AGP Executive Report

World Cup 2026 (Round of 32): Today’s knockout action includes Australia vs Egypt and Argentina vs Cape Verde, with free viewing options listed via BBC/ITV/SBS. IOC–LA 2028 Planning: The IOC is using the World Cup as a “dress rehearsal” for LA 2028, focusing on visa hurdles and rising costs that have hit fans and officials. Mauritania Digital Education: MBRGI’s “The Digital School” is rolling out digital learning across six African countries, including Mauritania, targeting 500,000+ learners with school support, teacher training, and job-ready skills. Mauritania in Music Spotlight: Mauritanian singer Noura Mint Seymali is set to perform internationally, including a major appearance tied to Earagail Arts Festival’s 2026 programme. Football Story (Mauritania): PSG academy winger Djeidi Gassama recalls nutmegging Neymar in training—then dealing with Neymar’s intense reaction afterward. Berlin Arts: “Durchlüften” returns to Berlin’s Humboldt Forum with free concerts and DJs, featuring Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali among the highlights.

Mauritania in the spotlight (music): Mauritanian singer Noura Mint Seymali is set to headline Berlin’s Humboldt Forum free festival “Durchlüften” (9 July–1 August), bringing griot-rooted desert blues to audiences alongside South African group BCUC and other international acts. Mauritania in sports (football): Mauritanian international Winger Djeidi Gassama has shared a PSG academy story about nutmegging Neymar in training—then being warned that “dead meat” would follow if Neymar faced him again. Mauritania in culture (festival): Earagail Arts Festival in Donegal features Seymali as a major 10 July highlight, alongside Gwenno and other music programme picks. Regional arts & identity: A short documentary, “Exiled for Existing,” highlights LGBTQ+ persecution across Africa, including Mauritania, and premiered during Pride Month 2026. Arts & entertainment beyond Mauritania: Provence Arts Festival du Film (29 July–1 Aug) spotlights music documentaries, including “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert” and “One to One: John & Yoko.” Business/industry note: Kinross and First Quantum both announced upcoming Q2 2026 results dates, with Kinross operating in Mauritania and First Quantum running mines there.

Mauritania in the spotlight: Djeidi Gassama, 22, recalled nutmegging Neymar in a PSG academy rondo drill with Messi watching—only to be warned that if Neymar faced him in the next game, “you’re finished,” and Neymar later reminded him in the locker room that he “holds a grudge.” Music & culture (Mauritania): Berlin’s free Durchlüften festival returns to the Humboldt Forum (9 July–1 Aug) with Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali among 24 live acts and 12 DJs, alongside BCUC and more. Arts & film: Provence Arts Festival du Film (29 July–1 Aug, Ménerbes) spotlights music documentaries, including Baz Luhrmann’s EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert and One to One: John & Yoko. LGBTQ+ stories: Co-op’s short documentary Exiled for Existing shares refugee accounts from countries where same-sex relationships can bring severe punishment, premiering during Pride Month 2026. Regional arts (Donegal): Earagail Arts Festival’s 2026 lineup features Noura Mint Seymali (10 July) and Gwenno (14 July).

Mauritania in the spotlight (football): PSG academy memories are back in the news as Mauritanian winger Djeidi Gassama, 22, recalled nutmegging Neymar in a rondo drill—then getting warned that if Neymar faced him in the next round, “you’re finished,” with Neymar later reminding him in the locker room that he “holds a grudge.” Mauritania in music (international stages): The Berlin festival Durchlüften returns to the Humboldt Forum courtyard (free entry) from 9 July–1 August, featuring Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali alongside BCUC and other global acts. Arts & film (music documentaries): Provence Arts Festival du Film (29 July–1 August, Ménerbes) spotlights music on screen with EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert and One to One: John & Yoko. Mauritania-linked culture (festival programming): Earagail Arts Festival’s July music lineup highlights Noura Mint Seymali in Donegal, plus Gwenno and other major names. Sports & culture (World Cup Pride row): Iran and Egypt urge FIFA to avoid “Pride Match” branding and Pride-linked stadium activities during the Seattle World Cup game.

