AGP Executive Report

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s Ebola tally jumped past 1,500 confirmed cases and 473 deaths, with response concentrated in 34 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu and thousands of contacts under monitoring. Clinical Response: WHO added the first molecular diagnostic for Bundibugyo virus to its Emergency Use Listing, while a trial began enrolling patients for treatments targeting the Bundibugyo strain. Regional Pressure: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warned the outbreak is “very serious,” as President Félix Tshisekedi pushed solidarity and donors pledged $910 million for Congo and Uganda. China Steps In: A second Chinese medical expert team arrived in Kinshasa to support lab work, case treatment, infection control and epidemiological investigations. Politics at Home: DR Congo opposition called for demonstrations demanding Tshisekedi’s resignation over a push for constitutional change. Minerals & Governance: Congo’s new cobalt export quota system hit a snag after companies reported a customs platform disruption, raising fears of lost export allocations. Security & Diplomacy: Kinshasa filed a case at the ICJ against Rwanda over alleged decades of atrocities in eastern Congo. Human Toll Beyond Health: A wooden boat carrying students from state exams sank in Kasai, killing at least 20.

Ebola Response: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak keeps accelerating, with cases reported at 1,460 and deaths at 447 as the virus reaches new areas including Kisangani; WHO has now listed the first molecular diagnostic for Bundibugyo virus, while a clinical trial has begun enrolling patients for potential treatments. Regional Solidarity: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Kinshasa urging support without travel bans, as Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warned the outbreak remains “very serious.” China Support: A second Chinese medical expert team arrived in Kinshasa to back epidemiology, lab testing, treatment, infection control, and training. Politics & Governance: Opposition leaders called for demonstrations in Kinshasa and other cities demanding President Félix Tshisekedi’s resignation over a constitutional-change push tied to a possible third term, with the bill now under Constitutional Court review. Economy & Markets: Finance officials say Kinshasa will launch its first stock exchange, aiming to attract investment in a dollarized economy and help mining firms raise capital. Conflict & Accountability: UN experts warned that eastern Congo’s army and M23, backed by Rwanda, are violating a peace deal, while Congo also pressed Rwanda at the ICJ over alleged decades of atrocities.

Ebola Surge & Response: DR Congo reported 1,460 Ebola cases and 447 deaths, with the outbreak spreading beyond its Ituri epicenter to places like Kisangani; Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warned the situation is “very serious,” as contact follow-up and health-system strain remain major hurdles. Clinical Trial Starts: WHO says the first patient has been enrolled in a trial for Bundibugyo strain treatments, testing two antivirals, while WHO also added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo to its Emergency Use Listing to speed up confirmation and response. Regional Solidarity: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Kinshasa urging African support and warning against travel bans, while a second Chinese medical expert team arrived to reinforce lab work, case management, and infection control. Kinshasa Stock Exchange Push: Finance officials say the Kinshasa Stock Exchange is set to launch with dual listings in Congolese francs and US dollars, backed by the IFC to build the regulatory and market framework. Opposition vs Third-Term Bid: Opposition leaders called for demonstrations in Kinshasa and other cities, contesting Tshisekedi’s constitutional-change push. Eastern Congo Security & Law: UN experts say peace terms are being violated by the army and M23, and DR Congo has taken its Rwanda dispute to the ICJ over alleged decades of atrocities. Minerals & Transparency: Belgium is moving to digitize colonial-era Congo geological archives, while Greenpeace Africa joined a coalition urging transparency and opposition to oil expansion plans around Lake Albert.

