AGP Executive Report

Ebola Update: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola curve has slowed but “has not yet bent,” with 5,656 confirmed cases and 2,715 deaths; 58 health zones across six provinces are affected, and a $30m funding gap threatens logistics and protective gear. Regional Health Cooperation: CAR, DRC, Uganda, Congo and South Sudan back cross-border preparedness to stop Bundibugyo spread. Kinshasa–Angola Infrastructure: Angola’s João Lourenço and DR Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi signed deals to unlock the Lobito Corridor, with a new rail concession and plans for major power lines to supply electricity to mines and communities. Mining, Energy & Jobs: Kamoa-Kakula’s solar-plus-battery baseload project begins commercial operations near Kolwezi, supplying 30MW firm renewable power to the copper complex. Conflict & Education: DR Congo suspends university activities in M23-controlled areas after “illegal” appointments, while M23 says a substitute mechanism will keep students studying. Rights vs Mining: Women-led cross-border efforts push back on land grabs and pollution tied to mining giants, using community radio and legal education. Business & Trade: Uganda and DR Congo hold a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to tackle trade barriers and attract investment.

Ebola Emergency in DRC: Experts warn the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is spreading “exponentially,” with deaths now above 2,500 and health workers struggling with funding gaps, misinformation, and fragile infrastructure. Pope Calls for Action: Pope Leo XIV urged the international community to respond fast and include local communities in prevention efforts. US Travel Curbs: The US tightened entry rules—anyone who was in the DRC within 21 days of a flight to the US won’t be allowed to board. Eastern Congo Ceasefire Monitoring: A UN-backed ceasefire verification team has deployed to Minembwe, with DRC and M23 agreeing a roadmap, though fighting continues. Press Freedom Crackdown: CPJ says rebel authorities in South Kivu are banning political coverage and suspending a Bukavu FM program. M23 Strike in Fizi: A drone strike hit Mwalu Hotel in Fizi, with suspicions of an intelligence leak and named FARDC/FDNB-linked officials reportedly targeted. Lobito Corridor Deal: Kinshasa is formalizing the DRC’s commitment to the Lobito Corridor, aiming to boost mineral exports and also step up cooperation against wildlife and environmental crimes.

Ebola Emergency: Pope Leo XIV urged international action to help contain DR Congo’s fast-spreading Ebola outbreak, which has already claimed more than 2,500 lives, stressing that local communities must be involved in prevention. WHO Guidance: WHO updated temporary recommendations for DR Congo, adding tighter surveillance, infection control, risk communication and new rules on mobility and mass gatherings as risk is rated “very high.” Travel Curbs: The U.S. introduced stricter boarding rules for travellers who have been in DR Congo within 21 days, including those who only transited through the country, as authorities respond to the outbreak. Eastern DRC Politics: The Committee to Protect Journalists called on M23-linked authorities in South Kivu to lift bans on political broadcasting and reverse the suspension of Bukavu FM’s Claude Kashonga. Ceasefire Monitoring: A ceasefire verification team arrived in Minembwe, South Kivu, as MONUSCO-supported monitors begin documenting alleged truce violations. Security on the Ground: AFC-M23 forces reported capturing Remeka and Katoyi in southern Masisi, a shift after years of FDLR control. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar reiterated it is pushing the U.S. and Iran back to negotiations and warned escalation would harm regional stability and global energy and food supplies.

