Latest news with #Mauritanians
CAF
3 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
CAR's Ngato express cautious optimism ahead of 'do-or-die' Mauritania clash
Published: Friday, 08 August 2025 Central African Republic's coach, Sébastien Ngato stated that his players expect a challenging game against Mauritania, but they have what it entails to deliver in their second group game of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN). The encounter scheduled for 5pm on August 9 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium pits two teams in search of their first win in the competition - with the winner standing a chance of getting a spot in the knockout stages. Fresh from their 2-4 defeat in their first outing against Burkina Faso three days ago, Ngato highlighted the importance of the game, stating that his team will rectify their mistakes and come out all guns blazing to secure a win. "This is our second match, while it's the third for our opponent. If we don't win, it will be game over for us. We've discussed with the players to find solutions and up our game." Ngato described the game as a "tough battle" and stated, "The opponent has played one more match than us; they lost and drew. It will be a grueling confrontation, and we can't afford to make mistakes. If we lose, it will be catastrophic." For both teams avoiding an early exit from the historic TotalEnergies CHAN "PAMOJA" 2024 football frenzy is a need. So the Mauritanians are also keen on getting a result. Mauritania's coach, Artiz Garay Lopez, considers the match a "make-or-break" encounter, where victory would be a crucial step towards qualification for the knockout stages. Mauritania's Road to Qualification Narrowing Coach Lopez, stressed the importance of Saturday's showdown: "This is a very important match. We only have one point from our first two games. We played well against Tanzania, but without achieving a good result. This match will be do-or-die; our opponent lost their first game."The gaffer added, "This confrontation can open the door of qualification for us. We need to prepare well. Be physically and mentally ready to seal our fate." Lopez has his target fixed Garay Lopez indicated that his goal is to finish second in the group, considering Tanzania as the favorites for first place. "Analyzing the groups before the tournament, I said Tanzania is the favorite of Group B. So, we aim for second place and a spot in the knockout stages. He reiterated that the match against the Central African Republic is a real final for his players: "We want to play with calmness and no rush. The opponent is solid. It will be a final showdown for us." Mauritanian midfielder, Mohamed Lemine Houboutt declared that he and his mates have victory as the only objective. "We know the importance of this match. It will be decisive for our future in this tournament. We'll play with concentration, discipline, and calmness to emerge victorious."
Libya Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Libya Observer
Weekly News Roundup: Friday, August 08, 2025
Dispute erupts within House of Representatives over Speaker's 'unilateral moves' Parallel government rejects submitting employee data to CBL for unified payroll system Dbeibeh, Al-Lafi discuss security, political stalemate, and economic reform Libya records 76 drownings in two months amid rescue shortages UK reaffirms commitment to inclusive political process in Libya ahead of UN roadmap Libya makes largest peace index leap since 2020 10 Mauritanians released after gold prospecting arrests, Embassy in Tripoli intervenes Suspects arrested over fatal shooting in Janzour Combatting Money Laundry Committee urges swift adoption of anti-money-laundering, counter-terrorism financing law Economy minister addresses export challenges with Tunisia Washington welcomes gas MoU between Libya's NOC and America's ExxonMobil CBL governor and audit chief pledge budget review cooperation Greece responds to Libya's protest over maritime borders Ship loaded with 350 armored vehicles headed for Haftar departs to Misrata after being held in Greece US firm trains Libyan forensics team in DNA analysis UN urges effective security overhaul in Tripoli FM Al-Baour meets Spanish ambassador to boost bilateral ties 619 traffic deaths recorded in Libya during second quarter of 2025 Al-Mishri forwards names of six prime ministerial candidates to Aguila Saleh Tobruk security operation leads to detention of 350 illegal migrants Libyan committee reviews FATF compliance and risks to financial system NOC Chairman presents ExxonMobil MoU to PM Dbeibah Brega Company launches fuel truck tracking system Menfi, UN Secretary General review political, security developments in Libya European Commission concerned over suspicious flights between Minsk and Benghazi Morocco backs UN push for Libyan political dialogue Lafi and Takala stress need to resolve political deadlock HCS rejects Benghazi constitutional court as illegitimate Libyan Red Crescent recovers body of infant from landfill on Tripoli's Airport Road Foreign Ministry, LIA discuss cooperation to safeguard Libyan assets abroad Anti-scorpion venom serum now available across Libya, says NCDC Agricultural Research Center explores partnership with Italian organization CIHEAM Bari NOC Chairman urges SLB to open branches of its mega factories in Libya Libyan PM: Licensing official exchange