AGP Executive Report

Ebola Surge and Cross-Border Alarm: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has passed 1,000 confirmed cases, with WHO reporting 277 deaths and Congolese figures putting deaths around the mid-200s as response teams expand beds and lab capacity but say the outbreak has not peaked. Global Spillover Watch: France confirmed its first Ebola case linked to the DRC—an ALIMA doctor flown from Kinshasa—while WHO’s chief urged “no panic,” stressing the risk to the rest of the world remains low. Presidential Focus on Ituri: President Félix Tshisekedi said he will soon visit Ituri, the outbreak epicenter, to track response efforts with regional partners. Mining Equity Push: Kinshasa is drafting rules to force cobalt/copper miners to set aside 10% equity for Congolese nationals, including 5% for workers via cooperatives and interest-free credit. World Cup Politics in the Stands: “Lumumba Vea” (Michel Nkuka Mboladinga) returned to the stands for DR Congo’s 1-0 loss to Colombia in Mexico, still posing like a Patrice Lumumba statue—after missing the opener due to Ebola-linked quarantine.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 1,094 confirmed cases, with WHO calling it the highest first-month caseload in Africa; authorities report 277 deaths and say the response is scaling up with more beds and lab capacity, but the outbreak is still in an “ascending” phase. Presidential Ituri Visit: President Félix Tshisekedi says he will soon travel to Ituri to personally track the response, as cases top 1,000 and regional cooperation is urged. Constitutional Tension: Tshisekedi’s push toward a possible third term is moving forward after Senate approval of referendum rules, a step that opposition fears could pave the way to amend term limits and trigger street protests in Kinshasa. Mining Equity Plan: A draft decree would force miners to reserve 10% equity for Congolese nationals, including 5% for employees via cooperatives and interest-free credit—an attempt to finally make a 2018 law real. World Cup Spotlight: In Mexico, DR Congo’s “Lumumba Vea” superfan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga returned to the stands after Ebola-linked quarantine, standing motionless in tribute to Patrice Lumumba as the Leopards fell 1-0 to Colombia.

Ebola Response: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 1,000 confirmed cases, with the latest tally putting infections at 1,048 and deaths at 267; officials say the outbreak is still in a growth phase, with contact-tracing far below targets and security and access problems in eastern provinces slowing containment. Presidential Oversight: President Félix Tshisekedi says he will soon travel to Ituri—the epicenter—to personally track response efforts after a national Ebola task force meeting in Kinshasa. Regional Mediation: Separate reporting warns that Congo’s peace tracks with M23-linked armed groups are at a breaking point, with critics saying Kinshasa has repeatedly missed commitments and that violations risk widening the conflict. Constitutional Politics: Tshisekedi’s push toward a possible third term is moving through the legal pipeline after a referendum bill cleared the Senate, raising fears of street protests over constitutional change. World Cup Culture: While health and politics dominate headlines, Congolese fans are also in the spotlight: “Lumumba Vea,” the “living statue” superfan, finally arrived in Mexico to support the Leopards against Colombia after Ebola-linked travel delays.

Constitutional Politics: DR Congo Senate has cleared a referendum bill, a key step in President Félix Tshisekedi’s push that could open the door to a third term, even as opposition warns it’s the first move toward changing term limits and street protests flare. Ebola Crisis: Confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC have crossed 1,000 (1,003) with 254 deaths; officials say the outbreak is still in a growth phase, with contact tracing far below targets and insecurity and weak detection slowing control. Regional Health Support: China says nearly 1,000 medical personnel are now fighting Ebola in the region, while the UN has released $4 million in CERF funding to back Uganda’s response and partners delivered medical supplies in the DRC. Humanitarian Pressure: Ebola patients are reportedly fleeing treatment centers for food, highlighting hunger as a major obstacle to containment. Great Lakes Tensions: Rwanda accuses Tshisekedi of “belligerent rhetoric” after diaspora remarks tied to eastern DRC offensives, keeping diplomatic friction high alongside the M23 conflict. World Cup Culture: Lumumba Vea (Michel Kuka Mboladinga) finally arrives in Mexico to support DR Congo at the World Cup, with his “Lumumba Lives” statue-style tribute drawing global attention.