Ebola Crisis: DR Congo reported 1,406 confirmed Ebola cases and 438 deaths, with 192 recoveries and 609 patients still in care; the outbreak is concentrated in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, but a new case has reached Kisangani, raising fears of wider spread. Treatment & Diagnostics: WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo Ebola to its Emergency Use Listing, while a clinical trial has begun to assess treatments for the Bundibugyo strain. Regional Response: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Kinshasa to reaffirm support and push for a ceasefire to protect humanitarian access; Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warned the outbreak remains “very serious.” Politics & Protest: DR Congo opposition called for demonstrations in Kinshasa and other cities on Wednesday, demanding President Félix Tshisekedi’s resignation over a push for constitutional change and a possible third term. International Court: Kinshasa filed at the ICJ accusing Rwanda of three decades of atrocities and rights violations in eastern Congo. Security & Peace Deal: UN experts said parties in eastern Congo are violating a December peace agreement, with M23 failing to withdraw and continuing abuses. Economy & Governance: IMF cleared about $348.5 million for Kinshasa, citing resilience in mining despite Ebola, conflict and political tensions. Energy & Environment: Greenpeace Africa joined a coalition urging Tshisekedi and Uganda’s Museveni to reject oil expansion plans around Lake Albert without transparency and community consent. Capital Markets: DR Congo plans its first stock exchange, including a dual-currency setup for the Congolese franc and the US dollar.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak keeps worsening, with confirmed cases reported at 1,406 and deaths at 438, as the virus spreads into a fourth province near the South Sudan border and forces new restrictions; UN and health agencies warn the crisis could push nearly one million more people into poverty and cost Africa up to $3.6bn. Regional Diplomacy: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Kinshasa for an African Union solidarity push to back Tshisekedi’s Ebola response, while UN experts say peace-deal violations in eastern Congo are widespread. Eastern Congo Conflict: A new UN report links AFC/M23’s growing strength and political ambitions to closer ties with former President Joseph Kabila, as the M23-Rwanda dispute remains central to the stalled Washington accords. Kinshasa Politics: Opposition leader Delly Sesanga was barred from leaving the country after authorities confiscated his passport, escalating claims of intimidation ahead of future political cycles. Economy & Governance: The government is moving toward DR Congo’s first stock exchange, including a dual-currency plan (franc and US dollar) to match a heavily dollarized banking system, alongside efforts to boost local value chains like diamond processing. World Stage (Sports): DR Congo’s historic World Cup run ended in the Round of 32 vs England, but the spotlight stayed on the team and on “Lumumba Vea,” who was replaced after US visa denials tied to Ebola fears.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s Ebola toll climbed to 1,406 confirmed cases and 438 deaths, with 609 patients still in care as Kinshasa and partners push harder on ambulances, medicines, and community mobilization. New Spread Risk: The outbreak has now reached Haut-Uele, expanding the northeast affected area and raising fears of further cross-border transmission. Containment vs. Politics: DR Congo has banned mass gatherings in Kinshasa and other provinces over Ebola fears, but opposition figures call it a political move ahead of planned protests. Regional Diplomacy: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is set for an AU solidarity visit to Kinshasa to back the government’s Ebola response and regional coordination. Opposition Pressure: Opposition leader Delly Sesanga says authorities confiscated his passport and barred him from leaving the country, which he frames as intimidation tied to an ongoing investigation. World Cup as Unity: President Moïse Katumbi praised the Leopards after their historic Round of 32 run, even as the “Lumumba Vea” superfan was replaced for the England match due to Ebola-linked US visa restrictions.

AU Diplomacy: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit Kinshasa on 2 July as AU PPPR Champion to back DR Congo’s Ebola response and mobilize funding. Ebola & Public Health: Ebola keeps worsening in DR Congo (over 1,300 cases and hundreds of deaths), with Kinshasa and other provinces hit by mass-gathering bans; meanwhile, a suspected Ebola patient in Scotland tested negative, easing fears of spread. Opposition Under Pressure: Delly Sesanga, a leading opposition figure, was barred from leaving the country after passport confiscation, with critics calling it intimidation. Constitutional Power Struggle: Analysis flags Tshisekedi’s push for a third term via constitutional revision as potentially strengthening Rwanda/M23 leverage in the east. Eastern Congo Conflict: On Independence Day, M23/AFC leaders urged FARDC and police to defect, turning the holiday into a political offensive. Land & Governance: Kinshasa banned all land transactions in M23-controlled areas, suspending registrations and transfers to protect displaced people’s property. Mining & Economy: DR Congo signed a deal with Swiss firm ADEX to expand local diamond processing and marketing; it also moved to reclaim unused cobalt export quotas. World Cup Politics & Culture: DR Congo’s “Lumumba Vea” superfan was replaced for the England match after US visa denial tied to Ebola restrictions, as the Leopards chase a historic knockout run.