companies is pivotal ExxonMobil signs deal with NOC, marking return after decade-long hiatus Agricultural Research Center explores partnership with Italian organization CIHEAM Bari Syria proposes visa waivers, joint mechanisms with Libya Menfi calls for opening humanitarian corridors and delivering aid to Gaza Libya's HNEC sets August 16 as date for elections in 51 municipalities Local government minister inaugurates new seafront promenade in Zuwara Libya and Germany discuss reviving Berlin Process to support political roadmap 58 migrants rescued off Zuwara coast Situations of Sudanese community in Misrata addressed with Sudanese Consul Koury discusses return of displaced persons with Murzuq delegation HNEC trains polling staff Libya, Russia explore cultural cooperation ahead of 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties Dbeibah: Digitization in salary management necessary to protect public funds Environment Ministry voices concern over release of cobras in Derna nature reserve German ambassador briefs Menfi on Berlin Process Working Group outcomes UN envoy concludes Rome visit with talk on Libya's political situation UN refugee chief warns of rising migration from Libya amid funding crisis ExxonMobil eyes return to Libya with offshore gas deal AGOCO, NOC review production increase, financial challenges in annual meeting Central Bank Governor pledges to use all resources to stabilize dollar exchange rate Al-Ahly Tripoli clinches derby win to top championship playoff group Over 175,000 children vaccinated against measles in southern Libya Tags: news headlines
Memri
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Mauritanians Continue To Donate Millions To Hamas Military Wing – With The Support Of President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Who Is Visiting The White House
On July 9, 2025, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, along with the presidents of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia and Senegal, met with U.S. President Donald Trump after being officially invited to the White House, as part of the U.S.-Africa summit being held in Washington. Ghazouani's visit is focused on advancing shared U.S.-Mauritania economic interests, including boosting investments and trade and developing natural resources.[1] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also reportedly set to meet with President Ghazouani. This meeting, which is to take place on the sidelines of the U.S.-Africa summit, is being brokered by the Trump administration, which is interested in expanding the Abraham Accords.[2] Trump's meeting with the Mauritanian president took place despite the fact that this country fosters terrorism by granting political support and financial assistance to Hamas.[3] As a matter of fact, Mauritania holds direct ties with Hamas, as exemplified by an official visit to Mauritania in 2021 by a Hamas delegation led by then-head of the movement's political bureau Isma'il Haniya, as well as many other visits by Hamas delegations and officials to Mauritanian in the recent years. Moreover, Hamas has an official representation in the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott, which raises funds for the movement's military wing. This fundraising activity intensified after Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which led to the Gaza war. Since the attack millions of dollars have been raised for Hamas in Mauritania. The funds – provided in local currency[4] – are presented as donations for the people of Gaza, but they are delivered directly to Hamas's representative in Mauritania, Muhammad Subhi Abu Saqer. This enables the movement to channel the money to military purposes rather than civilian ones. At a recent event organized by Hamas in Mauritania, Abu Saqer admitted that the funds raised by Mauritanians were used to purchase arms for Hamas' military wing, the Izz Al-Din Al-Qassam Brigades, saying that the Mauritanian aid was "present on the battlefield" and helped the movement to buy arms and excavate tunnels. The donations for Hamas are collected by various tribes in Mauritania and by organizations with direct ties with the movement, such as the Mauritanian Islamic Forum and the National Ribat for Support of the Palestinian People. The Mauritanian Islamic Forum donates one billion ouguiyas ($25 million) to Hamas (Image: December 26, 2024) This report reviews Hamas's continued fundraising efforts in Mauritania. Hamas: Mauritanian President Ghazouani Is One Of Our "Partners In Victory" As stated, Mauritania under President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani maintains direct ties with Hamas. For example, in June 2021 a Hamas delegation headed by then-head of the movement's political bureau, Ismail Haniya, made an official visit to the country and met with President Ghazouani. The delegation also included other senior Hamas officials, such as Moussa Abu Marzouq, Khalil Al-Haya, Izzat Al-Rishq, Taher Al-Nounou and Sami Abu Zuhri. The Mauritanian news agency reported that, during the meeting with President Ghazouani, the Hamas leadership praised him for "politically backing" the Mauritanian public in "expressing its solidarity with Jerusalem, Gaza, the resistance [i.e., Hamas] and the Palestinian people, including [by] launching a donation drive..."