AGP Executive Report

Ebola Surge in DRC: The outbreak keeps accelerating. Congo’s Health Ministry says confirmed Ebola cases have hit 1,830 with 648 deaths, and the virus has now reached a fourth province (Haut-Uele), with 780 patients in treatment and 284 recoveries. WHO Warning on Hidden Spread: WHO says many infections are still slipping past detection, estimating the real scale could be two to four times higher than confirmed counts, driven by transmission outside known contact lists. Response Strain: WHO officials also warn that partners are not sharing data fast enough and some donor support is delayed, slowing contact tracing and lab testing. New Ebola Case Linked to U.S. Response: A U.S. humanitarian worker in Congo tested positive and will be moved to Europe for care, while the CDC says it’s working with partners to trace contacts. Regional Security & Politics: In South Kivu, reports claim drone strikes hit Burundian reinforcements in Fizi, reviving questions about Burundi’s role as fighting intensifies. Diplomacy Attempt: Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye met Congolese opposition and religious leaders in Bujumbura, aiming to mediate amid a tense political climate.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: Kinshasa is watching the outbreak worsen fast. The DRC Health Ministry says confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 1,830 with 648 deaths, as the virus spreads to a fourth province (Haut-Uele) and authorities expand the list of affected areas to include Tshopo and Haut-Uele. Africa CDC warns the outbreak is expanding faster than past epidemics, while WHO notes the real scale may be larger than official figures. US Case Raises Regional Anxiety: A U.S. humanitarian worker in Congo has tested positive for Ebola, prompting CDC contact-tracing efforts and renewed debate about regional preparedness. World Cup Talk, With a Congo Link: Separate from health news, Africa’s World Cup performance is being used to defend the continent’s increased slots, with the DRC’s return after 52 years highlighted.

Ebola Update: Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps worsening: health authorities say deaths have climbed to 648 and confirmed cases to 1,830, with new provinces added to the official list including Tshopo and Haut-Uele; WHO warns the real scale could be 2–4 times higher, with many new infections not linked to known contacts. Humanitarian Pressure: UNICEF says the crisis is spreading beyond Ebola alone, as trust between communities and health centres collapses and other diseases like cholera and polio still threaten children. Health Worker Strike: Ebola response teams in Bunia protested unpaid wages outside treatment centres, raising fears of disruption. Mining & Taxes: DRC’s tax authority has sealed Glencore’s Kamoto Copper Company facilities near Kolwezi over a $3B tax dispute, halting production. Public Health Monitoring: WHO says four vaccine candidates for the Bundibugyo strain could be available in about three months, but prevention measures must continue.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern DRC: The UN warns the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is accelerating and could worsen an already collapsing humanitarian situation in eastern DRC, where births in maternity wards have reportedly plunged and trust between communities and health centres is breaking down. Outbreak Expands to New Province: Haut-Uele becomes the fourth province officially affected after seven fatal cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 1,792 cases and 625 deaths. Hidden Spread Concern: WHO officials say about 80% of new confirmed cases in the epicentre have no link to known contacts, suggesting the real scale may be 2–4 times higher than official figures. Response Under Strain: Africa CDC says the virus is moving faster than resources, urging donors to quickly release funds; meanwhile, health workers have threatened or staged strikes over pay delays. Aid and Diagnostics Push: Medical aid and PPE are reaching Ebola treatment centres, while new rapid diagnostic work is underway for the Bundibugyo strain. Local Politics and Rights: Human Rights Watch reports excessive force by security forces against protesters opposing Tshisekedi’s constitutional reform, with injuries and arrests reported.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern DRC: The Ebola outbreak in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has climbed to 1,792 confirmed cases and 625 deaths, with 33 new infections and 25 more deaths reported in the last 24 hours. Authorities say the outbreak now affects 37 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, while investigations continue into suspected cases in Tshopo (Kisangani) and Haut-Uele, showing the virus is spreading beyond the original epicenter. Health System Strain: WHO and Africa CDC officials warn the outbreak is still in an expansion phase and that the virus is moving faster than the response, as frontline workers strike over delayed pay and attacks on health facilities continue to disrupt care. Community Resistance: Reports also highlight how misinformation and violent incidents—including attacks on treatment centers and clashes over Ebola victims’ bodies—are undermining containment efforts. Political Tensions: In Kinshasa, opposition leaders are calling for Tshisekedi’s resignation and plan major protests against a push for constitutional change that could open the door to a third term.

