AGP Executive Report

Constitutional Standoff in Kinshasa: Opposition coalition C64 says proposed changes to presidential term limits could open the door for Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term; Friday’s rally outside Parliament turned violent as police used tear gas, injuring opposition figures and sparking clashes with pro-government supporters. Ebola Crisis Deepens: DRC health authorities report Ebola cases rising to 676 with 136 deaths, as weak contact tracing, insecurity, and funding gaps slow containment; WHO says three labs in Bukavu/Lwiro and Goma have run out of testing supplies while communities in displacement camps face dry taps, overcrowding, and poor sanitation. World Cup Meets Public Health: The Leopards arrived in Houston after a 21-day monitored isolation in Belgium, with preparations reshaped by Ebola-linked travel rules; DRC’s sports minister calls U.S. restrictions excessive, while Belgium signals screening and quarantine at departure points. Justice and Accountability: A military court in Kinshasa sentenced 54 people to death over the 2017 killing of two UN investigators in Kasai, including former colonel Jean de Dieu Mambweni. Rights Abuses in the East: Human Rights Watch alleges Rwanda-backed M23 and Rwandan forces carried out forced recruitment, abusive detention, and war crimes in eastern DRC, calling for accountability.

Ebola Response Under Strain: WHO says three DRC labs in Bukavu/Lwiro and Goma have run out of Ebola testing supplies, waiting on reagents as the Bundibugyo outbreak keeps climbing; health officials stress “one plan, one budget, one team,” with contact tracing and community trust as the priority. Outbreak Numbers Rise: Health Minister Roger Kamba put confirmed cases at 635 (June 9) with recoveries at 30, while follow-up of contacts improved to 61.1%—still far from containment targets. EU and US Friction Over Travel: An EU commissioner warned after a visit that the region is “sitting on a volcano,” as Belgium rejects US pressure for tighter Congo travel bans amid the World Cup. Constitutional Standoff: The National Assembly passed a referendum bill without opposition lawmakers, sharpening the fight over Tshisekedi’s constitutional future and possible election changes. Eastern Congo Rights Crisis: Human Rights Watch alleges Rwanda-backed M23 and Rwandan forces carried out forced recruitment and abusive detention of thousands, calling for accountability. Justice in UN Expert Killing Case: A military court in Kinshasa sentenced 54 defendants to death, including Col. Jean de Dieu Mambweni, over the 2017 killings of UN investigators in Kasai. Regional Diplomacy: Tshisekedi met Egypt’s El-Sisi in Cairo to expand water and Nile Basin cooperation, including climate and rainfall forecasting support.

Ebola Crisis, Kinshasa Response: DRC health authorities say confirmed Ebola cases climbed to 635 (recoveries 30) as labs in Bukavu, Lwiro and Goma reported running out of testing supplies, while contact follow-up reached 61.1%—a sign the outbreak is still outpacing containment. EU Pressure: After visiting Ebola-hit areas, an EU commissioner warned the region is “sitting on a volcano,” as Brussels pushes for stronger support. China Steps In: Chinese medical experts met INRB chief Jean-Jacques Muyembe and IFRC partners in Kinshasa to boost lab testing, case management and prevention training. Human Rights at the Frontline: Human Rights Watch urged Kinshasa and partners to prioritize community engagement and limit security forces in Ebola response, citing years of abuse and mistrust. Eastern Congo Abuses: HRW also accused Rwanda-backed M23 of forced recruitment and abusive detention of thousands in camps. Constitutional Standoff: The National Assembly passed a bill to organize referendums, intensifying the fight over Tshisekedi’s constitutional overhaul and possible election timing. Justice in the UN Experts Case: A military court in Kinshasa sentenced 54 defendants to death, including former colonel Jean de Dieu Mambweni, over the 2017 killing of UN investigators in Kasai. Regional Diplomacy: Tshisekedi met Egypt’s Al-Sisi in Cairo to expand cooperation, including water and Nile Basin coordination.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DRC: Health Minister Roger Kamba says confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 635 with 30 recoveries, as response teams push contact tracing and deploy medicines across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Lab Testing Bottleneck: WHO reports three labs in Bukavu, Lwiro and Goma have run out of testing supplies, awaiting reagents to clear backlogged samples—raising fears of delays in detecting the Bundibugyo strain. Human Rights and Security Concerns: Human Rights Watch accuses Rwandan forces and M23 of forced recruitment, torture and abusive detention of thousands, while also urging Kinshasa and partners to limit security-force roles in Ebola response and prioritize community trust. Diplomacy and Regional Cooperation: President Félix Tshisekedi tells Egypt Africa must have a stronger voice globally, while Cairo and Kinshasa discuss water and Nile Basin coordination. Justice in UN Expert Killing Case: A military court in Kinshasa sentences 54 defendants to death, including colonel Jean de Dieu Mambweni, over the 2017 killing of UN investigators in Kasai. China Steps Up on Health Response: Chinese medical experts meet INRB chief Jean-Jacques Muyembe and IFRC officials to coordinate Ebola prevention, lab support and training.