[5] Ghazouani, for his part, praised Hamas's "achievements" in "the Sword of Jerusalem campaign," referring to the round of fighting between Hamas and israel in May 2021.[6] President Ghazouani meeting in 2021 with a Hamas delegation headed by the movement's leader at the time, Isma'il Haniya (Image: June 21, 2021) In fact, Mauritania has served for years as a convenient arena for Hamas activity. Hamas delegations led by Sami Abu Zuhri – a senior official of Hamas abroad who holds a Mauritanian passport – made frequent official visits to the country, met with high-ranking figures and participated in mass events. Beyond its ties with the movement and its praise for its activities, Mauritania also allows Hamas to maintain an official representation on its soil, which is responsible for raising vast sums of money for the movement's military wing. President Ghazouani, who supports Hamas and its activities, is held in great esteem by the movement, which credits him with the great success of the fundraising campaigns in the country. This was evident in an event held by the Hamas representation in Mauritania on March 12, 2025, attended by Hamas officials Sami Abu Zuhri and Osama Hamdan. The event was held to thank and praise the Mauritanian donors, and a banner behind the speakers' podium, captioned "Partners in Victory," featured an image of President Ghazouani.[7] Banner at Hamas event in Nouakchott features a portrait of Mauritanian President Ghazouani and the caption "Partners in Victory" (Image: March 12, 2025) Hamas Representative: The Mauritanian Fundraising Efforts Are A Form Of "Jihad"; This Money Has A Part In "Every Explosive Device, Every Bomb, Every Bullet And Every Tunnel" Used By Hamas An event held by Hamas's representation in Mauritania several weeks before this, on February 8, 2025, was also intended to thank the Mauritanian people for their support of the "resistance." The event was attended by Hamas's representative in the country, Muhammad Abu Saqer, and by representatives of the Mauritanian Islamic Forum and the National Ribat for Support of the Palestinian People, two organizations involved in fundraising for Hamas. At this event too, a banner was displayed featuring a photo of President Ghazouani alongside the words: "Thank you, Mauritania." Another banner glorified Hamas leaders killed in the war: Yahya Sinwar, Isma'il Haniya and Saleh Al-Arouri. In his speech at the event, Abu Saqer noted that the donations to the movement were still coming. He quoted the spokesman of Hamas's military wing, Abu Obeida, as saying "Your money and your support have reached us and continue to reach us," and expressed gratitude for "the support and help in strengthening the military power of the Martyr Izz Al-Din Al-Qassam Brigades." Abu Saqer described the financial aid extended by Mauritanians to Hamas as a form of jihad, and stated that this money is "present on the battlefield" and facilitates military action and the excavation of tunnels. He said: "Your [fundraising] jihad was [evident] in every explosive device, every bomb, every bullet, every tunnel and every operation that killed the enemies of Allah."[8] Muhammad Abu Saqer speaks at the February 8, 2025 Hamas event in Mauritania (Image: February 8, 2025) Advertisement for the February 8, 2025 Hamas event in Mauritania (Image: February 7, 2025) In his speech at the same event, Sheikhani Bibb, the secretary-general of the Mauritanian "National Ribat for Support of the Palestinian People" organization , praised Hamas's October 7 terror attack and the movement's military wing, which he said had gladdened the Mauritanians by "reviving the spirit of jihad and sacrifice." He emphasized that the situation after the October 7 attack will not be the same as the situation before it, and added that these are the first steps toward the "liberation" of Palestine.[9] Mauritanian Organizations And Tribes Raise Millions For Hamas As noted, since the beginning of the Gaza war, tribes in Mauritania have raised millions of dollars for the Hamas movement. In the recent months these tribes have continued to transfer funds to Hamas's representative in the country, Muhammad Abu Saqer. For example, in January 2025, the Leghlal tribe presented him with a check for one billion ouguiyas ($25 million) as part of "an aid initiative for Gaza." This was the second installment of the donation, following an earlier instalment, of $5.5 million, made by the tribe in February 2024.[10] The Leghlal tribe presents Hamas representative Abu Saqer with a check for one billion ouguiyas ($25 million) as part of an "aid initiative for Gaza" (Image: January 11, 2025) Also conspicuous in their fundraising efforts are the two aforementioned organizations, the Mauritanian Islamic Forum and the National Ribat for Support of the Palestinian People. These organizations stress that the donations are intended for "supporting Gaza" and "supporting the Palestinian people," but in actual fact they collect funds for Hamas in cooperation with the Mauritanian tribes. The following are examples from the recent months: The "National Ribat for Support of the Palestinian People" Organization In January 2025 the Ijman tribe presented this organization, headed by Sheikhani Bibb, with a check for 50 million ouguiyas ($1.25 million) "for supporting Gaza" and "aiding the Palestinian people."