AGP Executive Report

Ebola Crisis in Focus: Uganda has officially declared itself Ebola-free after completing the WHO-recommended 42-day monitoring period with no new cases since the last patient’s discharge in mid-June, but the virus is still surging in DR Congo, where confirmed infections have climbed to about 3,262 and deaths to roughly 1,437, with officials warning the real toll could be far higher; Health Response Strain: reporting from Bunia highlights how overstretched surveillance teams struggle with missed alerts, limited transport, and delayed case reporting, even as the outbreak is driven by the Bundibugyo strain; Mining and Exports: DR Congo has authorized the first lithium exports from the Zijin-controlled Manono project, a milestone for the country’s entry into the global lithium supply chain; Security and Civilians: eastern DR Congo continues to face deadly attacks blamed on the ADF, including a reported massacre in Ituri that left dozens dead and others missing; Justice and Accountability: a separate commentary argues international criminal justice needs more than statements as pressure mounts on the ICC, including actions that could weaken accountability for crimes tied to conflicts involving the DRC.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DR Congo: DR Congo’s health ministry says confirmed Ebola cases have hit 3,262 with 1,437 deaths, calling it the fastest outbreak on record and nearly matching the 2018–2020 peak; the wave is centered in Ituri and is spreading faster than response teams can contain it, with communities reporting some areas are hard to reach or have been abandoned amid attacks. UN Support and Food Aid: The UN says cases have reached 3,200 and highlights continued help for surveillance, lab testing, and patient care, while WFP reports delivering 140,000 hot meals to 23,000 people affected in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. Uganda Declares Ebola-Free (But Border Stays Closed): Uganda says it has ended its latest Ebola outbreak after completing the 42-day monitoring period, but it will keep the border with DR Congo closed, underscoring how tightly the two countries’ outbreaks remain linked. Frontline Strain in Bunia: A report from Bunia describes surveillance teams struggling with vehicle shortages and late or missed case reporting, leaving workers “just chasing” the disease after it has spread.

Ebola Crisis in DR Congo: Health authorities say the Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak has surged to about 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 deaths, with Ituri still the epicentre and the virus spreading across five provinces; health workers have also staged fresh strikes over unpaid bonuses, threatening treatment capacity. Humanitarian Response: UNICEF reports Ebola survivors and children who lost parents are receiving psychosocial support in Ituri, while humanitarian logistics teams keep medical supplies moving through insecurity and poor infrastructure. Armed Violence and Ebola Risk: In Ituri, attacks attributed to the ADF have killed at least 31 civilians in recent days, adding pressure to an already strained response in conflict-affected mining and farming areas. Border Pressure: Angola’s border police detained 614 DRC citizens for illegal entry and repatriated them, citing links to illicit mining and fuel smuggling along the frontier. Diplomacy: DR Congo and Israel signed memoranda to deepen cooperation in diplomatic training and political dialogue, with talks also touching trade, agriculture, technology and healthcare.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DR Congo: The government says confirmed Ebola cases have hit 3,200 with 1,405 deaths (43.9% fatality). The outbreak is now in 48 health zones across five provinces, with Ituri the epicenter (28 affected zones). 773 people are in isolation or hospital and 571 have recovered, as health teams expand contact tracing, border screening, labs, and treatment capacity. Frontline Strain: Reports also point to health worker strikes over unpaid wages, threatening care and containment just as the caseload accelerates. Regional Spillover: Outside DR Congo, Uganda has recorded 20 confirmed infections (two deaths, 18 recoveries), and France reports one imported case that has recovered. Human Rights & Environment: Human Rights Watch warns pollution from French-British oil firm Perenco in Kongo Central is exposing nearby communities to health risks, including respiratory symptoms, linked to flaring and spills. Diplomatic Move: Israel and DR Congo’s foreign ministers signed MOUs in Jerusalem to deepen cooperation on diplomatic training and political dialogue, with talks also covering trade, agriculture, technology, and healthcare.