AGP Executive Report

Ebola Crisis: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 3,532 cases and 1,556 deaths, now the fastest-growing on record, with health officials warning transmission is outpacing containment and calling for faster strategy to cut chains of spread. Vaccine Push: Oxford researchers began first volunteer testing of a Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine, after weeks of rapid development, as the outbreak keeps climbing. Public Health Under Pressure: Reports say misinformation is driving attacks on frontline responders and discouraging care-seeking, while Uganda has declared itself Ebola-free after 42 days of surveillance. Constitutional Showdown: Kinshasa’s constitutional court cleared a referendum path that critics say could enable President Félix Tshisekedi’s third term; the C64 opposition coalition denounced the ruling, and some Kinshasa residents backed the referendum law despite mounting security and Ebola strain. Rwanda-DRC Tensions: Kinshasa and Kigali traded accusations over a protocol for FDLR disarmament and cantonment, with Rwanda rejecting it as inconsistent with the U.S.-brokered peace deal. Environment & Governance: Greenpeace Africa is convening stakeholders in Kinshasa to strengthen DRC’s legal framework on plastic packaging pollution, targeting gaps in enforcement and producer responsibility.

Constitutional Showdown: Congo’s Constitutional Court cleared a referendum path that could let President Félix Tshisekedi pursue a third term, triggering anger from the C64 opposition and protests in Kinshasa and eastern cities like Goma and Bukavu. Ebola Emergency: Bundibugyo Ebola keeps surging in the DRC—confirmed cases now above 3,200 with deaths rising past 1,400—while Oxford’s team began human testing of a Bundibugyo vaccine and officials warn misinformation is fueling attacks and discouraging care. Rwanda-DRC Tensions: Kinshasa and Kigali traded accusations over a protocol for disarming the FDLR; Rwanda rejected it as inconsistent with the U.S.-brokered peace framework, keeping the border peace process fragile. Security & Diplomacy: Rwanda repatriated 39 Congolese nationals after screening found they falsely claimed FDLR ties, as Kinshasa continues to argue for “neutralisation” steps. Governance & Services: Tshisekedi inaugurated a Chinese-built water plant in Kamina, boosting Haut-Lomami’s drinking water capacity. Environment & Law: Greenpeace Africa convened stakeholders to tighten DRC rules on plastic packaging, pushing for stronger enforcement and producer responsibility.

Constitutional Showdown: DR Congo’s constitutional court approved a referendum law that could let President Félix Tshisekedi seek a third term, triggering opposition backlash in Kinshasa and protests in rebel-held Goma and Bukavu. Ebola Emergency: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak keeps accelerating, with confirmed cases reported around 3,200+ and deaths rising past 1,400; health workers at Bunia’s Elikya center reportedly walked off the job over unpaid pay, while misinformation and mistrust continue to hamper response. DRC-Rwanda Tensions: Kinshasa says the FDLR has signed a protocol for disarmament and cantonment under a US-brokered peace framework, but Rwanda calls it inconsistent with the Washington Accords, keeping the border dispute and security guarantees at the center of the fight. Local Governance & Services: Tshisekedi inaugurated a Chinese-built water treatment plant in Kamina, aiming to boost safe drinking water capacity in Haut-Lomami. Accountability & Corruption Claims: A new report questions how FRIVAO reparations funds are allocated, alleging ministers steer compensation amounts and deductions reduce what victims receive. Human Rights & Environment: Human Rights Watch renewed pressure on Perenco over pollution and gas flaring risks to communities near its Kongo Central operations.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo reported 3,200 confirmed Ebola cases and 1,405 deaths, with Ituri still driving the outbreak (89% of infections) as health facilities strain under sustained transmission and rising isolation numbers. Clinical Push: Authorities say a trial for post-exposure preventive treatment has started in Ituri, while officials warn misinformation is undermining care-seeking and safe burials. Political Tension: In Kinshasa, some residents back a constitutional referendum law that critics say would clear the way for President Félix Tshisekedi’s third term; protests also erupted in rebel-held eastern cities against the changes. Rwanda-DRC Security Row: Congo says an FDLR-linked protocol for disarmament and demobilisation has been signed, but Rwanda rejected it as inconsistent with the Washington peace framework—keeping the FDLR issue at the center of the stalled peace process. Mining Governance: With a July 31 deadline looming, DR Congo is pressing foreign mining firms to transfer 10% equity to local nationals under the 2018 Mining Code. Humanitarian Strain: Logistics and staffing gaps are worsening response capacity as violence and displacement disrupt surveillance, especially beyond Ituri.