Constitutional Politics: The Senate cleared a referendum bill, moving President Félix Tshisekedi closer to a possible third term—an issue already sparking clashes in Kinshasa as opposition warns it could open the door to changing term limits. Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola tally has crossed 1,000 cases (1,003) with 254 deaths, and officials say the outbreak is still in a growth phase, with contact tracing lagging and eastern provinces—especially Ituri—remaining hardest hit. Frontline Strain: WHO says 75 health workers have been infected and 17 have died, underscoring shortages of protective gear and the risk medics face while response teams expand. Aid and Logistics: The UN approved $4 million from CERF to back Uganda’s Ebola response, while partners in Congo delivered medical supplies and set up screening at Kinshasa’s airport. Food Insecurity: Reports say Ebola patients are fleeing treatment centers for food, with hunger now complicating containment efforts. Foreign Support: China says nearly 1,000 medical personnel are fighting Ebola in the region and pledges more emergency assistance. World Cup Politics & Culture: “Lumumba Vea” arrived at the World Cup to support DR Congo, while Tshisekedi’s remarks tied to the tournament drew criticism from Rwanda.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola tally jumped to 956 cases and 247 deaths, with health authorities warning the outbreak is still in an upward phase as contact-tracing lags and shortages of protective gear leave frontline staff exposed. Health System Strain: WHO says 75 healthcare workers have been infected and 17 have died since the outbreak began, highlighting how delayed detection and weak protection are driving risk inside treatment sites. Humanitarian Pressure: Reports say some patients are fleeing Ebola centers for food, while UN partners delivered medical supplies and set up screening at Kinshasa’s airport—yet hunger is now a direct obstacle to containment. Constitutional Crisis: In Kinshasa, protests against a bill that could enable a referendum on constitutional change—potentially opening the door to a third Tshisekedi term—drew international condemnation after clashes left at least one protester killed and dozens injured. Governance & Security: Catholic priests in Kinshasa warn insecurity around parishes is becoming more organized and violent, including attacks on clergy and church property. Politics Meets Business: Congo’s government pushed ahead with the RDC-PASS digital identity platform under a 20-year public-private partnership, while miners seek delays over a 5% equity stake rule. Eastern Front: Fighting around Minembwe in South Kivu continues amid competing battlefield claims. World Cup Politics: DR Congo’s Leopards opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw vs Portugal, while Rwanda accused Tshisekedi of politicizing the moment.

Ebola Update: DR Congo confirmed Ebola cases jumped to 956, with 247 deaths, as health authorities reported 23 new cases and said the outbreak remains in an upward phase; WHO also warned 75 health workers have been infected, with 17 deaths. Health System Strain: Officials linked early spread to delayed detection and shortages of protective gear, while WHO said low staffing and weak protection are driving the toll on frontline workers. Humanitarian Pressure: Reports say patients are fleeing treatment centres for food, highlighting hunger as a major barrier to containment; UN partners also delivered medical supplies and set up screening at Kinshasa’s airport. Regional Response: The UN allocated $4 million from CERF to support Uganda’s Ebola response, including logistics and health support in refugee-hosting districts. Politics & Governance: Kinshasa faces fresh tension over constitutional change—Senate moves on referendum rules that could open the door to a third Tshisekedi term, after protests were met with force. Security & Society: Catholic priests in Kinshasa warned of worsening organized attacks on parishes, including assaults on clergy and church property.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola tally jumped to 956 cases, including 247 deaths, as 23 new cases (and two deaths) were reported in Ituri and North Kivu; health officials say the outbreak is still in an upward phase and contact tracing is lagging (69.3% vs a 95% target). Frontline Strain: WHO warns the outbreak has already infected 75 health workers, with 17 deaths, pointing to shortages of protective gear and late detection. Aid Bottleneck: Ebola patients are reportedly fleeing treatment centers for food, while UN partners say they delivered over 16 metric tonnes of medical supplies and UN CERF funding of $4 million was approved to support Uganda’s response. Constitutional Tension: Opposition and civil society are pushing back against a referendum bill that could open the door to a third Tshisekedi term, after protests in Kinshasa turned violent. Colonial Justice: Kinshasa has asked Belgium to return hundreds of colonial-era skulls, framing the remains as needing dignity in their country of origin.