Ebola Crisis: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 5,500 confirmed cases and 2,642 deaths, with WHO warning it has reached a “defining moment” as spread outpaces control efforts; deaths are increasingly happening in communities, and MSF says the response must improve detection, safe isolation, and community support. Humanitarian Access: The Red Cross says six Ebola responders were injured in attacks across Ituri, Haut-Uele and North Kivu, with ambulances and equipment damaged—raising fears that violence is slowing containment. Peace Process in the East: Kinshasa and the Rwanda-backed M23 have agreed a roadmap for comprehensive peace talks after Switzerland meetings, including a ceasefire monitoring mechanism and a first verification mission due in Minembwe, South Kivu. Constitutional Tensions: Opposition leaders are pushing back hard on constitutional changes ahead of the 2028 vote, warning reforms could open the door to a third term for President Tshisekedi. Rwanda-DRC Accusations: In Kigali, President Kagame again blamed Kinshasa for the conflict’s persistence, saying Rwanda’s main concern is the FDLR and calling disarmament efforts “superficial.” Legal Pressure: Former DRC President Joseph Kabila has filed a lawsuit in Washington to challenge US sanctions tied to alleged support for M23/AFC.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps worsening, with confirmed cases now above 5,500 and deaths at 2,642; the WHO says the epidemic has reached a “defining moment,” while health authorities report the fatality rate near 48% and warn that community deaths outside treatment centers remain a major problem. Humanitarian Under Fire: The Red Cross says six Ebola response workers were injured in attacks across Ituri, North Kivu and Haut-Uele, with ambulances and equipment damaged—raising fears that violence is slowing the response. Pope Calls for Help: Pope Leo XIV urged stronger international action for the DRC Ebola crisis and stressed that local communities must be involved in prevention efforts. Eastern Congo Ceasefire Watch: A Qatar-mediated ceasefire monitoring mission has deployed to eastern DR Congo to verify the truce between the Congolese army and Rwanda-backed M23, starting operations in Minembwe and set to travel to Uvira and Kalehe. Peace Roadmap: Kinshasa and M23 agreed in Switzerland on a roadmap for peace talks under the Doha framework, including a ceasefire verification mechanism and steps for negotiations. M23 Accusations: The DRC government alleges mass killings, torture, rape, kidnappings and forced recruitment in M23-held areas in June and July, while pointing to ongoing peace efforts. Kabila vs Sanctions: Former DRC president Joseph Kabila has filed a lawsuit in Washington to challenge US sanctions that accuse him of supporting M23 and the Congo River Alliance.

Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 5,500 confirmed cases and 2,642 deaths, with the WHO calling it a “defining moment” as transmission keeps outpacing control efforts; the virus is now in 57 health zones across six provinces, and the WHO flags community deaths and insecurity as major barriers. Humanitarian Attacks: The Red Cross says Ebola responders have been attacked multiple times, including stone-throwing and vandalism of ambulances and equipment, cutting into the response capacity. Global Appeal: Pope Leo XIV urged international action that works with local communities to prevent more deaths, as the outbreak continues to spread. Peace Talks in the East: DR Congo and the M23 (including AFC/M23) agreed a Switzerland-mediated roadmap for Doha peace talks, prioritizing ceasefire verification with a first mission due in Minembwe and a standardized way to report alleged ceasefire violations. Regional Finance: Afreximbank reported a 30% jump in first-half 2026 net income to about $535 million, citing expanded lending and trade activity.

Peace Talks in Eastern Congo: The DRC government and Rwanda-backed M23 agreed in Switzerland on a roadmap for renewed negotiations under the Doha Framework, including sequenced steps, a mechanism to review progress, and a standardized way to report ceasefire violations; the first ceasefire verification mission is set for Aug. 24 in Minembwe, South Kivu. Ebola Emergency Escalates: Pope Leo XIV urged international action to curb the Ebola outbreak, as UN officials warn it is spreading “exponentially,” with thousands infected and deaths rising fast; the response is also facing a looming funding cliff. Frontline Strain and Community Impact: In eastern Congo, artisanal miners say they lack access to care and protection, while attacks and disruptions are hampering treatment and safe burials. Kinshasa Air Quality Alert: Kinshasa topped pollution lists with an AQI of 211, raising health concerns as the outbreak and insecurity continue to stress public services.

Peace Talks Roadmap: The DR Congo government and the M23 rebel group agreed in Switzerland on a sequenced roadmap to restart comprehensive peace negotiations under the Doha framework, including a standardized way to report ceasefire violations and a review mechanism; a first ceasefire verification mission is set for Aug. 24 in Minembwe, as fighting continues in eastern provinces. Ebola Emergency: Pope Leo XIV urged international action to help contain DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak, which has killed more than 2,500 people, while Kinshasa received 16,250 doses of the Ervebo vaccine (with 70,000 expected in total) as health teams race to vaccinate frontline workers and contacts amid warnings the outbreak is still accelerating. Local Governance Probe: Uganda–DRC border authorities in Kasese ordered a fresh investigation into the Mpondwe-Lhubiriha cattle market dispute, after concerns over revenue collection and why a traders’ cooperative was blocked despite a valid contract. Trade & Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines announced expanded daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, adding to its growing links with DR Congo.