Ebola Response Under Strain: WHO says three DR Congo labs in Bukavu, Lwiro and Goma have run out of supplies to test Ebola, awaiting reagents as cases keep climbing. Epidemic Update: DR Congo reports nearly 600 confirmed cases and rising deaths, with Uganda also recording linked infections; officials warn community spread is accelerating. Health Workers at Risk: Reports from Ituri describe hospitals lacking tests and protective gear, while Red Cross teams face attacks during Ebola burials. China Steps In: Chinese medical experts met Kinshasa’s biomedical chief to coordinate lab testing, case management and prevention support, alongside IFRC discussions. Human Rights and Security: HRW alleges M23 and Rwandan forces are forcibly recruiting and abusing thousands in eastern DR Congo, and a separate HRW report accuses them of war crimes. Justice in Kinshasa: A military court handed death sentences to 54 people, including a colonel, over the 2017 killing of two UN experts. World Cup Pressure: Belgium rejects U.S.-pushed travel ban demands amid Ebola fears, while CAF sends support to DR Congo’s Leopards ahead of their 2026 World Cup return.

Ebola Surge in Ituri: DR Congo health authorities report Ebola cases climbing to 550 with 101 deaths, as 35 new confirmed infections and 10 more deaths were logged in Ituri and North Kivu over one day; officials warn the apparent slowdown may reflect lab reporting delays, while contact tracing still reaches only 64.4% of tracked contacts. Frontline Shortages: At the outbreak epicenter, clinicians say they’re treating patients without reliable testing access and with inadequate protective gear—“We live with fear.” Humanitarian Workers Under Attack: The Red Cross condemned an attack on volunteers during a “safe and dignified burial” in Bunia, saying violence against responders undermines containment. China Steps Up, But Gaps Remain: Chinese medical experts met IFRC officials in Kinshasa to discuss prevention, case management, lab testing and training as global partners push for faster support. Regional Security and Spread Risk: Armed-group pressure in Ituri is complicating response and access, while WHO and Africa CDC call for a coordinated cross-border plan. Accountability in Kinshasa: A military court sentenced Colonel Jean de Dieu Mambweni to death (effectively life) over the 2017 killing of two UN experts, keeping questions about state involvement in the spotlight. Constitutional Tension: Congolese opposition mobilizes against Tshisekedi’s constitutional overhaul push, warning it could enable staying in power beyond 2028.

Ebola Surge in Ituri: DR Congo reported Ebola cases jumping to 550 confirmed and 101 deaths, with rapid community spread concentrated in Ituri and spillover risk into neighboring areas, as Kinshasa expands surveillance and contact tracing amid insecurity and weak health access. Humanitarian Under Fire: The Red Cross condemned an attack on volunteers during a “safe and dignified burial” in Bunia, warning that violence against aid workers is undermining containment efforts. China Steps In: Chinese medical experts met IFRC officials in Kinshasa to coordinate Ebola prevention, lab support, case management, and community-level training as the outbreak accelerates. UN Experts Murder Verdict: A Congolese military court in Kinshasa sentenced Colonel Jean de Dieu Mambweni to death for orchestrating the 2017 killings of UN investigators Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalán, a case that continues to raise questions about state involvement. Politics at Home: Congolese opposition mobilized against Tshisekedi’s constitutional overhaul push, arguing it could enable a third term beyond 2028. Cross-Border Politics: The DRC health minister denounced U.S. and other travel bans as “discriminatory,” while Kinshasa said it is negotiating for early lifting. World Cup Disruption: Ebola fears are already disrupting DR Congo’s World Cup preparations and travel plans, even as officials and fans debate the real risk.

Ebola Surge in Ituri: DR Congo health authorities say confirmed Ebola cases have jumped to 550 with 101 deaths, as new clusters emerge and surveillance and contact tracing are being intensified, including vaccination and community awareness pushes. Aid and Security Strain: WHO and Africa CDC are urging faster international cooperation and rolled out a $518 million six-month plan, but the response is hampered by weak follow-up rates, funding gaps, and armed-group violence in Ituri that makes access and care harder. Global Pressure on Borders: The DRC health minister called U.S. and other travel bans “discriminatory,” while Kinshasa says it is negotiating for early lifting as restrictions disrupt movement and planning. Humanitarian Attacks: The Red Cross condemned an attack on volunteers in Bunia during Ebola burial operations, warning that violence against responders undermines containment. Politics at Home: Opposition groups are mobilizing against Tshisekedi’s constitutional overhaul push, with critics warning it could enable staying in power beyond 2028. Justice in Kinshasa: A Congolese colonel and others were sentenced to death in an appeal trial over the 2017 murders of UN investigators Sharp and Catalán.

