AGP Executive Report

Ebola Alarm Intensifies: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus says he’s “deeply concerned” about the “scale and speed” of DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak after the health ministry reported at least 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases, with investigations still sorting which deaths are truly linked to Ebola and no approved vaccine or treatment available. Urban Spread Fears: WHO points to cases emerging in towns, deaths among healthcare workers, and major population movement—while “patient zero” remains unconfirmed. Global Response Ramps Up: Congo is expanding treatment capacity and WHO is convening emergency meetings as an American doctor tests positive and is evacuated to Germany; the US also tightens entry from affected regions. Local Resilience Beyond Health: In Kinshasa, telecom operators push ahead on connectivity—ACIX expanded into a second data center site, becoming the first distributed internet exchange in the country—showing how infrastructure work continues even as the crisis grows.

Ebola Death Toll Jumps: DR Congo’s health minister Samuel Roger Kamba says the outbreak in the east has climbed to 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases, up sharply from earlier counts, as WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warns about the “scale and speed” of the epidemic and calls for an emergency committee meeting. No Vaccine, Fast Spread Fears: Health officials say the virus is the rare Bundibugyo strain, with no approved vaccine or treatment, and point to cases appearing in urban areas, deaths among health workers, and heavy population movement. Global Response Tightens: The WHO has declared the outbreak an international health emergency, while the US has moved to limit entry from affected regions and evacuated an American doctor for care in Germany. Containment Under Strain: Aid workers and experts say the virus spread for weeks before being properly identified, complicating response efforts in conflict-affected areas near Uganda.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo says suspected Ebola deaths have jumped to 118 as the outbreak spreads, with 11 lab-confirmed and 336 suspected cases in the country and two confirmed cases in Uganda. Treatment Push: Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba announced three new Ebola treatment centres in Ituri (Bunia and two other sites) as WHO sends experts and emergency supplies. Rare Strain Alarm: The outbreak is driven by the Bundibugyo variant, and officials stress there is no approved vaccine or targeted treatment, making containment harder. Cross-Border Fallout: WHO has already declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, while Uganda urges residents to avoid close contact and report symptoms. Global Attention: The U.S. is moving exposed Americans to Germany and has issued travel restrictions, as an American doctor is among newly confirmed cases.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: The WHO has declared the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, as deaths climb to around 80 and suspected cases surge past 300, with confirmed infections now reported in Kampala and even Kinshasa. Rapid Response on the Ground: DR Congo’s health minister says three new Ebola treatment centers are being opened in Ituri (Bunia, Rwampara, Mongwalu) while WHO dispatches experts and supplies to relieve stressed hospitals. Why Containment Is Struggling: Reporting this week points to late detection and early diagnostic failures, plus funeral practices and weak sample handling, allowing spread into rebel-affected areas and across borders. Regional Alarm: The CDC is coordinating the safe withdrawal of a small number of Americans from affected zones, while countries step up screening and surveillance. Security Pressure: The outbreak is unfolding amid conflict in eastern Congo, complicating access for health teams and raising the risk of further urban spread.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: The WHO has declared the Congo–Uganda Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, warning the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment and could be much larger than current counts. Reported figures are now around 88 deaths and 300+ suspected cases, with a laboratory-confirmed case in Kinshasa and earlier detections in Kampala—raising fears of wider spread even as WHO stops short of calling it a pandemic. Containment Under Strain: Response is being complicated by conflict, displacement, and transport limits in eastern DRC, where past humanitarian hubs have been disrupted. Regional Readiness: Neighbors and even far-off ports are moving—Hong Kong has activated its alert response, and countries are being urged to tighten screening and emergency plans. Geopolitics in the Background: As the health alarm grows, the week’s wider news also shows major powers signaling tougher stances—US-Iran tensions and a looming Russia–China meeting—underscoring how quickly crises can collide.

Global Health Alarm: The WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, not a pandemic emergency—after deaths climbed past 80 and suspected cases surged to 246+. No Vaccine Gap: The outbreak is driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment, raising pressure on emergency response and donor support. Cross-Border Spread: A laboratory-confirmed case was reported in Goma (M23-controlled), with additional confirmed cases reported in Kampala and Kinshasa, about 1,000 km from Ituri—signaling wider movement and harder containment. Healthcare Strain: WHO and partners warn of healthcare-associated transmission risks, after reports that health workers have died. Local Context: The outbreak is unfolding in Ituri’s mining and conflict-affected zones, where population movement and weak infection control complicate tracing and burials.

