AGP Executive Report

Ebola Funding Boost: The U.S. announced an extra $267 million for DR Congo’s Ebola response, bringing total U.S. support to $886 million as the outbreak keeps spreading. Health System Strain: WHO warns DR Congo is short on health workers, with North Kivu cases up 73% in three weeks and treatment centres struggling to run at full capacity after frontline strikes over unpaid wages. Regional Response Push: Africa CDC says $2.9 billion has been mobilized for the wider Africa Ebola response, backed by G20+ foreign ministers, with calls for faster burden-sharing. Ebola Watch: WHO says the outbreak remains uncontrolled even where some provinces show improvement, and children under five face the highest risk of death. Sports & National Mood: DR Congo opened AFCON 2027 qualifiers with a 2-0 win over Equatorial Guinea in Kinshasa, with Mbemba and Wissa scoring. Conservation Spotlight: On World Gorilla Day, DR Congo’s community forest protections expanded in Nkuba, supporting Grauer’s gorillas amid ongoing threats.

Ebola Response: The US announced an extra $267 million for the Ebola fight in the DRC, bringing its total support to $886 million, aimed at treatment centres, diagnostics and supplies as the outbreak continues to spread. Regional Preparedness: The East African Community is ramping up cross-border disease surveillance and training frontline health workers, warning that outbreaks like Ebola and Marburg can quickly disrupt trade and transport. Diplomacy in the Great Lakes: Belgium and Rwanda have restored diplomatic ties after an 18-month rupture, with both sides saying disagreements over eastern DRC remain. Media Freedom: Congo authorities were urged to release music journalist Virginie Manganga, arrested over an interview tied to allegations involving Fally Ipupa. Sports (DRC in focus): Zimbabwe’s AFCON qualifier against the DRC is set for Sept 28, with ticketing updates and match-day traffic plans in Harare.

Ebola Crisis: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still “not under control,” with 7,773 cases and 3,759 deaths as of Monday; North Kivu saw a 73% jump while Ituri and Haut-Uele fell, and WHO warns about deaths before patients reach treatment. Cross-Border Response: IOM is expanding health screening beyond DR Congo, including at Kinshasa’s Bende-Bende port, and working with neighbors to reduce cross-border spread. Nigeria Steps Up: Nigeria’s NCDC puts the country on “high alert,” tightening entry screening only for travelers from Ebola-affected countries. Diplomacy Watch: Belgium and Rwanda restored diplomatic ties after an 18-month rupture, with both sides pledging continued dialogue, including on the eastern DR Congo conflict. Security & Arms: DR Congo launched a national voluntary civilian disarmament campaign in six zones to cut illegal weapons. Economy & Trade: ITC and Access Bank signed a 3-year SME finance and market-access partnership covering DR Congo and 13 other countries, starting with a Ghana pilot. Sports: DR Congo open AFCON 2027 qualifiers at home vs Equatorial Guinea, with coach Sébastien Desabre expecting a tight match.

Ebola Crisis: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still uncontrolled, with cases rising in new areas and spreading toward the South Sudan border; it has reached 63 health zones across seven provinces, while treatment capacity and community deaths remain major concerns. Health Policy: Nigeria’s NCDC says travellers from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission may need to complete health declaration forms, as part of enhanced surveillance. Human Rights & Conflict: Amnesty International reports M23 fighters abused miners and facilitated gold and coltan trafficking from eastern DR Congo to Rwanda, including summary executions, torture and forced labour at sites near Rubaya and Lomera. Diplomacy: Belgium and Rwanda have restored diplomatic relations after 18 months, with embassies set to reopen, though differences over the eastern DR Congo conflict remain. Economy & Power: USTDA backs a feasibility study to expand hydropower and electricity distribution along the Lobito Corridor in DR Congo and Zambia, aiming to improve reliability for mining and millions of residents. Digital Payments: Visa Pay names Congolese star Fally Ipupa as brand ambassador, pushing cashless payments under the Central Bank’s 2027 agenda.