Diplomacy & Trade: Turkey’s President Erdoğan spoke by phone with Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, urging fresh momentum in ties through concrete steps in trade, agriculture, fisheries, security and the defense industry. Film & Music: Provence Arts Festival du Film returns (July 29–Aug 1) with music-focused documentaries, including Baz Luhrmann’s “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert” and Kevin Macdonald’s “One to One: John & Yoko.” Local Spotlight (Music): Earagail Arts Festival’s July programme in Donegal highlights Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali, alongside Gwenno and Inni-K, bringing Moorish griot-inspired sounds and more to Irish venues. Human Stories in Media: “Exiled for Existing” shares LGBTQ+ refugee accounts from countries where same-sex relationships can bring severe punishment, premiering during Pride Month 2026. Arts, Business & Governance: Montage Gold reported AGM resolutions passed and new board appointments, as it continues building an African gold producer strategy.

LGBTQ+ Refugee Stories on Film: Media Co-op released Exiled for Existing, a short documentary sharing first-person accounts from refugees fleeing anti-gay laws and violence across Africa and beyond, premiering during Pride Month 2026. Mauritania in the Spotlight (Culture & Fashion): Mauritanian fashion designer Kadiata Diallo, based on her Paris journey, is building her brand Niuku with a story of persistence against barriers at home. Music Festival (Regional Arts): Earagail Arts Festival announced its July 2026 music lineup, featuring Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali alongside international acts like Gwenno. World Cup & Pride Clash: Iran and Egypt urged FIFA to prevent Seattle’s “Pride Match” branding and Pride-linked stadium activities during a World Cup game. Mali Rights Watch: Human Rights Watch reported grave abuses against civilians in Mali, including militant attacks and alleged drone strikes. Deportations & UN Role: A UN migration agency (IOM) is providing post-arrival help tied to US third-country deportation deals, raising rights concerns. Mauritania-Türkiye Ties: Erdoğan and Mauritanian President El Ghazouani discussed boosting cooperation in trade, agriculture, fisheries, security, and defense.

Film & Music: Provence Arts Festival du Film (July 29–Aug 1, Ménerbes) returns with a music-documentary lineup, including Baz Luhrmann’s “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert” and Kevin Macdonald’s “One to One: John & Yoko,” bringing restored performances and rare audio to the big screen. Human Stories in Media: “Exiled for Existing” shares LGBTQ+ refugee accounts from countries where same-sex relationships can bring prison or death, premiering during Pride Month 2026 and spotlighting Mauritania and other high-risk regions. Sports & Culture Clash: Iran and Egypt urge FIFA to prevent any “Pride Match” ceremonies or promotions inside Seattle’s World Cup stadium, even as rainbow flags remain allowed. Mauritania in the Spotlight: Turkey’s President Erdoğan and Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani discussed boosting ties in trade, agriculture, fisheries, security, and defense industry. Arts & Identity: Mauritanian fashion designer Kadiata Diallo talks about building her Niuku brand after moving to Paris to pursue fashion despite barriers at home. Business Note: First Quantum says it will release Q2 2026 results July 28, with operating mines in Zambia and Mauritania.

Arts & Culture: Earagail Arts Festival kicks off July with Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali headlining in Donegal, plus Gwenno and Inni-K bringing Welsh/Cornish pop and sean-nós folk-jazz vibes to Irish venues. Film & Identity: “Exiled for Existing” shares LGBTQ+ refugee stories from countries where same-sex relationships can mean prison or death, premiering during Pride Month 2026. Sports & Pride Politics: Iran and Egypt urge FIFA to avoid any “Pride Match” branding or Pride-linked stadium activities during Argentina’s World Cup game in Seattle, even as rainbow flags remain allowed. Mauritania in the Spotlight: Turkey’s Erdoğan and Mauritania’s President El Ghazouani discussed boosting ties in trade, agriculture, fisheries, security and defense. Fashion: Niuku designer Kadiata Diallo talks about building a fashion career from Mauritania to Paris despite discrimination. Regional Human Rights: Human Rights Watch reports grave abuses in Mali by militants and forces, including killings of civilians and children.

