Uranium Project Push: Aura Energy named John Carr as president, with Fortescue’s Spencer Davey joining as CFO and Jeremy Carter as chief strategy officer, as the Tiris uranium project in Mauritania moves toward a bankable feasibility study due mid-October and financing targeted by end-2026, while a pilot plant at Bir Moghrein is already under way. Energy Finance & Rural Power: Mauritania signed a €39.2m concessional loan with France to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aiming to cut rural-urban gaps and support broader electricity and social development goals. Customs & Trade Links: Mauritania’s Finance Minister met the Algerian Customs director general in Nouakchott to strengthen customs cooperation and coordination. Energy Sector Accountability: The Energy and Oil minister warned contractors to speed up project delivery, stressing contract withdrawal and possible cancellation for poor performance or delays. Regional Integration & Diplomacy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani reaffirmed Mauritania’s ECOWAS integration push in Sierra Leone and met Kuwait’s crown prince, highlighting debt settlement support and interest in renewable energy and investment. Blue Economy & Ports: Mauritania participated in offshore oil and gas technology talks in Houston and engaged the US Coast Guard on seaport cooperation, including visits to Nouadhibou and Nouakchott. Mali Conflict Fallout: Amnesty International renewed scrutiny of Mali’s security partnership, alleging war crimes by Malian forces and Wagner-linked fighters along the Mauritania border, with reported civilian killings and torture.