Ebola Response: The WHO says 20,000 Ervebo vaccine doses have been allocated for research vaccination in Ituri as the DRC’s Ebola outbreak continues to spread across seven provinces, with Ervebo’s effectiveness against the Bundibugyo strain still being tested. Ebola Science & Safety: A University of Geneva-led study warns that nearly 35% of mpox PCR positives in DRC may be false positives from sample contamination, raising concerns for surveillance and patient care. Conflict & Human Rights: Amnesty International accuses Rwanda-backed M23 fighters of killing 18 artisanal miners and torturing others at coltan and gold sites in North and South Kivu, including beatings, detention and forced underground labour. Regional Diplomacy: The AU and UN endorse Togo-led mediation in the DRC-Rwanda dispute, backing preventive diplomacy under a roadmap running through late 2026. Mining Reform: Reuters reports the DRC is preparing a one-stop agency to centralise mining investment approvals—aimed at cutting red tape and attracting more Western capital.

Ebola Response in DRC: DR Congo is expanding its Ebola fight with a new Ervebo vaccination campaign in Ituri and North Kivu, targeting frontline health workers as part of a 9–12 month study; officials report the outbreak has killed about 3,699 people and infected more than 7,500 since May. M23 Abuses and Mineral Trafficking: Amnesty says Rwanda-backed M23 fighters abused miners at sites in Rubaya and Lomera, including torture and forced labor, while trafficking gold and coltan into Rwanda—allegations that could amount to war crimes. DRC and Regional Finance Integration: The Central Bank of Congo has joined the Pan-African payment system (PAPSS), boosting connectivity across 31 countries and aiming for wider coverage by end-2026. Women, Peace and Security Push: Joyce Banda urged UN leaders to move from promises to action, calling for at least a 30% quota for women in DRC peace processes and wider inclusion of rural women and survivors. Local Content Learning: A DRC delegation led by Hydrocarbons Minister Simplice Stev Onanga is in Nigeria to study how the NCDMB implements local content in oil and gas. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa relocated 278 verified foreign nationals from Che Guevara Road to Lindela in Gauteng after consultations, as part of an inter-ministerial migration directive.

Ebola Response in DRC: The WHO says an Ebola vaccine trial is underway in Ituri, with 20,000 Ervebo doses allocated for research vaccination as the outbreak remains serious; MSF warns it’s a mistake to assume control just because some treatment centres see fewer patients, with cases still spreading into underprepared areas. Ebola Numbers: Congo’s health authorities report 7,672 confirmed cases and 3,699 deaths as of Sept 19, with vaccination and community sensitisation continuing. M23 Abuses in Mines: Amnesty International accuses Rwanda-backed M23 fighters of torture, summary killings and forced labour of artisanal miners at Rubaya and Lomera, and of trafficking gold and coltan to Rwanda—allegations Amnesty says could amount to war crimes. Regional Diplomacy: The UN and AU call for stronger peace and financial-system reforms, reaffirming support for Togo-led mediation efforts in eastern DRC. Cross-border Trade: Tanzania and DRC sign an agreement to boost trade facilitation and commercial cooperation, with the Port of Dar es Salaam highlighted as a key route.

Ebola Response in DRC: The country has expanded Ebola vaccination in Ituri, with more than 3,700 health workers and frontline staff receiving Ervebo, while MSF and partners launch a study in Bunia to test whether the vaccine can protect against the Bundibugyo strain driving the outbreak. Quarantine Capacity: Iqarus deployed a 19-person specialist team to run a dedicated quarantine, isolation and holding facility to speed safe assessment and reduce transmission risks. Human Rights in Eastern DRC: Amnesty International accuses the Rwanda-backed M23 of forcing tens of thousands to work in mines and smuggling gold and coltan into Rwanda, documenting killings, torture and unlawful detention that could amount to war crimes. Conflict and Displacement: UN reporting says escalating fighting in eastern DRC has displaced over 70,000 civilians, underscoring the strain on protection and services. Public Health Access: The deaf community faces communication barriers during the Ebola response, leaving many without tailored information.