Global Health Emergency: The WHO has declared the new Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the top “international concern” alert—while stressing it is not a pandemic emergency. Rising Toll: Reported figures have climbed fast: in Ituri, the WHO cites 8 lab-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths as of May 16, with deaths now reported at 80+ and community burials continuing in Bunia and surrounding zones. Cross-Border Spread: Uganda has confirmed cases in Kampala among people who traveled from Congo, and a separate confirmed case has been reported in Kinshasa from someone returning from Ituri. Treatment Gap: Officials warn there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, unlike Ebola Zaire. Containment Pressure: WHO is urging countries to activate emergency systems, step up cross-border screening, and intensify monitoring—at a time when insecurity in Ituri is complicating response.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: DR Congo’s health minister says the new Ituri outbreak is the Bundibugyo strain, with no vaccine or specific treatment and lethality that can reach 50%, as the death toll climbed from 65 to at least 80 and officials report one case in neighbouring Uganda. Burials Rise as Containment Struggles: In Bunia and surrounding areas, residents describe frequent, rapid funerals while teams push screening and contact tracing. Regional Spread Risk: Africa CDC warns the outbreak sits near Uganda and South Sudan, with heavy mining-related movement and conflict complicating response. Security Context: The week also saw armed forces retake Luvungi after M23 withdrew, underscoring how instability in the east can slow health operations. Migration Court Fight: Separate from the health crisis, U.S. deportation cases involving Congo are back in court, adding pressure on cross-border governance.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Ituri, with the health ministry saying 80 deaths and 246 suspected cases so far, after lab testing confirmed the Bundibugyo strain in Ituri’s Rwampara, Mongwalu and Bunia health zones; Africa CDC has convened an urgent cross-border meeting with DRC, Uganda and South Sudan as Uganda reports a related fatal case in Kampala. Cross-Border Pressure: Officials warn the risk of spread is rising fast due to mining-linked mobility, urban exposure around Bunia, and armed-group insecurity that disrupts contact listing and response. Human Rights Fallout: In parallel, a U.S. federal judge ordered the Trump administration to explain and move to return a deported woman held in Kinshasa after ruling the deportation to Congo was likely illegal.

Ebola Emergency: Africa CDC has confirmed a fresh Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC’s Ituri province, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths so far, concentrated in the mining hubs of Mongwalu and Rwampara and raising fears as suspected cases surface in Bunia. Cross-Border Response: The agency says preliminary lab results found Ebola in 13 of 20 samples, and it is convening urgent coordination with DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan to tighten surveillance and containment—made harder by armed conflict, heavy population movement, and insecurity. Regional Pressure Points: Ituri’s proximity to borders and gaps in contact tracing are now the big risks, with response teams trying to move fast despite limited access. Humanitarian Strain Beyond Health: The week also brought fresh attention to Congo’s wider crisis—hunger and displacement remain severe—while security incidents continue to disrupt life across the east. Migration Fallout: Separately, a U.S. judge ordered the return of a Colombian woman deported to Congo after Congo refused her due to medical needs, underscoring how policy decisions collide with real-world capacity.

Market Strike in Mushaki: Drones hit a crowded market in Mushaki, Masisi (North Kivu), killing 20+ and wounding 60+; AFC/M23 calls it “a massacre of civilians,” alleging the target was an M23 commander, Brig. Gen. Justin Gacheri Musanga. M23 Repositioning: In South Kivu’s Rusizi Plain, AFC/M23 withdrew from multiple localities and moved toward Katogota, with residents celebrating the departure amid claims the shift follows U.S. pressure under the Washington agreement. ADF Massacres: In eastern DRC, ADF attacks continue—Mamove reports 24 deaths in two days and another 20 killed in Biakato—prompting Washington to condemn the “brutal” violence. Ceasefire Talk Signals: The CRP (Ituri) says it will observe a unilateral ceasefire ahead of preliminary talks in Kinshasa, under Ugandan facilitation. U.S. Court vs Deportations: A U.S. federal judge ordered the Trump administration to return a Colombian woman deported to the DRC after Congo refused her medical case. Burundi Security Scandal: Burundi’s FDNB officers face allegations of kidnapping, attempted rape, and torture tied to two cases in Burunga.