Ebola Surge in Ituri: DR Congo confirmed 27 new Ebola cases, bringing totals to 515 confirmed infections and 91 deaths, with more than 94% in Ituri as health teams warn protective measures must scale up fast amid insecurity and weak access. WHO/Africa CDC Push: WHO and Africa CDC backed a $518 million, six-month “one plan, one budget, one team” response to stop cross-border spread, while officials said the outbreak is moving faster than systems can keep up. Travel Curbs Clash: Health Minister Roger Kamba rejected U.S. and other countries’ travel bans as “discriminatory,” while Kinshasa said it is negotiating for early lifting tied to response improvements. Aid Under Fire: The Red Cross condemned an attack on volunteers in Bunia during Ebola burial operations, saying violence against responders undermines containment. Politics at Home: Congolese opposition mobilized against Tshisekedi’s constitutional overhaul push, warning it could enable staying in power beyond 2028. Regional Consular Move: Kenya’s embassy in Kinshasa urged Kenyans in DRC, Congo, CAR and Gabon to register to improve emergency support.

Ebola Response: WHO and Africa CDC urged stronger international cooperation as DR Congo and Uganda report rapid spread of Bundibugyo Ebola, with Tedros announcing a $518M six-month preparedness and response plan. Ebola Numbers in Kinshasa: The health ministry said confirmed cases in DR Congo jumped to 452 with 82 deaths, including 71 new cases in 24 hours, pointing to fast community transmission in Ituri and North Kivu. Health System Strain: Reports from Bunia describe doctors and nurses facing Ebola with little protection and limited testing, while caregivers—especially women—bear the highest risk. Security and Humanitarian Access: The Red Cross condemned an attack on volunteers in Bunia during a safe burial operation, warning that violence against responders undermines containment. Politics and Governance: Congolese opposition mobilized against Tshisekedi’s constitutional overhaul push, arguing it could enable a third term beyond 2028. Migration and Diplomacy: DR Congo said more than half of U.S.-deported South American migrants have already left Kinshasa for home, as the wider “third-country” removals face scrutiny. Regional Mobility: Kenya’s embassy in Kinshasa urged Kenyans in DR Congo, CAR, Congo, and Gabon to register for consular and emergency services. Aviation: Air Congo announced nonstop Kinshasa–Brussels flights starting July 1, using a wet-leased Boeing 787-8 to navigate EU safety restrictions.

Ebola Update: Congo’s health ministry says confirmed Ebola cases jumped to 452 with 82 deaths, after 71 new cases in 24 hours—mostly in Ituri—as officials warn of rapid community transmission and note gaps in contact follow-up and treatment capacity. Humanitarian Strain: Aid groups and clinicians describe overwhelmed facilities and fear among health workers, while the Red Cross condemned an attack on volunteers in Bunia during a safe-burial operation. Misinformation & Community Resistance: Reports from outbreak hotspots say rumors about coffins and aid workers are fueling distrust and even arson. International Response: WHO unveiled a $518 million six-month plan, and China dispatched a medical expert team to Kinshasa as Beijing weighs how much to step up amid calls for more support. Politics at Home: Separately, the opposition is mobilizing against Tshisekedi’s constitutional overhaul push, with critics warning it could enable staying in power beyond 2028. Mobility & Diplomacy: The DRC said more than half of US-deported South Americans have already left Kinshasa for home, while the Kenyan embassy urged Kenyans across the region to register for consular services. Security: In eastern Congo, ADF attacks continued, with reports of 24 Christians killed in a recent massacre.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DRC: The DRC health ministry reported 71 new confirmed Ebola cases in 24 hours, bringing the total to 452 with 82 deaths, as officials warn of rapid community transmission concentrated in Ituri and North Kivu. Aid and Response Pressure: The WHO announced a $518 million six-month Ebola plan, while Kinshasa says contact tracing and testing are improving but still faces gaps including funding shortfalls and weak follow-up. China Steps In: After weeks of delay, China sent a five-person medical team to Kinshasa with protective gear and lab supplies, while Beijing has not yet publicly answered an African appeal for $319 million. Human Cost and Mistrust: Reports from the outbreak’s epicenter describe overwhelmed facilities, scarce protection, and communities resisting burial and medical measures—fueling rumors that complicate containment. Constitutional Tension: Opposition groups mobilized against Tshisekedi’s constitutional overhaul push, arguing it could enable a third term beyond 2028. Regional Security: UN rights reporting says ADF rebels have summarily executed more than half a thousand civilians since the year began, underscoring how insecurity is undermining health operations. Diplomacy and Mobility: The DRC criticized U.S. Ebola travel restrictions as “discriminatory,” while a separate U.S. deportation deal saw most returned migrants already leave Kinshasa. Sports Disruption: Spain’s mayor canceled a DR Congo pre-World Cup friendly against Chile over Ebola concerns, adding to World Cup planning chaos.