Ebola Emergency: Uganda declared itself officially Ebola-free after 74 days, but the virus keeps surging in eastern DRC, where confirmed cases have topped 3,200 and deaths are near 1,405, with WHO warning the real toll could be far higher. Health System Strain: At Bunia’s Elikya Ebola Treatment Center, doctors and nurses walked off the job over unpaid bonuses and salaries, disrupting isolation and contact tracing as the outbreak expands across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé and Tshopo. Logistics and Response: UNICEF and partners say humanitarian logistics are struggling to keep up with insecurity and displacement, while PM Judith Suminwa Tuluka has pushed for faster delivery of labs, oxygen, ambulances, hygiene supplies and safe burials. Eastern Congo Politics: Thousands protested in Goma and Bukavu against proposed constitutional changes that could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term, as Kinshasa and M23 trade blame amid Ebola-related gathering restrictions. Mining Governance: Kinshasa is enforcing the 2018 Mining Code’s local equity rule, ordering foreign firms to transfer 10% shares to Congolese nationals by July 31 or face sanctions. Rights and Environment: Human Rights Watch accused Perenco of gas flaring and waste burning near homes in Kongo Central, linking pollution to respiratory illness and chest pain.

Ebola Emergency: Uganda declared itself Ebola-free after 42 days of surveillance, but the virus keeps surging in eastern DR Congo, now at 3,200+ confirmed cases and 1,405+ deaths, with WHO warning the real toll could be far higher; doctors at Bunia’s Elikya Ebola Treatment Center reportedly walked out over unpaid wages, threatening containment as logistics and community trust remain strained. Constitutional Tension: Thousands protested in Goma and Bukavu against proposed constitutional changes that could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term, with demonstrations held under police supervision despite Ebola gathering bans. Mining Rules: Kinshasa issued a final ultimatum to foreign mining firms to transfer 10% equity to Congolese nationals by July 31, warning of sanctions and possible license action. Oil Pollution: Human Rights Watch renewed pressure on Perenco over gas flaring and waste burning near homes in Kongo Central, citing health risks and alleged failure to prevent spills. Regional Security Diplomacy: Angola’s president received a confidential message from Tshisekedi’s envoy on the worsening security situation in eastern DR Congo. U.S. Visa Overhaul: The U.S. will end routine visa processing at 25 African posts from Aug. 1, routing applicants to regional hubs including Kinshasa.

Ebola Emergency: DRC’s Bundibugyo outbreak keeps surging, with confirmed cases now reported above 3,000 and deaths climbing past 1,300 as Prime Minister Judith Suminwa calls for faster logistics and stronger community surveillance. Health Response Logistics: UNICEF highlights how humanitarian supply chains are moving medical goods across insecure eastern provinces, while field teams warn that insecurity and weak detection are letting cases spread. Frontline Strain: At Bunia’s Elikya Ebola Treatment Center, unpaid doctors and nurses walked off the job, threatening isolation and contact tracing just as the crisis accelerates. Eastern Security & Humanitarian Access: Violence is also worsening the Ebola fight, with reports of civilians killed in ADF attacks and thousands fleeing fighting in North Kivu, disrupting response operations. National Dialogue Momentum: Opposition C64 postponed a planned Kinshasa protest march after church mediation, with talks expected by mid-August—though a constitutional referendum remains a key flashpoint. Mining Governance: Kinshasa is pressing ahead with the July 31 deadline for mining firms to transfer 10% equity to Congolese nationals, warning of sanctions for non-compliance. Oil & Human Rights: Human Rights Watch says pollution from Perenco’s operations in Kongo Central is harming nearby communities, urging Kinshasa to publish audit findings and monitoring data. Environment & Extractives: Greenpeace warns the Kivu–Kinshasa Green Corridor overlaps heavily with oil and mining concessions, calling for a moratorium on new projects.

Ebola Emergency: Bundibugyo Ebola in eastern DR Congo keeps accelerating, with confirmed cases reported at 3,200 and deaths at 1,405 as doctors at the Elikya treatment center in Bunia walk off over unpaid wages, threatening isolation and contact tracing. Aid & Response Capacity: Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka says the government has released $50 million and urges faster delivery of labs, oxygen, ambulances, hygiene supplies and safe-burial equipment as insecurity and community resistance hamper surveillance. China–Africa Health Support: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says China’s emergency handover to the Ebola response totals $4.5 million, with a medical team already in Kinshasa. Mining Reform Deadline: Kinshasa orders foreign miners to transfer 10% equity to Congolese nationals by July 31 under the 2018 Mining Code, warning of sanctions and possible license revocation. Human Rights & Oil Pollution: HRW renews pressure on Perenco, alleging gas flaring and waste burning near Muanda communities are harming health, while oil spills continue. Environment Watch: Greenpeace flags major overlaps between the Kivu–Kinshasa Green Corridor and oil blocks/mining concessions, calling for a moratorium on new extractive projects. Diplomacy & Security: Angola’s president João Lourenço received a confidential message from Tshisekedi on the worsening security situation in eastern Congo.

