AGP Executive Report

Ebola Crisis in Eastern DRC: WHO says the Ebola outbreak is still accelerating, with 1,406 confirmed cases and 438 deaths, as violence and mistrust keep disrupting care. WHO also reports a clinical trial for Bundibugyo Ebola treatments has started, testing MBP134 and remdesivir, while testing capacity and treatment beds expand. Treatment Trial Rollout: The PARTNERS trial is enrolling patients in the DRC to find effective options for the rare Bundibugyo strain, with international partners supporting the study. Funding Pressure: WHO warns that lack of money and ongoing conflict are blocking the response, with only a small share of pledged funds reaching operations. Cross-border Risk: WHO and regional officials stress the threat of spread beyond hotspots, including surveillance updates and preparedness efforts in border areas. China’s Support: A second Chinese medical expert team has arrived in Kinshasa to help with epidemiology, lab testing, treatment, and infection control. Local Disruption: Reports say an Ebola treatment centre in Ituri was attacked and patients fled, underscoring how insecurity worsens the outbreak. Economy & Finance: DRC is moving toward launching the Kinshasa Stock Exchange to broaden access to capital, alongside efforts to strengthen the financial system.

Ebola Update (East DRC): The DRC Ministry of Health says Ebola has reached 1,460 confirmed cases and 447 deaths as of July 1, with 213 recoveries and 595 still in care; authorities report 82.7% contact tracing and the outbreak remains concentrated in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, with new restrictions in Ituri including bans on corpse handling and limits on transport. WHO Treatment Trial: The WHO has started a clinical trial for the Bundibugyo strain, enrolling the first patient to test MBP134 and remdesivir (alone or combined), with results expected over months. Trial Security & Response Strain: The WHO also flagged ongoing challenges on the ground, including violence and mistrust, while response efforts continue across affected provinces. Politics (Third-Term Push): Congo’s opposition is calling for demonstrations in Kinshasa and other cities, accusing President Félix Tshisekedi of trying to secure a third term via constitutional change. Regional Support: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged continued backing for the DRC’s Ebola fight and urged a ceasefire to protect humanitarian access. World Cup (DRC Team): Despite the Leopards’ exit, Congolese fans are celebrating their historic run, while England’s late comeback over DR Congo keeps the spotlight on the country’s football resurgence.

Ebola Response: WHO says DRC’s Ebola outbreak is still accelerating, with 1,406 confirmed cases and 438 deaths, as a Bundibugyo treatment trial enrolls its first patient and an experimental antibody study begins—though WHO warns mistrust and violence are still hampering care. Health System Strain: Reuters reports officials fear malaria and other diseases could kill more people than Ebola as clinics face shortages and patients avoid visits, especially in conflict-hit eastern provinces. Regional Mobilisation: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Kinshasa for an African Union solidarity mission to back DRC’s Ebola fight and strengthen cross-border preparedness. World Cup Spotlight on DRC: England survived a scare against DR Congo, coming back 2-1 with Harry Kane to reach the last 16 and set up Mexico next—while the match’s late-night timing sparks debate over whether children should miss school.

World Cup Knockout Shock: DR Congo’s “Leopards” bowed out of the 2026 World Cup after a 2-1 loss to England in Atlanta, despite leading early through Brian Cipenga; Harry Kane struck twice late to send England into the last 16 against Mexico. Coach Under Fire, Then Tragedy: DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre praised his team for leaving a “positive image,” but his post-match press conference was interrupted when he was told his father had died. Ebola Update (Eastern Congo): The DRC reported 1,406 confirmed Ebola cases and 438 deaths, with response efforts focused on Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Mistrust Hits Response: In Ituri, a mob burned an Ebola treatment centre, killing a police officer and forcing operations to pause as staff feared for their safety. Regional Security/Politics: South Africa’s SANDF officially ended its DRC deployment, with troops returning home after a mission that ended in a deadly confrontation.

