Summary:

On 9 July 2025, American online media outlet Semafor reported that Mauritania is preparing to take steps toward restoring diplomatic ties with Israel in a deal closely cultivated by the White House and US President Donald Trump. The development is linked to a recent meeting between President Trump and several African leaders, including Mauritania’s president Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, held at the White House. 

According to Semafor, the Mauritanian president was expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of a mini-US-Africa summit, which also included leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Senegal. 

However, Mauritania’s ambassador to the United States, Cisse Mint Cheikh Ould Boide, has denied these reports, dismissing the claims as “fake news.” 

Mauritania is among nine African countries that do not currently recognize Israel, including Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Libya, Somalia, and Tunisia, or have suspended diplomatic ties, as is the case with Mali and Niger. Mauritania maintained full diplomatic relations with Israel from 1999 until 2009 but severed them in 2010 following the Gaza conflict. Since then, official relations have remained suspended. 

Outlook: 

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