Ebola Surge in DRC: The World Health Organization says the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has killed 600 people and confirmed 1,759 cases, with Africa CDC calling it the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak ever. New Hotspots: Congo’s health ministry reports suspected cases in previously unaffected provinces Tshopo and Haut-Uele, including Kisangani in Tshopo, as officials warn the peak is still unknown. Response Under Strain: Health minister Roger Kamba says the outbreak remains “very active,” while WHO notes transmission is still in an expansion phase and the health system is stretched. Community Resistance: Clashes tied to Ebola restrictions have included attacks on treatment centers and healthcare workers, with reports of protests by response workers over delayed pay. Eastern DRC Security: The UN urged an immediate end to fighting between DRC forces and M23 in South Kivu, warning civilians are being killed and displaced as hostilities intensify.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: The Ebola death toll in the Democratic Republic of Congo has climbed to 600, with 1,759 confirmed cases, as suspected infections are now being investigated in Kisangani (Tshopo province)—including one case linked to Ituri’s Nia-Nia health zone and another with no clear link to known outbreaks. Health Response Under Strain: Containment efforts are being hit by community resistance, attacks on health centers, and health worker strikes over unpaid pay and allowances, raising fears that surveillance and safe burials could be disrupted. New Treatment Push: Clinical trials for potential Bundibugyo Ebola treatments have begun, while WHO warns the outbreak remains in an expansion phase fueled by population movement. Local Governance Tensions: In Kinshasa, Human Rights Watch reports security forces used excessive force against protesters opposing a proposed constitutional change that could extend President Tshisekedi’s term. Economy & Connectivity: Separately, Airtel Africa secured a $150m IFC loan to modernize mobile networks across multiple African markets, including the DRC.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern DRC: The WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is still in an “expansion phase,” with DR Congo reporting 1,708 confirmed cases and 580 deaths, as transmission continues to outpace response amid conflict and population movement. Health Workers Strike: In Ituri, frontline staff have begun walking off the job over unpaid wages and bonuses and shortages of protective gear, threatening continuity of care just as clinical trials for Bundibugyo treatments get underway. Clinical Trials Start in Bunia: Trials launched July 2 at the Evangelical Medical Center in Bunia aim to find a standard treatment for the rare strain, with results expected over the next months. New Tools for Diagnosis: York-based Aptamer Group has started developing a rapid diagnostic test for Bundibugyo using its Optimer binders, targeting a key gap in fast, field-ready detection. Political Tension: Congo’s opposition C64 has postponed nationwide protests after mediation by Burundi’s President Ndayishimiye, amid disputes over a planned constitutional referendum and term limits. Kinshasa Sports Note: Petro de Luanda will compete in the Women’s African Handball Cup Winners’ Cup in Kinshasa, aiming to defend its title.

Ebola Update (DRC): The WHO says the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is still in an “expansion phase,” driven by population movement and transmission outpacing response capacity, as confirmed cases rose to 1,708 with 580 deaths. Health System Strain: WHO warns treatment centres are near saturation and that deaths in the community before patients reach care show surveillance and referral are lagging. Frontline Workers Push Back: Health workers in Ituri have threatened to strike over unpaid benefits, poor conditions, and lack of protective gear—raising fears for contact tracing and patient care. Regional Response: Uganda reports it has contained spread of imported Ebola-linked cases and is sending support teams and mobile labs to reinforce cross-border surveillance in Congo. International Support: China’s medical experts and officials say they are deepening cooperation with Kinshasa on epidemic surveillance, clinical treatment, and training. Local Politics (Kinshasa): Cardinal Ambongo criticizes political rhetoric that he says distracts from urgent social and economic hardship, urging Catholics not to be misled ahead of planned civic action.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern DRC: WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is still in an “expansion phase,” with DR Congo now reporting about 1,561 cases and 506 deaths as transmission keeps spreading through Ituri and North Kivu, worsened by population movement and health facilities running near capacity. Health System Strain: WHO warns many deaths happen before patients reach care, treatment centres are around 90% full, and contact tracing still needs to move faster. Clinical Trials Offer a Glimmer: With no approved vaccine or treatment for this strain, new trials are underway to test experimental drugs and therapies, aiming to improve survival. Regional Readiness: South Africa is preparing for a possible importation, designating hospitals and running readiness drills. Security on the Ground: In South Kivu, Congolese forces say they’re using drones to push back M23 and retake villages around Minembwe. Local Governance & Politics: Cardinal Ambongo warns that political rhetoric is distracting from everyday hardship, calling it a form of “slavery.”

Ebola Surge in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo reports Ebola cases rising to 1,561 with 506 deaths, as the Bundibugyo outbreak spreads across multiple provinces and health teams warn capacity is being stretched. Treatment Push: A second Ebola treatment centre has opened in North Kivu to improve access, while WHO-backed clinical trials are underway for Bundibugyo, including testing of two treatments. Aid and Health System Strain: Health workers threaten strike action over low wages and poor conditions, and experts say shrinking resources and insecurity are making containment harder. Cross-border Response: Uganda is also affected, with confirmed cases reported there, while international efforts continue to monitor contacts and support infection prevention. Kinshasa Angle: With the outbreak worsening in eastern provinces, Kinshasa-based authorities and partners face mounting pressure to sustain logistics, staffing, and public health messaging.

