AGP Executive Report

Eastern Conflict: Former president Joseph Kabila now leads a new coalition incorporating AFC-M23, which says it will challenge President Félix Tshisekedi’s government by any means, including force. The move threatens to complicate peace efforts as fighting continues in South Kivu. Ebola Outbreak: The DRC has reported 9,066 cases and 4,381 deaths across seven provinces. WHO expects a vaccine trial to begin by month’s end, but armed conflict and distrust are hampering the response. Health Services: Fear of Ebola is keeping women and children from seeking care in the east. Maternal deaths in Ituri rose nearly 70% from May to July compared with the same period last year, while childhood immunizations are falling. Kinshasa: Municipal councillors from 24 provinces have kept a seven-day sit-in outside the Finance Ministry, demanding full payment of operating allowances after receiving only half. Copper Trade: Mercuria has agreed to pay up to $250 million for three years of copper supply from Congolese operations.

Rebel Coalition: Former President Joseph Kabila is leading a new political-military alliance with figures linked to M23, which says it may use force to oust President Félix Tshisekedi. The move could deepen eastern Congo’s conflict and complicate planned peace talks. Ebola Outbreak: Confirmed cases have reached 9,066, with 4,381 deaths across seven provinces. The Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment, and conflict and limited medical access are hampering containment. South Kivu Fighting: Government forces and allies reportedly abandoned several positions in the Bijombo highlands after drone attacks attributed to AFC/M23. Rebels say they retook two positions; the claims have not been independently verified. Mineral Trade: The UN warns illicit mineral trafficking in the Great Lakes region continues to finance armed groups, urging stronger controls and accountability.

Eastern DRC Conflict: Former president Joseph Kabila is leading a new political-military alliance with M23 leaders, unveiled in Goma as the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation. The group says it will challenge President Félix Tshisekedi’s government “by any means, including force,” raising fears of further escalation. Ebola Outbreak: Confirmed cases in the DRC have climbed to 9,066, with 4,381 deaths, making the Bundibugyo-strain outbreak the country’s largest and deadliest. Responders are struggling to contain spread across multiple hotspots. Peace Efforts: African Union envoys held talks in Kigali on the eastern DRC crisis, but fighting continues. The AU urged respect for ceasefire commitments and cooperation with monitoring efforts. Conservation: For the first time in modern DRC history, a local NGO will co-manage a protected area: Strong Roots Congo is partnering with the wildlife authority at Itombwe Nature Reserve in South Kivu.

Kabila–M23 Alliance: Former president Joseph Kabila has been named head of the new Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, formed with the Rwanda-backed M23 movement in Goma. Its founding declaration says it may use force against Kinshasa; the future status of M23 remains unclear. Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia last year over alleged links to the rebels. Eastern Conflict: African Union mediators have held talks in Kinshasa, but ceasefire efforts have yet to stop fighting in the east. Former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy was wounded in a September ambush in South Kivu that left about 20 people dead or injured. Ebola: The outbreak in eastern DRC continues to raise cross-border concerns after a traveler from the country died of Ebola in Kenya. Kinshasa Health: The provincial government says it will cover treatment for some breast cancer patients, following a screening campaign that reached about 1,000 women.

Eastern DRC Security: Rebel leader Thomas Lubanga reaffirmed a ceasefire after meeting Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Congolese officials. African Union mediators have also wrapped up a 72-hour mission in Kinshasa focused on the eastern crisis. Political Dialogue: Former president Joseph Kabila called for an inclusive national dialogue, accusing Félix Tshisekedi’s government of authoritarian drift and criticizing its handling of the war. Ebola: The outbreak in eastern DRC continues to raise regional concern after a Congolese-linked case killed a patient in Kenya. Kenya says 293 tests have found no further cases; 108 contacts are quarantined. South Kivu Ambush: Former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy was wounded in a September attack on forces linked to Erik Prince’s security company. He is receiving treatment at Walter Reed; reports say about 20 people were killed or wounded. Women’s Football: The Léopards have arrived in Abidjan for Tuesday’s Olympic qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire, needing to overturn a 4–1 first-leg defeat.