Ebola Update: Congo’s Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba says confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 933, with 245 deaths, and 80 recoveries discharged in Ituri. Health Worker Toll: WHO warns 75 health workers have been infected, with 17 deaths, as medics face shortages of gloves, masks and full protective suits. Response Under Strain: UN and partners report medical supplies deliveries and new screening at Kinshasa airport, but hunger is driving patients to flee treatment centres, complicating containment. Regional Pressure: Africa CDC says missed contacts are sustaining transmission, while WHO and UNHCR push cross-border preparedness as the outbreak threatens to spread through refugee and trade corridors. Humanitarian Funding: The UN has allocated $4 million from CERF to support Uganda’s Ebola response, including health and logistics in refugee-hosting districts. Politics at Home: Congo’s Senate adopted a bill enabling a referendum on constitutional change that could reset presidential term limits, fueling opposition protests in Kinshasa. Security & Society: Catholic priests in Kinshasa warn of rising organized attacks around parishes, including assaults on clergy and church staff.

Ebola Update: DR Congo confirmed 933 Ebola cases and 245 deaths, with 80 recoveries discharged in Ituri, as WHO warns the outbreak is still active and spreading. Frontline Strain: WHO says 75 health workers have been infected and 17 have died, citing shortages of protective gear and late detection. Cross-Border Risk: UNHCR says eastern DRC’s links to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and South Sudan raise the risk of regional transmission, pushing preparedness at borders and refugee areas. Aid Pressure: Hunger is undermining containment, with reports of patients fleeing treatment centres for food; UN partners also delivered 16 metric tonnes of medical supplies in Congo. Regional Support: The UN allocated $4 million from CERF to support Uganda’s Ebola response, including health and logistics help in refugee-hosting districts. Politics at Home: The Senate’s push for a referendum that could open the door to a third Tshisekedi term is drawing condemnation and has been met with violent protests in Kinshasa. Colonial Justice: Kinshasa has asked Belgium to return hundreds of colonial-era skulls held in Belgian museums. Governance & Tech: Congo launched RDC-PASS, a national digital identity platform under a 20-year public-private partnership. Security & Church: Catholic priests in Kinshasa warn of worsening organized insecurity targeting parishes and clergy.

Ebola Crisis, Regional Risk: The WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has reached 896 confirmed cases and 232 deaths across 31 health zones, while UNHCR warns the danger is now regional as eastern DRC borders Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and South Sudan; UNHCR is boosting screening and surveillance in refugee and border corridors. Humanitarian Pressure on Containment: In Kinshasa, the World Food Programme reports Ebola patients fleeing treatment centres for food, with authorities documenting dozens of escapes since late May as hunger and displacement undermine isolation and monitoring. Aid and Funding Moves: The UN has released $4 million from the CERF to support Uganda’s Ebola response, while UN partners in DR Congo delivered over 16 metric tonnes of medical supplies and set up new screening facilities at Kinshasa’s airport. Outbreak Worsens, Follow-up Gaps: Africa CDC warns missed contacts are sustaining transmission, with only a small share of expected contacts under active follow-up as cases keep rising. Constitutional Tension: Separately, DR Congo’s Senate adopted a bill that could enable a referendum on constitutional changes, a move opposition calls a path to a third Tshisekedi term after violent protests in Kinshasa. Colonial Reparations: Kinshasa has asked Belgium to return hundreds of colonial-era skulls held in Belgian museums.

Ebola Crisis Escalates: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is worsening, with confirmed cases now reported above 200 and Africa CDC warning that only a small share of expected contacts are under active follow-up—missed contacts are keeping transmission alive. Aid and Logistics: The UN says it has delivered over 16 metric tonnes of medical supplies to DR Congo and partners have set up new Kinshasa airport screening, while UN chief Tom Fletcher approved $4 million from CERF to back Uganda’s Ebola response across 29 districts. Political Tension Over Term Limits: In Kinshasa, the Senate adopted a bill that could enable a referendum on constitutional changes, a move opposition groups call a route to a third Tshisekedi term; protests have already turned violent and the bill still needs Tshisekedi’s signature. Digital Governance Push: Tshisekedi presided over the launch of RDC-Pass, a national digital identity platform under a 20-year public-private partnership, aimed at improving access to public services and reducing fraud. Security and Church Alarm: Catholic priests in Kinshasa warn of rising, more organized attacks on parishes and clergy, including incidents involving people in uniforms resembling security forces. Local Economy Pressure: Miners are seeking a delay on a directive requiring a 5% equity stake for Congolese workers ahead of a July 31 deadline.