Ebola Surge & Crackdown: DR Congo reported 1,333 confirmed Ebola cases and 399 deaths, with WHO warning the response is still below what’s needed to stop transmission; authorities say 609 patients are in care and contact follow-up reached 82.7%. Public Health vs Politics: Kinshasa and three provinces (Tshopo, Haut-Uele, Bas-Uele) face bans on mass gatherings, with opposition accusing the move of targeting a July 8 protest over constitutional reform and a possible third term. Outbreak Spreads North-East: The virus has now reached a fourth province, Haut-Uele, after travel from Ituri, expanding the affected northeast of about 15 million people. International Ripples: UNDP warned the outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and 328,000+ jobs if it spreads further. Eastern Congo Security & Law: On Independence Day, AFC/M23 leaders urged FARDC and police to defect, while Kinshasa pressed its case at the ICJ against Rwanda and sought Belgium’s return of colonial-era remains. Congo’s World Cup Moment: As the Leopards prepare to face England, the government made an exception for match viewing—bars, restaurants and a fan zone—despite the broader gathering bans. Minerals & State Control: DRC ordered cobalt exporters to forfeit unused export quotas, moving seized volumes into a strategic reserve.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo reported 1,307 Ebola cases and 377 deaths, with 180 recoveries and 615 patients in care, as authorities tightened control and traced 81.3% of contacts. Public Health vs Politics: The Interior Ministry banned mass gatherings in Kinshasa and three provinces (Tshopo, Haut-Uele, Bas-Uele), covering rallies and marches; opposition groups say it’s meant to curb a July 8 protest against constitutional reform. Regional Spread Fears: Officials say the outbreak has reached a fourth province (Haut-Uele), widening the affected northeast and raising alarm for cross-border transmission. Funding Push: President Tshisekedi said a $319m Ebola response plan is ready, with emergency funds already released. Constitutional Tension: Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo publicly opposed constitutional reform, arguing there’s no “necessity, nor urgency, nor opportunity” now. International Pressure: Congo filed at the ICJ against Rwanda and urged Belgium to return colonial-era human remains; separately, the U.S. sanctioned Rwanda-linked gold networks tied to M23. Church Appointments: Pope Leo XIV named new African leaders to Vatican evangelization roles, including Kinshasa’s Cardinal Ambongo.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo says confirmed Ebola cases have hit 1,307 with 377 deaths, and the outbreak has now spread to a fourth province, Haut-Uele, after a traveler moved from Ituri—raising fears for the whole northeast. Public Health vs Politics: The government has banned mass gatherings in Kinshasa and three provinces to curb transmission ahead of a planned July 8 protest against constitutional reform; opposition leaders call it an unconstitutional, politically motivated move. Opposition Under Pressure: Opposition leader Delly Sesanga says he was barred from leaving the country and stripped of his passport at the airport, framing it as intimidation. Regional Security & Law: The U.S. escalated pressure on the conflict economy with sanctions targeting Rwanda-linked gold networks tied to M23, while Kinshasa pushes its case against Kigali at the ICJ over decades of alleged abuses. International Support: India’s foreign minister sent Independence Day greetings to Kinshasa, highlighting cooperation including the Kakobola hydro project and medical aid for Ebola.

Ebola Emergency: Congo has banned mass gatherings in Kinshasa and three other provinces—Tshopo, Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele—as the outbreak spreads to a fourth province in the northeast. Authorities say the move targets transmission risk ahead of a July 8 opposition protest, while opposition leaders call it politically motivated. Outbreak Update: The Ebola tally is now at about 1,274 cases and 360 deaths, with WHO reporting the spread to Haut-Uele and warning that real numbers may be higher due to access limits in conflict-affected areas. Opposition Pressure: Delly Sesanga says he was barred from leaving the country and had his passport confiscated at the airport, framing it as intimidation tied to constitutional reform fears. Eastern Congo Accountability: The DRC has filed a case at the ICJ against Rwanda over alleged genocide and decades of abuses linked to eastern Congo violence. Minerals & Sanctions: The US Treasury sanctioned Gasabo Gold Refinery and others over alleged gold smuggling tied to M23 networks, adding fresh pressure on Rwanda. Justice in Kinshasa: A military court convicted Colonel Jean de Dieu Mambweni on appeal for war crimes tied to the 2017 killings of UN experts in Kasai Central.

ICJ Push Against Rwanda: The DRC has filed a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Rwanda of decades of genocide-era and post-1996 abuses in eastern Congo, including massacres, torture, sexual violence, forced displacement and discrimination, and is asking the court to order Kigali to stop alleged violations and pay reparations. Ebola Crisis Deepens: Congo’s health authorities report Ebola deaths have climbed to 304 with 1,155 confirmed infections since May 15, as the outbreak spreads amid insecurity and access problems; France also confirmed its first imported case and imposed a 21-day travel quarantine for contacts. World Cup, Kinshasa in the Stands: “Lumumba Vea” (Michel Nkuka Mboladinga) will miss the decisive DR Congo vs Uzbekistan match in Atlanta after being denied a U.S. visa, though he had returned from Ebola-related travel delays to attend earlier games. Economy Watch: The IMF approved a new $350 million disbursement to support Congo’s reform program, budget needs, infrastructure and social protection. Aviation Safety Note: Congo’s aviation authority says an erratic Airbus A321 freighter approach into Kindu was downgraded to a minor incident after investigators found only limited damage.

