightening. Arts & Culture: A24 is developing “White Smoke,” a Vatican-conclave heist series starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

Refugee Rights Under Pressure: Experts warn Equatorial Guinea is at risk of sending people back after U.S. deportations, including detainees in Malabo who include Mauritanian nationals—calling for an immediate halt to any return that could endanger lives. Sahel Security Hits Supply Lines: Jihadist groups continue disrupting logistics to Mali’s capital, with reports of attacks on Moroccan lorries and drivers being targeted across the region. Mauritania’s Digital Leap: EllaLink and Mauritania marked the landing of a new subsea cable branch in Nouadhibou, boosting direct, diverse connectivity to Europe and strengthening digital resilience. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia’s cabinet reaffirmed support for Gulf security and highlighted messages received from Mauritania’s President. Arts & Culture Pulse: A24 is developing “White Smoke,” a Vatican-conclave heist series starring Benedict Cumberbatch, while the week also saw major media and journalism gatherings pushing for stronger cross-border storytelling.

Sahel Security Shock: A coordinated April 25 attack hit Mali on multiple fronts, including Bamako and Kati, with the Defense Minister reportedly killed in Kati—while Western coverage focuses on claimed links between militant groups rather than the wider destabilization picture. Gulf Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia reaffirmed “unwavering support” for Gulf security and stability, after receiving messages from Mauritania’s President. Mauritania Connectivity: EllaLink and Mauritania marked the landing of a new subsea cable branch in Nouadhibou, boosting “digital sovereignty” with a second, diverse European connection. Regional Culture & Media: Spain’s Movistar Plus+ thriller “Todo lo necesario” is filming in Murcia and is inspired by the 2009 Mali–Mauritania kidnapping case. Arts & Community: Blues musicians are rallying for drummer Kinney Malone Kimbrough after a house fire. Health Watch: Hantavirus concerns continue after a confirmed case in Spain tied to a cruise cluster, with public risk still described as low.

Gulf Security Signals: Saudi Arabia’s cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reaffirmed “unwavering support” for Gulf states and condemned attacks on UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait waters, while also stressing de-escalation and cooperation. Mauritania in the Mix: The Crown Prince briefed ministers on written messages received from Mauritanian President Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani, keeping Mauritania tied to wider regional diplomacy. Digital Leap for Nouadhibou: EllaLink and Mauritania marked the landing of a new subsea cable branch in Nouadhibou—adding a second direct European connection to boost digital sovereignty and resilience. Regional Tensions, Sahel Focus: Jihadist pressure continues to disrupt Sahel logistics, including reports of attacks on supply convoys heading toward Mali’s capital, Bamako. Business Spotlight: The Africa CEO Forum 2026 is set for May 14–15 in Kigali, drawing leaders and investors to discuss cross-border growth and continental-scale enterprises.

Gulf & diplomacy: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince chaired a cabinet session in Jeddah, briefing ministers on messages from Mauritania’s President and Japan’s PM, while reaffirming Riyadh’s support for Gulf states and its push for de-escalation. Regional business: The Africa CEO Forum 2026 is set for May 14–15 in Kigali, aiming to bring together leaders and investors around “shared ownership” for Africa’s growth. Mauritania’s connectivity win: EllaLink and Mauritania marked the landing of a new subsea cable branch in Nouadhibou, giving the country a second direct European link to boost digital resilience and security. Sahel security pressure: Jihadist-linked attacks continue to disrupt logistics toward Mali’s capital, while reports also highlight the danger to regional truck routes. Health watch: A hantavirus case has been confirmed in Spain after a cruise-related cluster, with evacuated passengers treated in the U.S. and officials saying public risk remains low. Local politics: Two Mauritanian opposition lawmakers were sentenced to four years in prison over online remarks, including claims of racial bias.

Sahel Security Shock: A major April 25 attack across Mali—hitting Kidal, Gao, Mopti, Sévaré, Bamako and Kati—left the Defense Minister killed after a suicide bombing, with analysts pointing to a coordinated destabilization campaign rather than “random” violence. Regional Logistics Under Pressure: Jihadist-linked groups reportedly set Moroccan lorries ablaze en route to Bamako, aiming to choke supply lines into Mali’s capital. Mauritania Digital Leap: EllaLink landed a second subsea cable branch in Nouadhibou, giving Mauritania a more resilient, direct connection to European digital hubs. Local Politics: Two Mauritanian MPs, Mariem Cheikh and Ghamou Achour, were sentenced to four years in prison over social media accusations of racial bias. Arts & Media: Spain’s Movistar Plus+ thriller “Todo lo necesario” is filming in Murcia, inspired by the 2009 kidnapping of aid workers on the Mali–Mauritania border. Health Watch: A hantavirus cluster on a Dutch cruise ship is being managed after passengers were moved to specialized care in Spain and the U.S., with WHO saying public risk remains low.

Sahel Security Shock: Mali’s capital region and key bases were hit in a coordinated April 25 assault, with reports focusing on militant claims while critics say Western coverage downplays the wider destabilization picture. Regional Pressure on Trade: Jihadist-linked attacks have targeted supply routes into Bamako, including reports of Moroccan lorries being set on fire—while Moroccan drivers say they’re safe after support and escort plans. Mauritania’s Connectivity Boost: EllaLink and Mauritania landed a second subsea cable branch in Nouadhibou, aiming to strengthen “digital sovereignty” with a new, diverse route to Europe. Politics at Home: Two Mauritanian opposition lawmakers were sentenced to four years in prison over social media remarks and alleged racial bias claims, with court orders to remove content and restrict accounts. Human Rights & Mobility: New U.S. restrictions are leaving some same-sex couples with fewer K-1 visa options, including partial impacts for Mauritania. Culture in the Spotlight: Spain’s Movistar Plus+ is filming in Murcia for a thriller inspired by the 2009 Mali–Mauritania kidnapping case involving Al Qaeda.