Constitutional Showdown in Kinshasa: The DRC Senate adopted a bill that could open the door to a referendum on constitutional change, a move opposition says is designed to let President Félix Tshisekedi seek a third term; protests against the plan turned violent as security forces dispersed demonstrators with tear gas and live ammunition, while the UN Human Rights Office urged independent, transparent investigations and respect for peaceful assembly. Ebola Crisis Deepens: Ebola cases in the DRC climbed to 837 with 196 deaths as Bundibugyo strain transmission expands across Ituri and beyond; aid groups warn the “true scale” is likely higher due to weak sanitation, limited water, under-reporting, and strained contact tracing, even as G7 leaders called for a firm, coordinated international response. Digital Identity Push: Kinshasa marked the launch of RDC-PASS, a national digital ID ecosystem under a 20-year public-private partnership with Trident, aimed at modernizing public services and reducing document fraud. Mining Equity Tension: Congolese miners and unions are seeking a delay and clarification over a directive requiring 5% worker equity by a July 31 deadline, as companies have not yet complied. Church Security Alarm: Catholic priests in Kinshasa decried rising, more organized attacks around parishes, including assaults on clergy and claims that some attackers wear uniforms resembling security forces.

Constitutional Standoff: The DRC Senate has adopted a bill that could trigger a referendum on constitutional changes, a move opposition leaders say is designed to clear the way for President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term by effectively resetting the term clock; the bill now needs Tshisekedi’s signature after earlier National Assembly approval, and protests in Kinshasa have already turned violent as security forces dispersed demonstrators. Ebola Crisis Deepens: Ebola in the DRC is worsening, with confirmed cases reported at 837 and deaths at 196, as WHO and partners warn of sustained community transmission and geographic expansion; aid groups like Oxfam say the real toll may be far higher due to poor water and sanitation, weak reporting, and strained contact tracing, while insecurity and community mistrust keep response teams under pressure. World Cup Return, Kinshasa Celebrates: After a 52-year absence, the Leopards opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Portugal, with Yoane Wissa scoring to give the country its first-ever World Cup goal on this stage, prompting celebrations across Kinshasa and the diaspora. Digital Governance Push: Kinshasa also unveiled RDC-Pass, a national digital ID platform under a long-term public-private partnership, aimed at improving access to government and financial services and reducing document fraud.

Constitutional Standoff: DR Congo’s Senate has adopted a bill that could pave the way for President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term via a referendum, a move opponents call a power grab after violent Kinshasa protests; the measure now needs Tshisekedi’s signature and a Constitutional Court green light, with the opposition warning it could entrench executive power. Ebola Crisis Deepens: Ebola continues to worsen in the DRC, with reports putting confirmed cases at 837 and deaths at 196, as WHO flags sustained community transmission and geographic expansion; aid groups warn the real toll may be higher amid insecurity, weak contact follow-up, and community mistrust. Aid Under Strain: Oxfam says sanitation and water failures are driving hidden spread, with many villages lacking safe water and sanitation, while treatment and testing resources remain stretched. Digital Governance Push: Kinshasa also unveiled RDC-Pass, a national digital ID platform under a 20-year PPP, aiming to improve access to services and curb document fraud—another major government modernization step amid political and health turmoil.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps worsening: confirmed cases jumped to 837 with 196 deaths, as WHO warns of sustained community transmission, weak contact follow-up, and insecurity expanding the fight beyond Ituri into North Kivu. Aid Under Strain: Oxfam says the “true scale” may be far higher, pointing to broken sanitation and water access that fuels spread, while labs and care centers struggle with shortages and delays. G7 Pressure: G7 leaders urged a “firm and coordinated” response and called for faster rollout of vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments, stressing the crisis is tied to conflict that blocks public health measures. Constitution Clash: In Kinshasa, the Senate adopted a bill that could reset Tshisekedi’s term clock via a referendum, despite opposition warnings of a power grab and violent protests that saw police disperse demonstrators with tear gas and live rounds. Digital Push: Tshisekedi launched RDC-Pass, a national digital ID under a 20-year PPP, aiming to cut fraud and speed e-government and financial access. Migration Legal Fight: A US judge vacated an order to return a deported Colombian woman to the US, leaving her in Congo as her case continues.