Ebola Emergency in DRC: Kinshasa received the first batch of 16,250 Ervebo vaccine doses on Friday, with 70,000 doses in total expected to arrive for a Bundibugyo-focused response and a clinical trial; health officials say cases and deaths are still rising fast, with UN warnings that the outbreak is spreading “exponentially” and may not have peaked yet. Public Health Measures: Authorities are also tightening burials by requiring Ebola testing of bodies before release to families, aiming to stop funerals from becoming new transmission points. Peace Effort in Eastern Congo: The DRC and M23 agreed on a roadmap for comprehensive peace talks under the Doha framework after renewed talks in Switzerland, including a standardized way to report ceasefire violations—though fighting remains fragile on the ground. Mining Policy: The DRC has banned exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, a move meant to push more processing inside the country and likely to disrupt regional supply chains. Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines announced expanded service to Kinshasa, adding daily midday flights from Dec. 1, 2026.

Ebola Vaccine Rollout: The DRC received its first batch of Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses—16,520 (reported as 16,250/16,520 in different dispatches)—as the outbreak keeps surging across eastern and northeastern provinces, with health authorities saying more than 50,000 doses are expected next. Outbreak Escalation: Confirmed cases have climbed past 5,200, with deaths exceeding 2,500, and UN officials warn the spread is “exponential,” with the real number of infections possibly far higher than official counts. Frontline Strain: Doctors Without Borders says communities and health workers are not getting enough support, while reports highlight unpaid or underpaid staff and attacks that disrupt care. Regional Response: A new ECSA-HC emergency effort targets Ebola prevention along major trade and migration corridors and points of entry, aiming to detect and isolate cases before they reach larger cities like Kinshasa. Aid Funding Pressure: The UN Ebola response faces urgent financing gaps as coordinators warn available funds may run out within weeks.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spreading “exponentially,” with the UN reporting more than 2,500 deaths and the epidemic covering an area bigger than France; the UN Ebola coordinator Julien Harneis warned funding could run out within weeks as health workers face attacks and even ambulances are burned or stoned. Case Surge: WHO and Africa CDC figures put confirmed cases above 5,000 across dozens of health zones in eastern Congo, with the response struggling to keep up amid insecurity, weak health infrastructure, and community resistance. Cross-Border Response: ECSA-HC launched a six-month plan to tighten health controls at 33 priority border points and along 16 trade and migration corridors, equipping border teams with digital surveillance, isolation protocols, and faster lab transport to stop imported cases. Aid Funding Scrutiny: Africa CDC says nearly $700 million has been mobilized for the response, but concerns over corruption and whether money reaches frontline teams are growing. Regional Security: In Rawalpindi, DR Congo and Pakistan signed a defence and security MoU after talks between DR Congo’s defence chief and Pakistan’s top commanders. Connectivity Boost: Ethiopian Airlines announced expanded daily flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, adding more weekly service to DR Congo.

Ebola Emergency in DRC: The UN says the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is growing “exponentially,” with deaths now above 2,500 and half of fatalities recorded in the last 20 days; the coordinator warns the epidemic is spreading across an area “bigger than France” and could spill into neighboring countries unless response efforts surge. Health Workers Under Attack: The UN also reports healthcare workers are being attacked, with ambulances burned and facilities targeted, while more staff are falling ill and dying. Vaccine Push (Bundibugyo): WHO says DRC will receive 70,000 doses of Ervebo—approved for a different Ebola strain—while 20,000 will be used in a clinical trial for the Bundibugyo strain and 50,000 for frontline and health workers, as officials stress results are still uncertain. Surveillance Along the Congo River: Kinshasa has launched an emergency initiative, “Congo River Without Ebola,” to tighten monitoring along the river corridor to protect major cities including Kinshasa. Colonial Reparations Talk: In Baku, the DRC ombudsman and human rights officials urged Belgium to restore historical truth as a foundation for justice and reconciliation.