Ebola Crisis: The WHO says DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has now surpassed 500 deaths, with 506 fatalities and 1,561 confirmed cases reported as of July 4, while health workers in Ituri threaten strike action over unpaid benefits and poor conditions; a clinical trial for two treatments has started and a second treatment centre has opened in North Kivu to expand care. Frontline Security: Fighting between the DRC Army and M23 in South Kivu’s Fizi territory left at least 54 civilians dead over the weekend, with roads, health centres, livestock and crops damaged and more displacement reported. Mining & Economy: Congo says copper and cobalt production faces no major threat despite Middle East-linked sulfuric acid supply disruptions, as Kinshasa expects a “widely positive” 2026 outlook; the government is also set to extend fuel subsidy cuts, starting with mining, to cushion the energy shock. Governance & Rights: A coalition of over 70 groups urges Kinshasa to keep the national moratorium on new industrial logging concessions, warning draft moves could open tens of millions of hectares to timber.

Ebola Crisis: DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak keeps worsening, with authorities reporting 506 deaths and 1,561 confirmed cases as of July 4, plus 253 recoveries and 628 patients still in care—WHO warns there are still no approved treatments or vaccines for this strain. Clinical Response: A WHO-backed trial has started enrolling patients in Ituri, testing an experimental monoclonal antibody (MBP134) and remdesivir alongside supportive care, while contact tracing and surveillance continue amid community transmission. International Aid: UNDP says the outbreak could cost Africa $3.6 billion, push nearly 985,000 people into poverty, and put 300,000 jobs at risk, as UNICEF delivers emergency supplies to frontline teams. China Support: A second batch of Chinese medical experts has arrived in Kinshasa to reinforce lab work, case management, infection control, and training for the Ebola response. Security & Trade Pressure: The US imposed sanctions on Rwandan firms and individuals it says help finance M23 in eastern DRC through conflict-minerals smuggling.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo confirmed 1,528 Ebola cases and 492 deaths, with 239 recoveries and 628 patients in isolation or hospital as WHO warns community transmission is still intense, especially in Ituri and North Kivu. Authorities cite resistance to post-mortem testing, weak contact tracing, lab delays, medicine and infection-control shortages, and insecurity blocking access. Clinical Trial Starts: WHO says a treatment trial is enrolling patients for the Bundibugyo strain, testing remdesivir and an experimental antibody therapy (MBP134) to find safer, effective options. Minerals and UN Push: Congo is using its UN Security Council rotating presidency to push a resolution aimed at stopping armed groups from exploiting the country’s 3TG minerals (tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold), linking resource governance to protection of civilians and conflict reduction. Kinshasa Watch: With the outbreak worsening and containment capacity strained, health response and community trust remain the immediate battleground.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern DRC: The WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is still severe, with DR Congo reporting about 1,528 confirmed cases and 492 deaths and community transmission continuing in Ituri and North Kivu. Treatment Push: In Bunia, researchers have started an experimental clinical trial for possible treatments, as health teams struggle with insecurity, limited supplies, and weak contact tracing. Boat Tragedy in Kasai: At least 20 people died and 100+ are missing after an overloaded wooden boat carrying students sank at the confluence of the Kasai and Sankuru rivers; authorities say it left illegally to avoid safety checks. Cobalt Export Disruption: Major producers warn a customs registration system failure could strand around 20,000 tonnes of cobalt and threaten $1.1bn in export quotas. Regional Security Warning: A Rwandan diplomat warned that genocide ideology remains a live threat in the Great Lakes region, pointing to eastern DRC as a flashpoint. World Cup, Kinshasa’s Sports Angle: England’s last-16 clash with Mexico at the Azteca is framed by altitude and a tense crowd atmosphere, after their dramatic escape from DR Congo.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo has confirmed 1,502 Ebola cases with 473 deaths, as WHO warns the outbreak remains severe and spread continues across Ituri and North Kivu, with insecurity and armed groups making containment harder. Treatment and Testing Push: WHO says a clinical trial has started to test potential Bundibugyo-virus treatments, and a first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo has been added to its Emergency Use Listing to speed up confirmation. Boat Tragedy in Kasai: A wooden boat carrying students home from state exams sank in Kasai province at the confluence of the Sankuru and Kasai rivers, killing at least 20 people; witnesses report the vessel may have been overloaded. Cobalt Export Headache: Congo’s cobalt producers warn they may miss export quotas after an administrative disruption blocked customs export declarations, threatening up to 20,000 tons worth about $1.1 billion. M23 Violence in South Kivu: A drone attack attributed to M23 hit Mulima in South Kivu, killing at least 18 people and destroying parts of the town, including schools and health infrastructure.