Ebola Surge in Ituri: DR Congo’s health ministry says confirmed Ebola cases jumped to 452 with 82 deaths, adding 71 new cases in 24 hours and warning of rapid community transmission, while contact tracing still lags at 57.8% follow-up. China’s Delayed Help: China sent a five-person medical team to Kinshasa with protective gear and lab supplies, but Beijing has yet to publicly answer an African appeal for $319 million. Aid Workers Under Fire: The Red Cross condemned an attack on volunteers in Bunia during a safe-burial operation on June 1, injuring staff and threatening outbreak containment. Constitutional Tension: Opposition groups mobilised against Tshisekedi’s constitutional overhaul push, arguing it could clear the way for staying in power beyond 2028. US–DRC Deportations: Congo says more than half of 15 South American deportees have left Kinshasa for home countries, underscoring the “transitional” nature of the US third-country scheme. Eastern Security Deteriorates: ADF rebels killed at least 24 Christians in an attack near Beni, raising fresh questions about how militants operate despite security deployments.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s health ministry says confirmed Ebola cases jumped to 452, with 82 deaths, after 71 new cases were recorded in 24 hours—driven by “rapid and continuous community transmission” in Ituri and North Kivu. Contact-Tracing Strain: Authorities report only 57.8% of 4,766 contacts have been seen, while resistance to post-mortem swabbing, weak standardized treatment capacity, medicine shortages, and a $21.5 million funding gap are slowing the response. Human Cost in Ituri: A Bunia nurse, Etienne Ezo, described contracting the rare Bundibugyo strain while treating critically ill patients, as local clinicians say they work with limited protection and fear daily exposure. WHO Push for Funding: WHO’s Tedros announced a $518 million six-month plan, urging political commitment as the outbreak spreads beyond official estimates. Kinshasa-US Migration Fallout: Congo says more than half of 15 South American deportees sent from the US to Kinshasa have already left for home countries. Security Pressure in the East: The ADF killed at least 24 Christians near Beni, adding to the strain on Ebola containment amid ongoing armed-group violence. Sports Disruption: Spain canceled DR Congo’s pre-World Cup friendly vs Chile over Ebola concerns, throwing training plans into uncertainty.

Ebola Escalation: DR Congo says 71 new Ebola cases were confirmed in 24 hours, warning of rapid community spread; total confirmed cases now stand at 452 with 82 deaths, mostly in Ituri with spillover into North Kivu. WHO Funding Push: WHO’s Tedros announced a $518M, six-month Ebola plan as officials say response is “catching up” but still lagging behind transmission. Frontline Shortages: Reports from Ituri describe doctors and midwives falling ill while facilities lack tests and adequate protective gear—“we live with fear.” Misinformation & Violence: In Mongbwalu, rumors about coffins and aid workers have fueled arson attacks, while ADF-linked attacks in Beni and surrounding areas are killing civilians and disrupting care. Women at Highest Risk: Caregiving roles in households are putting women—especially pregnant women—on the front line, with many having only basic masks. Kinshasa-US Migration Fallout: Congo says more than half of the first 15 US “third-country” deportees have already left the country for home, highlighting the scheme’s “transitional” nature. World Cup Disruptions: Spain’s mayor canceled DR Congo’s pre-tournament friendly vs Chile over Ebola concerns, adding more uncertainty to preparations. Aviation Update: Air Congo announced 5 weekly Kinshasa–Brussels flights starting July 1 using a wet-leased B787.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DRC: DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases climbed to 381, including 63 deaths, as Health Minister Roger Kamba said testing and contact tracing are improving but the outbreak is still moving fast. Caregivers Under Fire: Reporting from Bunia highlights how women—often the first caregivers—face the highest risk, with many lacking basic protective gear and facing impossible choices, including pregnant patients. Conflict Complicates Containment: UN rights reporting says ADF-linked attacks have killed more than 300 civilians this year, while recent raids around Beni and nearby areas are disrupting Ebola response efforts. China Steps Up Medical Support: A Chinese medical expert team arrived in Kinshasa for a three-month mission to strengthen prevention, treatment, surveillance, and epidemic control. World Cup Fallout: Ebola fears are derailing preparations: Spain’s La Línea mayor canceled the DR Congo–Chile warm-up, and broader security and health concerns are spreading across the tournament build-up. US Policy Pressure: The US announced fresh sanctions on M23 and FDLR commanders, while US officials also signaled a shift on Ebola handling for Americans exposed in Kenya.