Eastern DRC Peace Efforts: African Union envoys have wrapped up a 72-hour mission in Kinshasa focused on the eastern crisis, with next steps still unclear. Separately, rebel leader Thomas Lubanga reaffirmed his group’s ceasefire after meeting Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Congolese officials. Political Tensions: Former president Joseph Kabila is urging an inclusive national dialogue and accusing Félix Tshisekedi’s government of authoritarian drift. Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba has hit back, accusing Kabila of enabling Rwandan influence—claims Kabila’s camp disputes. Ebola Outbreak: The epidemic continues to spread in eastern DRC, with new cases reported in North Kivu and the risk of cross-border transmission highlighted by Kenya’s imported case. Kenya says tests have found no further infections; all 122 contacts have been identified, with 108 in quarantine.

Ebola Outbreak: The virus has reached another health zone in eastern DRC. WHO reported 8,728 confirmed cases and 4,205 deaths by October 6, as Kenya’s first imported case—a man who travelled from the DRC through Uganda—underscored the risk of cross-border spread. Peace Efforts: President Félix Tshisekedi told African Union facilitators in Kinshasa that peace commitments must lead to concrete, verifiable action in eastern Congo. Security: A September ambush in South Kivu involving Erik Prince’s Vectus Global left about 20 people dead or wounded, including Congolese and foreign contractors. The attackers’ identity remains unclear. Infrastructure: Construction of the planned road-rail bridge linking Kinshasa and Brazzaville is now expected to begin in June 2027, under a new agreement involving both governments and Africa50.

Ebola Outbreak: The epidemic has reached Alimbongo in North Kivu, with four confirmed cases and two deaths. By October 6, the WHO had recorded 8,728 cases and 4,205 deaths across seven provinces. Kenya’s first imported case, carried from the DRC through Uganda, died in Nairobi, highlighting the risk of cross-border spread. Eastern Conflict: A September ambush in South Kivu left about 20 people dead or wounded, including at least seven Congolese killed. Former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy was among the wounded while working with Erik Prince’s Vectus Global; responsibility for the attack remains unclear. Peace Talks: President Félix Tshisekedi told visiting African Union facilitators that negotiations must deliver concrete, verifiable results in eastern DRC. Regional Link: Construction of the Kinshasa–Brazzaville road-rail bridge is scheduled to begin in June 2027, following an agreement with Africa50.

Lake Tumba Tragedy: A mother and her two children died after a hippopotamus struck their canoe at night in Equateur province; one family member survived. Eastern DRC Peace Talks: President Félix Tshisekedi told an African Union panel in Kinshasa that diplomatic commitments must lead to concrete, verifiable action on the ground. Ebola Outbreak: The DRC has recorded 8,728 confirmed cases and 4,205 deaths. Infections persist in Ituri and North Kivu, while Kenya’s first case involved a man who travelled from the DRC through Uganda before his illness was identified. South Kivu Ambush: A reported attack on Erik Prince’s Vectus Global team left about 20 people dead or wounded, including at least seven Congolese. Former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy was among the wounded; reports of Rwandan involvement remain unconfirmed. Kinshasa Infrastructure: Public lighting work on Lumumba Avenue in Ngaba is complete, with the official launch still to come.

Eastern Front: Erik Prince’s Vectus Global contractors were ambushed in South Kivu on Sept. 17, with at least 20 people killed or wounded, Reuters reported. At least seven Congolese and a former New Zealand special forces member were killed; former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy was among the wounded. Sources said Rwanda-backed M23 forces may have carried out the attack. Ebola Outbreak: Cases are easing in parts of Ituri and North Kivu, but new hotspots and insecurity continue to hamper the response. By Oct. 6, the outbreak had caused 4,205 deaths among 8,728 confirmed cases. Kenya has confirmed an imported case linked to travel from the DRC; a suspected case in Wajir tested negative. Peace Talks: African Union facilitators are in Kinshasa for talks with President Félix Tshisekedi, urging ceasefire compliance and continued dialogue as fighting persists in the east. Kinshasa & Development: Tshisekedi set priorities for the Grand Inga hydropower project, stressing that local communities must be protected. Street-lighting work on Lumumba Avenue in Ngaba is complete, with commissioning expected soon.