World Cup Knockout (DR Congo vs England): England escaped a shock at Atlanta, beating DR Congo 2-1 after Brian Cipenga’s early opener, with Harry Kane scoring both goals to book a Round of 16 meeting with Mexico. Public Health (Ebola fallout): The UN warned DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and push nearly a million more people into poverty, with cases and deaths continuing to rise. Regional Health (Marburg alert): Uganda reported an isolated Marburg virus case in a child who died, with Africa CDC saying there’s no active outbreak and no symptomatic contacts so far. Ebola response push: President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to lead an African Union solidarity visit to Kinshasa to back the continental Ebola response. Sports & society: DR Congo’s iconic “Lumumba Vea” superfan was replaced for the England match after being denied a US visa tied to Ebola restrictions.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has climbed to 1,333 confirmed cases and 399 deaths, with WHO warning the response is still below what’s needed to stop transmission fast, as UNDP flags major knock-on effects for jobs and poverty. Public Health Measures: Authorities have banned mass gatherings in Kinshasa and three provinces to slow spread, drawing opposition criticism that the move could be political. Eastern DRC Politics: A push to allow President Félix Tshisekedi a third term via constitutional changes is raising fears it could strengthen Rwanda and M23’s position and weaken democratic credibility. Cobalt Controls: DR Congo has ordered cobalt miners to surrender unused export quotas for the first half of 2026, a move likely to tighten supply in the battery metal market. World Cup Spotlight: Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to reach the last 16, setting up a potential England vs DR Congo clash next, while England faces injury doubts ahead of the knockout tie.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo reported 1,307 confirmed Ebola cases and 377 deaths, prompting Kinshasa and three provinces to ban mass gatherings—though the England World Cup match will still go ahead with precautions. UN Warning: The UN says the Bundibugyo outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and trigger major job losses unless funding and response speed up. Africa CDC Push: Africa CDC is calling for $18m urgently to start trials of experimental Ebola treatments in Bunia, warning delays could cost lives. Health Spillover Risk: Uganda has reported a possible Marburg outbreak, raising fears it could complicate regional viral hemorrhagic fever response. Sports Spotlight: DR Congo’s Leopards face England in the World Cup Round of 32 in Atlanta after a historic run, with the match framed as a national moment for a country returning to knockout football. Governance Debate: Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo publicly opposed constitutional reform, arguing there’s no urgency or opportunity for changes that could enable a third term. Diamonds Deal: DR Congo signed an agreement with Swiss firm Adex to market Congolese diamonds, aiming to boost transparency and cut smuggling through domestic processing and a digital sales platform.

World Cup Knockout: DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa says the Leopards should “enjoy” their Round of 32 clash with England in Atlanta after a historic 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan. Sports & Travel Pressure: England fans face punishing costs and long journeys, with one supporter reporting a 17-hour bus trip from New York to Atlanta. Ebola Emergency: Ebola keeps worsening: Africa CDC reports 1,274 confirmed cases and 360 deaths, with 96 health workers infected, and the outbreak spreading to a fourth province. Public Health Controls: Kinshasa and three provinces have banned public gatherings, marches and demonstrations to slow transmission. Opposition Under Pressure: DR Congo opposition leader Delly Sesanga says he was banned from leaving the country and had his passport confiscated amid constitutional reform tensions. Minerals & Conflict: The US sanctions networks tied to conflict-mineral smuggling linked to Rwanda-backed M23 in eastern DRC, targeting a gold refinery and companies in Kigali. Diplomacy: India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar sent Independence Day greetings to DR Congo, highlighting development ties including the Kakobola hydropower project.

Ebola Emergency in the DRC: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has spread to a fourth province, with the northeast now fully affected. Public Health Numbers: WHO figures put cases at 1,274 and deaths at 360, with Ituri the epicentre (1,165 cases, 301 deaths). New Restrictions: Kinshasa and three other provinces (Tshopo, Haut-Uele, Bas-Uele) have banned mass gatherings to slow transmission, days ahead of a planned July 8 protest that opposition leaders call politically motivated. Regional Response Boost: Africa CDC, WHO and Uganda launched a Continental Incident Management Support Team to coordinate faster cross-border Ebola response. Congo’s Cobalt Move: ARECOMS says unused cobalt export quotas due by June 30 will be forfeited and reassigned to a strategic state-controlled quota to tighten shipment control. World Cup Spotlight: DR Congo face England in the Round of 32 in Atlanta after reaching the knockout stage for the first time in 52 years; their “Lumumba” superfan Michel Kuka Mboladinga was denied US entry for the match.

Ebola Update: The DRC says confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 1,274, including 360 deaths, as health authorities push to contain a fast-moving outbreak. Eastern DRC Peace & Diplomacy: Pakistan urged parties to fully implement UN Security Council resolution 2773 and maintain momentum toward a credible, verifiable ceasefire in eastern DRC, citing M23 territorial gains, drone use, and worsening humanitarian conditions. International Court Move: Kinshasa filed a landmark case at the ICJ against Rwanda, alleging decades of genocide and human-rights abuses in eastern Congo since 1996. World Cup Spotlight (DRC): The Leopards made history by reaching the World Cup Round of 32 for the first time in 52 years, after a 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan powered by Yoane Wissa; they now face England in Atlanta. Regional Security Agenda: Leaders are set to meet at an extraordinary SADC summit with eastern DRC security and peacekeeping high on the agenda.

World Cup Knockouts: DR Congo’s Leopards stunned Uzbekistan 3-1 to reach the Round of 32 for the first time in 52 years, with Yoane Wissa scoring twice after an early Uzbek lead; they now face England in Atlanta. Diaspora Celebrations: Congolese communities in the UK poured into the streets after the win, celebrating a historic return to the knockout stage. Match-Up Set: England topped Group L after beating Panama 2-0, and will play DR Congo next, setting up a high-stakes Wednesday clash. Ebola Context: The team’s run comes as DR Congo continues to battle an Ebola outbreak at home, adding pressure and disruption to training and travel. Aviation Link: Air Congo confirmed it will launch Brussels–Kinshasa flights from July 1, bringing direct competition to Brussels Airlines on the route. Public Health Watch: WHO-backed reporting highlights how the Ebola crisis is still fast-moving, keeping health systems under strain.