ICJ Push on Rwanda: Kinshasa filed a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Rwanda of decades of abuses in eastern DR Congo, including genocide-related violations, torture, sexual violence and forced displacement, and is asking the court to order Kigali to stop alleged unlawful operations and pay reparations. Ebola Humanitarian Strain: As Ebola spreads in conflict-hit eastern provinces, officials warn insecurity is blocking access to IDP camps, slowing detection and contact tracing; the death toll has passed 300 (304) with 1,155 confirmed cases, and Congo has tightened travel rules with a 21-day quarantine for contacts. WHO Coordination Move: WHO endorsed a Senior Ebola Coordinator appointment in Kinshasa to improve UN-wide coordination as the response grows more complex. IMF Support: The IMF approved a new $350 million disbursement for Congo’s reform and resilience programs, including budget support, infrastructure and social protection, and governance and transparency reforms. World Cup Fallout: DR Congo’s “Lumumba Vea” superfan Michel Kuka Mboladinga was denied a US visa and will miss the key match against Uzbekistan in Atlanta, after Ebola-related travel delays kept him out earlier.

Ebola Response and Cross-Border Alarm: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 1,100 cases and 300 deaths, with health authorities reporting 304 fatalities out of 1,155 confirmed infections and warning the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment; after France confirmed the first imported case linked to Kinshasa, the DRC imposed a 21-day quarantine and travel restrictions for Ebola contacts and recent visitors to affected provinces, while WHO endorsed a new senior Ebola coordinator for Kinshasa to tighten UN-system coordination. Eastern Congo Legal Showdown: Kinshasa escalated its dispute with Rwanda by filing a fresh case at the ICJ, accusing Kigali of genocide-related and other treaty violations tied to decades of alleged abuses and support for armed groups in eastern DR Congo, and seeking orders to stop violations and pay reparations. Great Lakes Pressure via Minerals Sanctions: The U.S. moved to sanction Rwanda-linked mineral networks accused of financing M23, framing the action as enforcement of the Washington Peace and Prosperity Accords and raising questions about consistency in Washington’s regional role. IMF Boost for Kinshasa: The IMF approved a new $350 million disbursement for DR Congo under its reform programs, with funds aimed at the general budget, infrastructure, social protection, and strengthening reserves and governance. World Cup Politics and Public Life: As DR Congo reached the World Cup knockout stage with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in Atlanta, the team’s most famous “Lumumba Vea” fan, Michel Kuka Mboladinga, was denied a U.S. visa—while President Félix Tshisekedi framed the Uzbekistan match as a moment of national unity.

Ebola Surge & Border Response: DR Congo says Ebola deaths have passed 300, with 304 fatalities out of 1,155 confirmed infections since May 15, as Africa CDC warns treatment centres are near capacity and contact monitoring is falling short. Travel Quarantine: After France confirmed the first imported case linked to Congo, Kinshasa ordered a 21-day quarantine and active monitoring for Ebola contacts and recent stays in affected provinces, with travel banned unless authorized. Cross-Border Health Alarm: France’s patient—an aid doctor who fell ill mid-flight from Kinshasa—is in stable condition, but the case has triggered wider screening and biosafety measures. ICJ Showdown With Rwanda: Kinshasa filed a new case at the International Court of Justice accusing Rwanda of treaty breaches and atrocities tied to decades of violence in eastern Congo, including alleged support for M23, and is seeking reparations. World Cup Politics in Atlanta: DR Congo President Tshisekedi urged the Leopards to treat the Uzbekistan clash as national unity, while “Lumumba Vea” superfan Michel Kuka Mboladinga was denied a US visa and will miss the match.

Ebola Escalation: DR Congo’s health authorities say the Ebola death toll has climbed to 304, with 1,155 confirmed infections since May 15, pushing mortality to 26.3% as responders warn the outbreak has not peaked. Cross-Border Shock: France confirmed its first Ebola case tied to a doctor returning from Congo, prompting new fears of international spread. Travel Crackdown: Kinshasa responded with a 21-day quarantine and active health monitoring for contacts and for anyone returning from Ebola-affected provinces, with travel barred unless health authorities authorize it. Response Strain: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warned treatment centres are near capacity and contact monitoring is falling short, as hotspots remain in Ituri and parts of North Kivu. ICJ Push Against Rwanda: In parallel, DR Congo filed at the International Court of Justice accusing Rwanda of treaty-violating abuses linked to decades of violence in the east, seeking orders to stop alleged violations and reparations.