Human Rights Watch on Mali: A new HRW report says civilians in Mali faced “grave abuses” from Islamic militants, the Malian army and allies, including killings, burning of vehicles, and drone strikes that reportedly killed children as well as adults. Regional Politics & Culture: Burkina Faso’s break with France is framed as a wider story of neo-colonial tensions and shifting alliances across West Africa. Mauritania–Türkiye Ties: Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani and Türkiye’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discussed boosting cooperation in trade, agriculture, fisheries, security and defense. Music Spotlight: Earagail Arts Festival announces Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali as a July 10 headliner, with Gwenno and other regional acts also on the bill. Fashion Feature: Niuku designer Kadiata Diallo shares how she built a fashion career from Mauritania to Paris, turning determination into a signature style. Sports & Identity Clash: Iran and Egypt urge FIFA to avoid “Pride Match” branding around a World Cup game in Seattle. World Cup Preview: Argentina’s Group J finale vs Jordan is set up as a likely comfortable win, with Messi’s role uncertain.

Mauritania–Türkiye Diplomacy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani spoke by phone with Türkiye’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who urged fresh momentum through concrete steps in trade, agriculture, fisheries, security and the defense industry, plus closer cooperation on international platforms. World Cup Spotlight: Argentina wrapped Group J against Jordan, with talk of resting Messi as the tournament continues; elsewhere, Iran and Egypt pushed FIFA to avoid any “Pride Match” ceremonies or promotional Pride displays inside Seattle’s stadium. Morocco Court & Sports Ties: A Moroccan court sentenced 29 people in a major drug trafficking and corruption case, including prominent politicians and sports figures, and ordered large fines—sparking renewed debate on ethics in public life. Music in the Region: Earagail Arts Festival announced its July music programme, featuring Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali and UK artist Gwenno, alongside traditional music highlights. Fashion Feature: Niuku designer Kadiata Diallo spoke about building a fashion career from Mauritania to Paris, turning determination into a signature style. Ocean Commitments: Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa drew 300+ pledges and $6.4B for marine conservation, including more marine protected areas and fisheries monitoring.

Mauritania–Türkiye Diplomacy: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke by phone with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, urging fresh momentum on trade, agriculture, fisheries, security and the defense industry, and promising closer cooperation on international platforms. Music & Culture: Earagail Arts Festival announced its July 2026 music lineup, spotlighting Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali alongside Gwenno and other major acts, with performances across Donegal’s standout venues. Fashion Spotlight: A profile of Mauritanian designer Kadiata Diallo’s Niuku brand traces her journey from Nouakchott to Paris and her push to turn African fashion dreams into a real career. Sports & Identity Clash: Iran and Egypt urged FIFA to prevent “Pride Match” displays around the World Cup game in Seattle, arguing for no Pride-linked ceremonies or promotions inside the stadium. World Cup Notes: Argentina close out Group J vs Jordan with Messi potentially rested; separate coverage also highlights Messi’s record-breaking week and the tournament’s next fixtures. Arts, Heritage & People: A piece explains who the Imazighen/Amazigh are, their Tamazgha homeland, and the cultural push for recognition across North Africa.

World Cup Spotlight: Argentina close Group J vs eliminated Jordan, with Lionel Messi reportedly rested (available off the bench) as the match is framed as a comfortable Argentine win. Football & Identity Politics: Iran and Egypt urge FIFA to avoid any “Pride Match” branding or Pride-linked stadium activities during the Seattle World Cup fixture, while FIFA says rainbow flags remain allowed. Mauritania in the Region: Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani and Türkiye’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discuss boosting ties with concrete steps in trade, agriculture, fisheries, security and defense. Music & Culture: Earagail Arts Festival announces a July programme featuring Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali alongside Gwenno and Inni-K, bringing international and traditional sounds to Donegal venues. Fashion & Creative Ambition: Niuku’s Kadiata Diallo tells how she built a fashion career from Mauritania to Paris, turning determination into a distinctive brand. Arts, Sports, Media: BBC renews Wimbledon rights through 2033, keeping free-to-air coverage across TV, radio and digital. Humanitarian Updates: Global Sumud Flotilla says ten activists detained in Libya are being released, with several already reported across into Tunisia.

