Latest news with #Mauritanians
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
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Fact-check: Claims of Mauritania Hajj flight crash are false
A viral post circulating on social media platforms claims that a Mauritania Airlines flight carrying 210 Hajj pilgrims crashed into the Red Sea while en route to Saudi Arabia. However, The Express Tribune has verified that this claim is false. Breaking Bad News! Mauritanian Hajj flight crashes en route to Saudi Arabia, all 210 passengers confirmed dead. May Allah grant dem Aljanatu firdausi.#Pocolee #Childrenday #Trump #Hajj #ジークアクス — Inozemhe Jacob Azemobor (@GovernorDonJay) May 27, 2025 Some social media users shared videos and unverified images, falsely claiming they showed the crash site of a Mauritania Hajj flight bound for Saudi Arabia. May Allah have mercy on all 210 #Mauritanians who were among the pilgrims who were supposed to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year have died. The plane they were on crashed while they were on their way to the shrine of Allah while reportedly over the Red Sea coast. This… — Mohamed Gahnug (@Gahnug18Mohamed) May 28, 2025 Upon investigation, The Express Tribune found out that Mauritania's Director of Hajj at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, El Waly Taha, categorically denied the reports. Speaking to local media, he confirmed that all Mauritanian pilgrims are safe and have successfully arrived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Mauritania Denies Rumor of Pilgrims' Plane Crash off the Red Sea Coast The rumor circulating about a Mauritanian pilgrims' plane crashing off the Red Sea coast is false. Mauritania's Director of Hajj at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, El Waly Taha, denied the claim, confirming… — khaled mahmoued (@khaledmahmoued1) May 27, 2025 Further clarification was provided by Mauritania Airlines, which issued an official statement confirming that three scheduled flights that operated on May 23, 24, and 25 reached their destinations in Saudi Arabia without any issues. 'Mauritania Airlines operated three flights for this year's Hajj season and all three reached their destination safely,' the statement read. The claim appears to be entirely baseless, with no credible media outlet or aviation authority reporting any such incident. Both Mauritanian officials and the airline have urged the public to disregard the rumour and refrain from spreading unverified information, particularly during the sensitive Hajj period.
Ya Biladi
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
AU : Morocco moves to label Polisario as terrorist group
Morocco received a boost during the 38th Ordinary Summit of the African Union, recently held in Addis Ababa. While Rabat ceded the position of first vice-president of the African Commission to Algiers, it made significant progress toward getting the Polisario listed among the continent's terrorist organizations—or at least securing its condemnation for human rights violations. The current international context could further support this objective. Indeed, in its final declaration, consulted by Yabiladi, the summit «requested the Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security to compile a comprehensive list of leaders of armed and terrorist groups in Africa responsible for crimes against refugees and internally displaced persons, and to prosecute those who commit, encourage, finance, or facilitate such crimes». No participant expressed opposition or reservations on this matter. The implementation of this resolution could encourage refugees to testify about the abuses suffered in the prisons of armed groups. In the case of the Polisario, it is not only Sahrawis and Royal Armed Forces (FAR) soldiers who have endured violations, but also Mauritanians —whose cases have largely been overlooked by human rights organizations. AU Calls for Refugee Census The summit also urged member states to «strengthen the protection of refugee camps and internally displaced persons, and to take additional measures to shield them from exploitation by armed and terrorist groups». Additionally, it called on the AU Commission to develop systems for collecting, analyzing, and managing data on refugees, returnees, and internally displaced persons to improve decision-making and ensure effective humanitarian action. Algeria has long refused UN requests to conduct a census of the population in the Tindouf camps. The latest request was included in UN Security Council Resolution 2756 on Western Sahara, adopted on October 31, 2024. Algeria, however, has consistently pushed back, arguing in September 2022 at the UN General Assembly that «a census only makes sense if it is part of a fair and free referendum allowing the people of Western Sahara to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination». By securing the African Union's support for its longstanding demand for a census in Tindouf, Morocco has achieved progress within the continental organization, complementing its gains in UN bodies.