Eastern Ceasefire Move: The CRP militia in Ituri says it will start a unilateral ceasefire at midnight, calling for “pre-dialogue” talks with Kinshasa under Ugandan facilitation—while warning against provocation as insecurity continues. Rights Under Pressure: Human Rights Watch reports rising harassment and arbitrary detention of journalists, activists, and opposition figures in Congo, amid the wider conflict and Tshisekedi’s constitutional maneuvering. Ceasefire vs. Violence Reality: Even as diplomacy churns, eastern Congo remains lethal—ADF attacks have killed dozens in recent days, and M23/Rwanda-linked forces have been accused of atrocities in places like Uvira. Humanitarian Alarm: WFP/FAO warn hunger is worsening, with over 26.5 million Congolese facing severe food needs. Kinshasa-Global Spotlight: A U.S. judge ordered the Trump administration to return a deported Colombian woman living in Kinshasa, highlighting the human cost of policy. Regional Politics: In Kenya, Ruto told France’s Macron that East Africa bears “even bigger responsibility” for stabilizing the DRC.

Atrocity Report: Human Rights Watch says M23 and Rwandan forces carried out a month-long abusive occupation of Uvira in late 2025, including door-to-door killings of more than 50 people, rape of at least 8 women, and forced disappearances—calling for criminal investigations, including at the ICC. Eastern Security: As talks and troop movements continue to wobble, violence remains the backdrop: WFP/FAO warns hunger is deepening fast, while ADF attacks near the Uganda border have killed dozens in recent days. Diplomacy & Pressure: Kenya’s President William Ruto tells France 24 that East Africa still has “even bigger responsibility” for stabilising eastern DRC, even after the EAC force withdrawal. Humanitarian Crisis: WFP/FAO puts 26.5 million Congolese facing severe hunger, with conflict provinces bearing the brunt. Politics at Home: Tshisekedi again signals a possible third term and election delay if war persists, drawing opposition pushback. Kinshasa Spotlight: In a quieter corner, Lola ya Bonobo’s sanctuary is protecting orphaned bonobos from poaching and bushmeat demand.

Humanitarian Alarm: WFP/FAO warn DRC hunger is worsening again: 26.5 million people need food help, including 3.6 million in emergency conditions, with conflict-hit provinces like North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri and Tanganyika still driving displacement and market collapse. Security Clampdown: During Tshisekedi’s Kenya visit, Kenyan police arrested 300+ Congolese in Nairobi after a welcome crowd turned chaotic, underscoring how regional diplomacy is colliding with tight security. Eastern Congo Violence: Reports keep stacking up around ADF attacks in Ituri and North Kivu, while earlier fighting and battlefield shifts involving M23 remain part of the wider instability. Politics at Home: Tshisekedi’s third-term talk and possible election delay—tied to whether the east is pacified—continues to inflame opposition fears of constitutional change. Culture & Society: Fally Ipupa skipped a headline performance at the Africa Forward Summit concert, disappointing fans. Wildlife Rescue: Kinshasa’s Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary is spotlighted as orphaned bonobos are protected from poachers and bushmeat demand.

Wildlife Under Pressure: A rare Kinshasa-area sanctuary, Lola ya Bonobo, is caring for orphaned baby bonobos rescued from poachers or kept for bushmeat—highlighting how demand still drives illegal hunting despite legal protection. China-DRC Connectivity Push: Prime Minister Judith Suminwa praised a Chinese-built Kinshasa ring road, urging work to speed up in the dry season as the project aims to improve transport and regional trade. Uganda-DRC Deal-Making: Kampala and Kinshasa signed six new bilateral agreements covering trade, security, diplomacy and tourism, with both sides also moving toward joint oil exploration in the Albertine Graben. Eastern Congo Security Strain: In the background of stalled peace efforts, ADF attacks in North Kivu and Ituri have killed dozens, while reports say M23 has pulled back from some positions after Congolese and US pressure. Politics and Elections: President Félix Tshisekedi again warned 2028 polls may not happen if the east war continues, while opposition fears a push for a third term.

China-DRC Infrastructure Push: Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka praised Kinshasa’s ring-road project, urging contractors to use the dry season to clear bottlenecks on the 72km road financed through SICOMINES, as China’s role keeps shifting from deals to delivery. Uganda-DRC Dealmaking: In Kampala, the two neighbors signed six new agreements covering trade, security, diplomacy and tourism, with both sides reaffirming joint work against ADF in eastern DRC under Operation Shujaa. Security Pressure in the East: Eastern Congo remains volatile as ADF raids continue to kill civilians, while Reuters reports M23 has pulled back from some key South Kivu positions after Congolese and U.S. pressure—an early sign of battlefield movement, but not a peace breakthrough. Rights Under Strain: Human Rights Watch says journalists, activists and opposition figures face growing harassment and arbitrary detention amid the constitutional-term debate. Tshisekedi’s Political Tightrope: Tshisekedi again warned 2028 elections may not happen if the war persists, while opposition fears a third-term path. China Chronicles: A new look at Beijing’s “two-faced” security engagement argues military ties are expanding alongside economic cooperation, raising instability risks.