World Cup Knockouts (DR Congo): DR Congo ended a 52-year wait by beating Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta, with Yoane Wissa scoring twice (including a penalty) and Fiston Mayele adding the second after the Leopards trailed early; the comeback booked them a Round of 32 clash with England. Round of 32 Setup (England): England topped Group L after a 2-0 win over Panama, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scoring, setting up the England–DR Congo meeting in Atlanta. IMF Support for Congo: The IMF approved a new $350 million disbursement for DR Congo under its reform programs, with funds aimed at the general budget, infrastructure and social protection, plus boosting foreign reserves and the balance of payments. Ebola Response (DR Congo): Health coverage continues to track DR Congo’s worsening Ebola situation, including rising deaths and cases, alongside calls for stronger coordination and faster treatment access. Regional Tensions (South Africa): South Africa braces for June 30 anti-immigration protests, with officials warning against vigilantism and xenophobic violence as migrant communities fear intimidation and displacement.

Ebola Crisis: The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is worsening fast, with confirmed cases rising to about 1,203 and deaths to 304, prompting the US CDC to activate its highest response level and ship experimental treatments to DR Congo and Uganda; Africa CDC says the regional funding need has tripled to $1.4 billion as the virus threatens to spread further. Health Travel Rules: India has brought back its Air Suvidha 2.0 health declaration for international arrivals, while Saudi Arabia has suspended travel and visas for citizens from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan over Ebola concerns. World Cup Pressure: President Félix Tshisekedi urged DR Congo’s “Leopards” to treat their must-win clash vs Uzbekistan in Atlanta as a moment of national unity, with qualification still possible. Diplomacy & Conflict: DR Congo has filed a new case at the ICJ against Rwanda, accusing it of treaty violations and atrocities linked to support for M23 in eastern DR Congo. Economy: The IMF approved roughly $348.5 million for DR Congo after program reviews, including ECF and RSF disbursements.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: The U.S. CDC has activated its highest Level 1 response to the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, saying the risk to the U.S. remains low while it ships experimental treatments and boosts staffing. Outbreak Numbers: DR Congo reports 1,203 confirmed Ebola cases and 321 deaths, with 148 recoveries; WHO warns contact tracing is improving but the fight is “far from over.” Response Gaps: Authorities cite community resistance to post-mortem testing, treatment capacity strain in Ituri, follow-up below the 95% target, shortages of medicines and infection-control supplies, and a funding gap. Cross-Border Spread Fears: Africa CDC says contact tracing is dangerously behind and warns the outbreak could become the largest ever; Uganda has 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. Global Spillover Alarm: France confirmed its first Ebola case linked to a doctor returning from DR Congo, triggering isolation and contact tracing. Diplomacy & Conflict: DR Congo filed a case at the ICJ against Rwanda over decades of alleged abuses in the east, as U.S. sanctions target a Rwandan gold refinery tied to alleged DRC conflict-mineral smuggling linked to M23. Sports Amid Crisis: DR Congo’s World Cup run continues to draw attention, including a historic fan “living statue” moment, even as Ebola restrictions and quarantines loom.

ICJ Case Against Rwanda: DR Congo has filed a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Rwanda of breaching multiple treaties over alleged abuses in the east since 1996, including massacres, torture, sexual violence and forced displacement, and is asking the court to order Rwanda to stop and pay reparations. Ebola Emergency: Ebola in DR Congo has surpassed 1,100 cases and 300 deaths, with Africa CDC saying the outbreak is still fast-moving and warning it could become the largest ever; the UN also released $8m for preparedness in Burundi and South Sudan as cross-border risk grows. US Support for Treatment and Testing: The US plans to ship experimental Ebola therapy doses to DR Congo and Uganda and pre-position rapid diagnostic tests to speed detection and response. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa is processing thousands of Malawians for repatriation ahead of June 30 anti-immigrant protests, while DR Congo is among countries affected by the wider displacement and xenophobia wave. World Cup Return: DR Congo fans are celebrating the Leopards’ return to the World Cup after 52 years, with matches drawing major attention even as the Ebola crisis continues.

Ebola Surge in DRC: DR Congo says confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 1,155 with 304 deaths, as health authorities tighten controls and warn the outbreak is still outpacing the response. Cross-Border Alarm: WHO-backed modelling estimates a 70% chance of spread to South Sudan, while Uganda reports its response entering a stabilization phase. Treatment Trials: WHO says trials of two potential therapeutics for the rare Bundibugyo strain are set to start next week in Ituri, including MBP134 and remdesivir. Travel Curbs Ripple Out: DRC orders a 21-day quarantine and travel ban for contacts returning from affected areas; France confirms its first imported case in a doctor returning from Congo, prompting wider precautions. Regional Politics: Tshisekedi is preparing to pass a law that could open the door to a third term via constitutional change, with protests possible. Security and Displacement: Aid groups warn militant attacks in Upper Uele have driven mass village abandonment and hunger risks. Business/Finance: Equity Group shareholders approve a record Sh21.7bn dividend and back insurance expansion into DRC.