Oil & Rights: Human Rights Watch says Perenco’s gas flaring and waste burning in Kongo Central are harming nearby residents’ health, while oil spills keep contaminating soil and riverbeds—despite the company denying pollution. Mining Reform Deadline: Kinshasa is pressing foreign miners to transfer 10% equity to Congolese nationals by July 31 under the 2018 Mining Code, warning of fines or license suspension; the rule is separate from the state’s existing 10% stake. Ebola Emergency: Ebola figures keep climbing in eastern DRC, with deaths now reported above 1,300 and cases above 3,000 as PM Judith Suminwa calls for faster logistics and as violence in North Kivu disrupts response. Court & Sovereignty: The ouster of ICC prosecutor Karim Khan is roiling African states’ push for more influence over the court, as successor elections drag on. Diplomacy & Security: Angola’s president received a confidential message from Tshisekedi on the worsening security situation in eastern DRC, while Kinshasa continues to frame diplomacy around the FDLR and the wider M23 crisis.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola caseload has jumped past 3,000, reaching 3,075 with 1,354 deaths, as Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka warns the outbreak could worsen the humanitarian crisis and calls for faster delivery of logistics, including labs, oxygen, ambulances, and safe-burial supplies. Health Response Upgrade: Oxford says the first volunteer has been vaccinated in a human trial for the Bundibugyo strain, while WHO has added a first molecular diagnostic test to its Emergency Use Listing to speed up early detection. Security Strain on Disease Control: Escalating violence is disrupting care—UN-linked reporting says thousands have fled fighting in North Kivu and attacks have killed civilians—while responders warn community surveillance remains too weak to find cases early. Eastern Congo Diplomacy: Angola’s president João Lourenço received a confidential message from Tshisekedi’s envoy on the “very worrying” security situation in the east, with clashes continuing despite diplomatic efforts. Mining Pressure in Kinshasa: The government is enforcing a July 31 deadline for mining firms to transfer 10% equity to Congolese nationals, threatening sanctions or license revocation. Politics at Home: Opposition C64 postponed a planned Kinshasa protest after church mediation, but set a deadline of August 15 for national dialogue talks. Regional Security Narrative: Kinshasa and Kigali continue trading blame over M23 and the FDLR, as diplomacy and battlefield realities collide.

Ebola Surge: The DRC says confirmed Ebola cases have hit 3,075, with deaths rising to 1,354, after a rapid revision that added more than 300 infections from surveillance reviews; the outbreak is concentrated in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, and officials warn insecurity, attacks on health facilities, and mistrust are slowing contact tracing. Humanitarian Strain: Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka says the government has released $50 million for the response and is pushing faster delivery of labs, oxygen, ambulances, hygiene supplies and safe-burial equipment as displacement sites remain high-risk. New Tools, Still No Cure: WHO has added the first molecular diagnostic test for the Bundibugyo strain to its Emergency Use Listing, while an Oxford-led vaccine trial has begun vaccinating volunteers—yet there is still no approved vaccine or treatment specifically for Bundibugyo. Security Fallout: In the east, ADF attacks in Mambasa territory have killed at least 32 civilians over 72 hours, triggering fresh displacement and further complicating the health response. Regional Diplomacy: Angola’s president received a confidential message from Tshisekedi on the “very worrying” security situation in eastern Congo, with hopes for progress in weeks or months.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases climbed to 2,973 with 1,309 deaths as Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka warned the outbreak could worsen the humanitarian crisis in eastern Ituri; the government says it has disbursed $50 million and is pushing faster delivery of labs, oxygen, ambulances, hygiene supplies, and safe burial equipment, while 540 patients have recovered and 766 remain in isolation or hospital. Containment Under Strain: Health authorities describe sustained transmission and caution that case swings may reflect reporting delays; meanwhile, insecurity and attacks on responders are disrupting care and surveillance, with reports of rising deaths and fears the virus is spreading beyond known chains. Eastern Security Spillover: Fighting continues to drive displacement and block response efforts, including reports of at least 16 killed in an ADF attack in Ituri and UN-linked concerns about violence hampering Ebola containment. Politics & Dialogue: Opposition C64 postponed a planned Kinshasa protest march after appeals from Catholic and Protestant leaders, as Tshisekedi’s inclusive national dialogue process moves forward. Mining Policy Watch: Kinshasa is pressing ahead with “Congolese-first” reforms, including a July 31 deadline for mining companies to transfer 10% equity to local nationals, even as investors warn rule changes could deter funding.