Ebola Response in Ituri: DR Congo has expanded Ebola vaccination in Bunia, targeting health and frontline workers with Ervebo as a study to test whether a Zaire-strain vaccine can protect against the Bundibugyo strain; Vaccination Study Details: about 3,700 people received doses so far, with plans to vaccinate roughly 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu over 6–9 months, while authorities report 7,541 confirmed cases and 3,639 deaths; Health Communication Gap: the deaf community says Ebola messages are not adapted for them, leaving many without clear, accessible information; Eastern DRC Displacement: fighting has displaced over 70,000 people to Walikale in North Kivu since mid-August, straining services and blocking aid access; Regional Sports Spotlight: Zimbabwe will host up to 30,000 fans at the National Sports Stadium for its AFCON qualifier against DR Congo, as international football returns after a five-year gap.

Ebola Response in Ituri: DR Congo expanded Ebola vaccination to Ituri, with a new BRAVO study in Bunia testing whether the Ervebo jab (built for a different Ebola strain) can protect against the Bundibugyo variant; health workers and frontline teams in Ituri and North Kivu will be followed for 9–12 months, as the country reports 7,541 confirmed cases and 3,639 deaths. Humanitarian Pressure in North Kivu: The UN says fighting has displaced over 70,000 people to Walikale territory since mid-August, straining services and blocking aid access. Local Economy Push: In South Kivu’s Bukavu, young entrepreneurs are building a domestic market for local coffee, helping workers use skills without leaving the region as conflict disrupts farming and exports. Regional Policy Watch: East African insurance regulators, including DR Congo, agreed on shared supervision core principles to move toward a more harmonised cross-border insurance market.

Ebola Response in Ituri: DR Congo expanded Ebola vaccination to Ituri, with MSF launching the BRAVO study in Bunia to test whether Ervebo can protect frontline workers against the outbreak’s Bundibugyo strain; about 20,000 health workers in Ituri and North Kivu will be followed for up to a year, as authorities report 7,541 confirmed cases and 3,639 deaths. Vaccine Trial Push: MSF says the trial is a real-world test after Congo received an initial 70,000-dose Ervebo allocation, while WHO notes “encouraging signs” but warns the crisis is far from over. Epidemic Tracking: The National Public Health Institute reports no new geographic outbreak in the last 24 hours, with 25 more recoveries and contact follow-up above 87%. Human Toll and Gender Impact: UN Women highlights that women and girls are hit hardest—over half of confirmed patients are women, reflecting their roles in caregiving and household exposure. Eastern Congo Security: UN OCHA warns escalating fighting in North and South Kivu has displaced over 70,000 people and is straining humanitarian access. Road Safety: A truck accident in southeastern DR Congo killed at least 33 people and injured around 20, according to local reports.

Ebola Response: Doctors Without Borders warns DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is not shrinking but shifting, with new provinces—like South Ubangi and North Kivu—now driving risk even as some hotspots slow; MSF says it would be a mistake to assume control because fewer patients are reaching some treatment centers. Humanitarian Crisis in the East: The UN says escalating fighting in North and South Kivu has displaced over 70,000 people since mid-August, straining host communities and blocking aid access. Education Under Pressure: In Goma, teachers and students say the new school year is underway but attendance stays low due to illness, costs, shortages, and insecurity, while students in Goma and Bukavu demand classes resume after suspensions in public higher education institutions. Peace and Security: After a first ceasefire verification mission in Minembwe, MONUSCO chief James Swan met DR Congo’s defense leadership, stressing the UN role in monitoring the ceasefire as fighting continues in the east. Governance and Labor: DR Congo’s labor minister Ferdinand Massamba says companies found violating labor laws in Kinshasa will face sanctions.