[11] The Ijman tribe hands over 50 million ouguiyas ($1.25 million) to the "National Ribat for Support of the Palestinian People" organization as "aid for Gaza" (Image: January 11, 2025) That same month, the Tanadgha tribe raised $2.2 million "for the Palestinian people" via a Whatsapp group and delivered it to the "National Ribat for Support of the Palestinian People" organization. The Tanadgha tribe donates $2.2 million "to the Palestinian people" in cooperation with the "National Ribat for Support of the Palestinian People" organization (Image: January 8, 2025) On February 24, 2025 this organization committed to rebuilding 100 housing units in the Gaza Strip, at a total cost of $400,000.[12] The Mauritanian Islamic Forum In November 2024 the Mauritanian Kunta tribe provided 20 million ouguiyas ($500,000) to the Hamas representative, in cooperation with the Mauritanian Islamic Forum, "for the benefit of the people of Gaza and as further aid for the resistance [i.e., Hamas' military wing]." The check bore the message "marking the anniversary of the Al-Aqsa Flood."[13] The donation provided by the Kunta tribe, in cooperation with the Mauritanian Islamic Forum, "for the benefit of the people of Gaza and as further aid for the resistance" (Image: November 2, 2024) In October 2024, Hamas official Osama Hamdan visited Mauritania and attended a conference of the Mauritanian Islamic Forum. In his speech at the conference he praised the "official and popular efforts in Mauritania" to aid Gaza and its people.[14] Ad by Mauritanian Islamic Forum calling to donate "to your brothers in northern Gaza" (Image: June 21, 2024)
Euronews
24-06-2025
- Business
- Euronews
The EU-Mauritania fisheries deal explained
Fishing is a cornerstone of Mauritania's economy and daily life, accounting for about 10% of the country's GDP, and providing work for roughly 300,000 people - either directly or indirectly. For many Mauritanians, fish is the main source of protein, making the sector crucial for both livelihoods and food security. The Sustainable Fishery Partnership Agreement (SFPA) between the European Union and Mauritania, renewed in 2021 for six years, sets the terms for European vessels operating in Mauritanian waters. The deal is designed to address overfishing and protect marine resources, while also supporting Mauritania's economy. The EU's Ambassador to Mauritania, Joaquin Tasso Vilallonga, spoke to 'Ocean' at the new IMROP research centre in Nouakchott, funded by the EU. He described fishing as 'a very important sector of the Mauritanian economy,' highlighting its role as a major employer and key source of nutrition. He stressed that the partnership's main goal is to ensure Mauritania's rich fish stocks are managed sustainably: 'That means, firstly, it continues to provide food and nutrition for the country; secondly, it allows Mauritania to export a resource and earn income; and finally, it respects the ability of these fish stocks to reproduce and be maintained, guaranteeing sustainable use and respect for the marine environment'. Key points of the agreement include: Science-based quotas: EU vessels are only allowed to catch surplus stocks, as determined by joint scientific assessments. If scientists advise that a species is at risk, fishing for that species is halted. Financial contributions: The EU pays Mauritania €57.5 million annually, with an additional €3.3 million earmarked for supporting local fishing communities, research, and infrastructure. Food security: Part of the catch — specifically, 2% of pelagic fish — is allocated for local food security and distributed in the local communities, helping to ensure Mauritanians have access to affordable protein. Transparency measures: The agreement requires all foreign fishing contracts to be made public, aiming to ensure fairness, and to combat illegal fishing. The EU-Mauritania SFPA is seen as an effort to balance economic interests with environmental protection. By tying access to scientific advice, and investing in local infrastructure, the agreement aims to ensure that both Mauritania's fishing industry and its marine ecosystems remain healthy for generations to come.
Saba Yemen
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Mauritania hosts rally to condemn Israeli aggression on Iran, Gaza
Nouakchott - Saba: Hundreds of Mauritanians demonstrated in the capital, Nouakchott, on Friday, denouncing the Zionist aggression against Iran and the Gaza Strip, with US support. The demonstration took place after Friday prayers in front of the Grand Mosque, at the invitation of the Student Initiative to Combat Zionist Infiltration and Defend Just Causes, a non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting the Palestinian cause and opposing normalization. The demonstrators raised banners and chanted slogans against the occupying entity and the United States, including: "From Chinguetti, greetings to proud Gaza," "No place, no place among us for the Americans," and "We reject the aggression against Iran," according to Anadolu Agency. The protesters held the United States responsible for the continued genocide in the Gaza Strip and the aggression against Iran, demanding an end to Washington's support for "Jaffa" (Tel Aviv). They also called on Arab and Islamic peoples to escalate popular movements and organize demonstrations to pressure the occupying entity to stop the genocide in Gaza and the escalating aggression against Iran. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