Ebola Response: The DRC outbreak has caused 8,728 confirmed cases and 4,205 deaths as of October 6. Cases are easing in Ituri and North Kivu, but 47 of 64 affected health zones still report transmission, with new hotspots near South Sudan. Kenya’s imported case has heightened regional alert; a suspected case in Wajir tested negative. Eastern Conflict: African Union facilitators arrived in Kinshasa after talks in Goma and Kigali, urging all sides to honor the ceasefire and protect civilians as fighting persists in the east. Football Dispute: FIFA dismissed Nigeria’s protest over DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi on procedural grounds. Fresh reports say FIFA officials had also questioned whether he completed the required process to switch national teams.

Ebola Outbreak: Cases are easing in parts of eastern DRC, but new hotspots are emerging near South Sudan. By October 6, the outbreak had caused 4,205 deaths across 64 health zones; insecurity is hampering surveillance. Trials of two candidate vaccines have begun in Uganda. Cross-Border Alert: Kenya has confirmed its first Ebola death, linked to a traveller from the DRC via Uganda, prompting contact tracing and tighter screening. Eastern Conflict: African Union facilitators urged the DRC government and M23 to honour ceasefire commitments and pursue dialogue after talks in Goma, warning that civilians need protection and aid must reach affected areas. Kinshasa Services: The provincial government and Africell RDC are exploring cooperation on digital administration, transport and tourism projects. River Disaster: At least 30 people died and dozens were reported missing after boats collided on the Congo River earlier this week.

Ebola Crisis: The outbreak in eastern DRC has killed more than 4,000 people, and MSF warns it is spreading beyond control. Kenya confirmed and lost a patient who had travelled from the DRC through Uganda, prompting regional screening and contact tracing. Eastern Conflict: Fighting resumed in Masisi even as African Union facilitators met M23 leaders in Goma to press for peace. The war is also enabling armed groups to profit from gold mining, road tolls and extortion. Kinshasa Press Freedom: Journalist Gauthier Sey Tshiang was flown to France for treatment after an assault; another journalist is missing and two are in detention, prompting calls for authorities to protect the press. River Disaster: A boat collision on the Congo River killed at least 30 people, with dozens still missing. Football: FIFA says DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mbasi was eligible for the World Cup, rejecting allegations that he lacked approval to switch national teams.

Ebola Emergency: MSF says the outbreak in eastern DRC remains far from contained, with many deaths occurring in communities and new cases lacking known contacts. Reported totals have reached more than 8,600 confirmed cases and 4,100 deaths. Kenya has confirmed its first Ebola death after a man travelled from DRC through Uganda; officials are tracing contacts and reviewing screening failures. Eastern Peace Talks: African Union mediators met AFC/M23 leaders in Goma and urged respect for the ceasefire, civilian protection and safe aid access, but fighting continues in North and South Kivu. River Safety: At least 30 people died and dozens remain missing after boat collisions on the Congo River, renewing calls for lasting prevention measures, not just emergency responses.**

Ebola Emergency: MSF says the outbreak is spreading rapidly in North Kivu, which accounts for nearly 40% of new cases. More than 4,100 people have died nationwide. A man who had lived in the DRC died of Ebola in Kenya after travelling through Uganda, exposing screening gaps. Roche is sending testing equipment to Bunia to expand the DRC’s limited lab capacity. River Safety: Repeated boat disasters, including a Congo River collision that killed at least 30 people, are renewing calls for lasting prevention—not just emergency action after tragedies. Overcrowding, night travel and a lack of life jackets remain known risks. Mining: The DRC has launched a three-year airborne survey across nine provinces to map mineral deposits and attract investment, while aiming to better protect the country’s interests.

Ebola Cross-Border Shock: Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case linked to the DRC after a Kenyan man who had been living in the DRC died in Nairobi; officials say he travelled by road to Kampala, then flew to Nairobi, where he was isolated and tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain, while contact tracing focused on dozens of people including flight passengers and crew. Screening Under Fire: Doctors and officials questioned how the patient passed airport screening and left for Nairobi Hospital before results came back, with calls for tighter surveillance and faster testing. Regional Response Boost: WHO backed Kenya, the DRC and Uganda with support for contact tracing, surveillance and screening, and Africa CDC said a high-level team will travel to assess needs. Kinshasa Diplomacy: Angola delivered a message from President João Lourenço to Kinshasa’s Félix Tshisekedi, stressing cooperation and Angola’s continued mediation for stability in eastern DRC. Sports & Governance Fallout: FIFA reportedly knew DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible in a World Cup play-off vs Nigeria but allowed him to play, reigniting eligibility scrutiny.