Mauritania–Türkiye Diplomacy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani spoke by phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who urged fresh momentum in trade, agriculture, fisheries, security and the defense industry, and called for stronger cooperation on international platforms. Music & Culture: Earagail Arts Festival announced a July music lineup featuring Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali, plus Gwenno and Inni-K, bringing international and traditional sounds to venues across Donegal. Fashion Spotlight: Niuku designer Kadiata Diallo talks about building a fashion career from Mauritania to Paris, shaping her brand with personal details and pushing back against discrimination in the industry. Football, Pride Politics: Iran and Egypt urged FIFA to avoid “Pride Match” displays and promotions during the World Cup game in Seattle, arguing the stadium environment should stay free of Pride-linked activities. World Cup Entertainment: Argentina close out Group J vs Jordan, with talk of rotating stars like Messi as they aim for another strong win. Ocean Conservation: Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa wrapped with $6.4 billion in pledges for marine protection and fisheries monitoring, with Africa in the spotlight.

Mauritania in the spotlight (music): Earagail Arts Festival announced Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali as a July headliner, bringing her Moorish griot roots, psychedelic guitar and hypnotic rhythms to Letterkenny on July 10. World football culture (sports + identity): Iran and Egypt urged FIFA to keep Friday’s “Pride Match” in Seattle free of Pride-linked stadium displays, even as FIFA says rainbow flags are still allowed. Global arts & film talk: Jodie Foster joked about being “such a Karen” while discussing her new thriller and why she doesn’t think she’s funny. Mauritania-Türkiye ties: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani spoke by phone with Türkiye’s Erdoğan about boosting cooperation in trade, agriculture, fisheries, security and defense, plus stronger coordination on international platforms. Sports roundup (World Cup): Ousmane Dembélé’s minimal, efficient hat-trick helped set the tone in a Norway thrashing, with the piece framing him as a late-blooming star on the rise. Fashion inspiration (African design): Niuku’s founder Niuku (Kadiata Diallo) is reclaiming luxury through a Mauritanian-to-Paris fashion journey, turning classic pieces into her own signature. International ocean news: Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference wrapped with $6.4 billion in pledges for marine protection and fisheries monitoring.

World Cup & Pride Row: Iran and Egypt have urged FIFA to keep Friday’s World Cup match in Seattle free of any “Pride Match” displays or stadium promotions, even as FIFA says rainbow flags are still allowed. Ocean Conservation: Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa wrapped up with over 300 pledges and $6.4 billion for marine protection, fisheries monitoring, and blue-economy projects. Mauritania-Türkiye Diplomacy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani spoke by phone with Türkiye’s Erdoğan about boosting ties in trade, agriculture, fisheries, security, and defense industry. Amazigh Identity: A feature explores who the Imazighen are, their Tamazgha homeland, and the push for recognition across North Africa including Mauritania. Fashion Spotlight: Niuku’s founder Kadiata Diallo talks about building an African fashion career from Mauritania to Paris, turning determination into her own luxury style. Sports Media: The BBC renewed its Wimbledon rights through 2033, keeping the tournament free-to-air across the UK. Human Rights Watch: Jubilee Campaign urged UNHRC action to repeal death-penalty laws for apostasy and blasphemy.

Mauritania–Türkiye Diplomacy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani spoke by phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who urged fresh momentum on ties through concrete steps in trade, agriculture, fisheries, security and the defense industry, plus closer cooperation on international platforms. African Arts & Fashion Spotlight: Mauritanian designer Kadiata Diallo’s brand Niuku is highlighted as she turns determination into style, building a career that began with the push to study fashion abroad and now reflects her own vision of luxury. Sports & Culture: Lionel Messi marked his 39th birthday with two goals against Austria in Dallas, helping Argentina qualify for the next round, while the week also kept World Cup buzz high across fans in the region. Business News (Mining): Montage Gold announced that all resolutions at its annual general meeting were passed and welcomed new non-executive directors William Lundin and Teitur Poulsen to its board. Human Rights & Media: A debate on Interpol’s new privileges and immunities agreement raises fears it could make it easier for regimes to misuse Red Notices against journalists and dissidents.