Ebola Update: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is not “shrinking” but “moving,” warning that while Ituri’s initial hotspot shows slowing, new provinces with weaker health capacity are now seeing rising risk; MSF points to South Ubangi becoming the seventh affected province and North Kivu accounting for nearly half of new confirmed cases, with test positivity climbing. Public Health Response: OCHA is backing response efforts with rapid funding, including a “CUBE” Ebola treatment unit that cuts costs and lets patients and families communicate while reducing staff exposure. Epidemic Numbers: Africa CDC reports 7,404 confirmed cases and 3,577 deaths, with uneven declines and hospital bed pressure in parts of North Kivu. Trade & Governance: DR Congo highlights progress in digitalizing trade and public procurement at a WTO Geneva roundtable, aiming to curb corruption by reducing manual steps. Labor Crackdown: Employment Minister Ferdinand Massamba vows sanctions against companies violating labor laws after Kinshasa inspections.

Ebola Update: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola fight shows uneven progress—transmission is easing in Ituri but rising in North Kivu—while Africa CDC warns the outbreak peak is not confirmed and control remains inconsistent, with cases still above 7,200 and deaths above 3,500 across seven provinces. Political Tensions: Opposition C64 says one supporter died during clashes around a Sept. 15 Kinshasa protest against proposed constitutional changes that could enable President Félix Tshisekedi’s third term; police dispersed rallies with tear gas and arrests followed. Human Rights & Media: The Committee to Protect Journalists calls for the release of journalist Trésor Muntu, detained in Likasi after sharing a post criticizing a politician, charging him with defamation and false news. Environment & Extractives: Greenpeace Africa urges Tshisekedi to halt expansion of oil, gas and mining in the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor, warning extractive permits overlap heavily with conservation areas. Regional Economy: A separate COMESA-focused piece argues Bulawayo can revive industry by treating southern Africa—including DR Congo—as an extension of its market.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still “serious” and Africa CDC says the data cannot confirm the peak has been reached, even as transmission eases in Ituri and rises in North Kivu, where treatment capacity is under heavy strain. Health Response Under Pressure: Medical teams say they’re working in conflict-hit areas with limited care options for the Bundibugyo strain, while mistrust and attacks on Ebola facilities continue to disrupt treatment and safe burials. Funding for Research: CEPI pledged $3.9 million to strengthen Bundibugyo outbreak intelligence and vaccine-trial readiness in DR Congo and Uganda. Politics and Protests: Opposition supporters rallied in Kinshasa and other cities against proposed constitutional changes that could enable President Félix Tshisekedi’s third term; police dispersed crowds and arrested several people. Dialogue Push: The Catholic Church’s CENCO and political actors are calling for an inclusive national dialogue to chart a path to peace. Press Freedom: A DR Congo journalist was detained and prosecuted over sharing an X post via WhatsApp, raising concerns about criminal defamation used to silence reporting. Other Eastern Crisis: Eastern DR Congo is also battling cholera, with treatment centers in Bukavu reporting a steady influx of patients.

Road Safety Tragedy: A truck plunged into a river in Alto Katanga, killing at least 33 people and injuring about 20, with authorities warning the toll could rise as bodies are recovered. Ebola Response Funding: CEPI has pledged $3.9 million for research into the Bundibugyo Ebola virus in DRC, aiming to track spread and support vaccine trial evidence as deaths surpass 3,500. Ebola Update: WHO says there are “encouraging signs” in parts of Ituri, but the outbreak is still “far from over,” with North Kivu seeing cases surge and transmission risks remaining. Health System Under Strain: MSF warns the Ebola crisis could become the country’s worst yet, while cholera continues to surge in eastern DRC, adding pressure to already stretched services. Politics and Protests: In Kinshasa and other cities, clashes erupted during opposition protests against constitutional changes that critics say could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term. Regional Peace Talks: Rwanda and DRC are set to return to Geneva for renewed peace talks under a US-backed security mechanism. Public Health Beyond Ebola: WHO reports 11 African countries recorded 1,153 mpox cases in six weeks, including DRC with 41 cases.