Ebola Surge in DRC: The WHO says DR Congo has confirmed 5,021 Ebola cases and 2,378 deaths, with Africa CDC warning the real toll could be far higher as only 30–40% of cases are being detected. Vaccine Push: WHO has allocated 70,000 Ervebo doses for the outbreak—20,000 for a Phase 3 trial and 50,000 for frontline and health workers—despite the vaccine being approved for a different Ebola strain. Aid and Response Scaling: UN partners report expanding safe care, burial teams, and surveillance, while DRC launched “Congo River Without Ebola” to stop spread along the river corridor toward cities like Mbandaka and Kinshasa. Regional Health Cooperation: Ghana stepped up entry-point surveillance, and an African health minister urged deeper cross-border sharing of information and local production capacity. Humanitarian Strain: Africa CDC says nearly two-thirds of deaths are occurring outside hospitals, underscoring how community transmission and weak access to care are driving the crisis.

Ebola Response: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has now surpassed 5,000 cases, with 5,021 confirmed infections and 2,378 deaths reported by Africa CDC, while WHO warns the epidemic is still “far from being under control.” Vaccine Supply: WHO says Kinshasa will receive 70,000 doses of Merck’s Ervebo vaccine for trials and frontline use, including 20,000 for a late-stage study against the Bundibugyo strain driving the surge. Conflict & Containment: In North Kivu, the AFC/M23 rebels have tightened movement after two travellers from a government-held area tested positive, suspending shared taxis on the Goma–Kirumba road for a month and halting some passenger boats—showing how fighting complicates health measures. Local Politics: Joseph Kabila pushes back after US Treasury sanctions, accusing Washington of destabilisation claims tied to CRA/M23. Regional Tensions: Egypt warns Nile Basin countries it will not allow new Nile dams, insisting any deal must be legally binding. Economy & Minerals: The DRC is weighing copper export curbs to boost local processing, but power shortages remain a major hurdle.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern DRC: Africa CDC says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 5,000 cases, reaching 5,021 confirmed infections and 2,378 deaths, with WHO warning the epidemic is still “far from being under control” as it spreads across six provinces. Humanitarian Strain: UNICEF reports children make up about one-fifth of confirmed cases but one-third of reported deaths, citing pressure on pediatric care and delayed referrals. Aid and Security Risks: UN marks World Humanitarian Day as it warns attacks on aid workers hit record levels in 2025, with drones increasingly used to strike from afar—raising fears for response teams in conflict zones. Regional Support: Tanzania donates medical supplies worth about Sh220 million to help DR Congo fight Ebola, while DP World and WFP deliver 5,000 tonnes of rice to communities in the region, including DR Congo. Connectivity Push: Airtel and Starlink launch direct-to-phone satellite mobile service in DR Congo, aiming to extend coverage to remote areas where health and communications are hardest to reach.

Ebola Crisis: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” with confirmed cases now above 5,000 and deaths around 2,378, as the virus spreads faster than previous outbreaks and response teams struggle to catch up. Aid Under Fire: UN marks World Humanitarian Day as Gaza stays the deadliest place for aid workers for a third straight year, while the UN warns armed drones are increasing risks for humanitarian operations. Trade & Transport: Tanzania and DR Congo plan to boost a Sh794 billion trade push by linking ports, rail, roads and water routes—aiming to cut the time and cost of moving goods through the Central Corridor. Food Security: DP World and WFP delivered 5,000 tonnes of rice to support emergency food aid in Burundi, DR Congo and Rwanda, targeting tens of thousands of people facing acute hunger. Regional Politics: SADC leaders back industrialisation and integration at the Durban summit, with Eswatini taking a key Troika role focused on politics, defence and security. Culture & Funding: An artist-led space in DR Congo launched an urgent crowdfunding drive to keep programming alive amid fragile arts financing.