Ebola Crisis: The DRC’s Ebola toll keeps climbing as the health ministry reported 2,905 confirmed cases and 1,269 deaths, with a big jump tied to updated national data; Prime Minister Judith Suminwa said patients are often arriving late and the government will push earlier community awareness, while Oxford reported the first volunteer vaccinated in a human trial targeting the Bundibugyo strain. Public Health Response: WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo to its Emergency Use Listing, aiming to speed up early detection and care. Security & Humanitarian Strain: In Ituri, at least 16 people were killed in a suspected ADF attack, forcing villagers to flee and disrupting farming and local life. Politics & Dialogue: Opposition C64 postponed a planned Kinshasa protest after church leaders urged space for Tshisekedi’s national dialogue, with talks expected before Aug. 15. Eastern Congo Diplomacy: Kinshasa’s security concerns in the east were conveyed to Angola’s president by Tshisekedi’s envoy, describing the situation as “very worrying” despite diplomacy. Mining & Sovereignty: Kinshasa pressed ahead with “Congolese-first” mining rules, ordering companies to transfer 10% equity to local nationals by July 31, while also certifying the DRC’s first lithium export. Regional Peacebuilding: More than 12,000 youth from eastern Congo and Rwanda gathered in North Kivu for a peace forum backed by the Catholic Diocese of Goma.

Mining Politics: Kinshasa issued a final ultimatum to major mining firms, ordering them to transfer 10% equity to Congolese nationals by July 31 or face sanctions and possible license revocation, as the “Congolese-first” push raises pressure on investors. Ebola Crisis: Eastern DRC’s Ebola outbreak is showing early signs of stabilisation, but officials warn it may not have peaked; the latest figures put confirmed cases at 2,473 with nearly 1,000 deaths, while response capacity expands amid insecurity and community resistance. National Dialogue: Opposition C64 postponed a planned Kinshasa protest after religious leaders urged a calmer climate for talks; the churches are now mediating an inclusive national dialogue following Tshisekedi’s openness to dialogue, with a deadline set for convening before mid-August. Security & Armed Groups: An ADF-linked attack in Ituri killed at least 16 people and displaced villagers, prompting MONUSCO support for patrols. Regional Peacebuilding: Over 12,000 youth from eastern Congo and Rwanda gathered in North Kivu for a peace forum focused on reconciliation and rejecting hate speech. Trade & Development: TradeMark Africa named Baraka Mugisha Billy as DRC country director to expand critical minerals trade and border modernization, including work tied to the EU-backed Lobito Corridor programme. Natural Resources Milestone: DRC certified its first-ever lithium export from the Manono project, signaling a new push beyond copper and cobalt.

Trade & Investment: TradeMark Africa named Baraka Mugisha Billy as its DRC Country Director, tasked with pushing critical-minerals trade reforms and border modernization, including EU-backed work on the Lobito Corridor and the Mahagi one-stop border post. Ebola Crisis: Eastern DRC Ebola is showing early signs of stabilisation, but officials warn it may not have peaked; the latest figures put deaths above 1,000 and cases around 2,400, with treatment capacity expanding while insecurity and community resistance slow response. Security in the East: At least 16 people were killed in an ADF attack in Ituri’s Mambasa territory, prompting MONUSCO support and renewed displacement fears. Political Dialogue: Opposition C64 postponed a planned Kinshasa protest after Tshisekedi accepted an inclusive national dialogue, with churches mediating and talks expected before mid-August. Mining & Sovereignty: Kinshasa is set to enforce local ownership rules for miners on July 31 despite investor concerns, while the DRC also certified its first-ever lithium export from the Manono project. Regional Peacebuilding: More than 12,000 youth from eastern Congo and Rwanda gathered in North Kivu for a peace forum aimed at reconciliation and rejecting hate speech.

Ebola Crisis Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is showing early signs of stabilisation in some areas, but officials stress it’s too soon to declare a peak. New data put confirmed cases at about 2,473 with deaths just over 1,000, while response capacity is expanding—23 treatment centres, 19 labs, and nearly 800 beds—yet insecurity and community resistance keep slowing care and contact tracing. Security in the East: An ADF-linked attack in Ituri’s Mambasa territory killed at least 16 people, with villages Mandeite and Ndiapanda hit and residents fleeing amid ongoing armed presence. Church-Led Politics: Opposition C64 postponed a planned Kinshasa protest after appeals from Catholic and Protestant leaders, as consultations for an inclusive national dialogue move forward under a deadline of August 15. Mining & Economy: Kinshasa certified and approved DR Congo’s first-ever lithium export from the Manono project, a milestone aimed at diversifying beyond copper and cobalt. Regional Health Coordination: Neighbouring countries stepped up border screening and preparedness to reduce imported Ebola risk as cases surge in eastern DR Congo.