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DR Congo: DR Congo’s 17th Ebola outbreak has jumped to 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 deaths, with infections rising by about 1,000 in 10 days. Health authorities say nearly 90% of cases are in Ituri, spreading across five provinces as conflict, displacement, and mistrust of aid workers slow containment. Health Response Under Strain: Officials link the fast rise partly to better detection and expanded testing, but strikes by health workers over unpaid wages and weak contact tracing are disrupting care and tracing. New Tools for Treatment: WHO has introduced a validated Ebola test and launched a treatment trial, while Oxford begins human vaccination efforts targeting the Bundibugyo strain. Security and Civilian Impact: ADF-linked attacks in Mambasa territory have killed at least 32 civilians over 72 hours, adding fresh pressure on an already overwhelmed response. Mining Policy Deadline: DR Congo’s mining sector faces a July 31 push to enforce the 10% local equity transfer rule for foreign companies, with sanctions for non-compliance.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 3,075 confirmed cases and 1,354 deaths, with health authorities warning of “sustained transmission” across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo. Health System Strain: Care is being disrupted by strikes at Ebola treatment centres in Bunia, as workers demand unpaid bonuses and better pay, while contact tracing remains below what’s needed to stop spread. Prime Minister’s Response: PM Judith Suminwa Tuluka visited Ituri’s main epicentres, urging faster delivery of logistics like labs, oxygen, ambulances and safe-burial supplies, and pushing stronger community awareness. Vaccine Hope: Oxford says the first volunteer has received an experimental Bundibugyo vaccine dose, but officials stress there is still no approved vaccine or licensed treatment for this strain. Security Fallout: Armed violence in the same eastern regions is complicating access to patients and containment efforts, with reports of fresh ADF attacks adding to displacement and fear. Travel & Fraud Alerts: Canada has tightened entry rules for recent DRC travellers, and India’s aviation ministry warned passengers about fake “Air Suvidha 2.0” sites charging fees. Aviation Incident: A Malawi-registered plane vanished in eastern DR Congo after reporting an engine loss, with search teams still looking for wreckage or survivors.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases have now topped 3,000, reaching 3,075 with 1,354 deaths, as officials warn the Bundibugyo strain is spreading “like a wildfire” and that there is still no approved vaccine or treatment. Health System Strain: Response efforts are being hit hard by unpaid bonuses—about 100 health workers went on strike at the Elikya Ebola Treatment Centre in Bunia, disrupting care in the epicentre. Vaccine Push: Oxford says the first volunteer has received an experimental Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine, marking a key step toward possible future protection. Security Fallout: Violence continues to worsen the crisis, with reports of 32 civilians killed in recent ADF attacks in eastern DR Congo, adding displacement and making containment harder. Government Response: Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka visited Ituri to assess treatment centres and urged faster delivery of logistics like oxygen, ambulances, and safe burial equipment. Cross-Border Pressure: Canada has tightened entry rules for foreign nationals who recently visited DR Congo due to the outbreak, while other countries keep screening in place. Humanitarian Risk: Aid groups warn the outbreak is deepening a broader emergency for communities already under pressure. Local Governance: Traditional leaders in Chembe praised government development efforts, including road upgrades, while urging faster completion. Nature Spotlight: Separate from the crisis, UNESCO named Georgia’s Okefenokee swamp a World Heritage site. Wildlife Discovery: Scientists also announced a newly described Congo Basin monkey species, “Likweli,” highlighting the region’s biodiversity.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DRC: The DRC reports Ebola cases have climbed to 2,973 with 1,309 deaths, as Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka warns the outbreak could deepen the humanitarian crisis in Ituri and calls for faster delivery of logistics like lab supplies, oxygen, ambulances, hygiene materials, and safe burial support. Containment Strain: Health officials say transmission remains sustained, with 540 recoveries and 766 people in isolation or hospital, while contact tracing is still below the level needed to fully stop spread. Health Workers Strike: Care is disrupted after staff at the Elikya Ebola Treatment Centre in Bunia strike over unpaid bonuses, adding pressure to an already overwhelmed response. Vaccine Breakthrough (But No Ready Shot Yet): Oxford begins the first human trial of a Bundibugyo-targeting vaccine, with the first volunteer vaccinated, while the outbreak continues without an approved vaccine for this strain. Cross-Border Fallout: Canada has imposed new entry restrictions on foreign nationals who recently visited the DRC, and the CDC renews U.S. Ebola travel screening through mid-August. Public Trust & Misinformation: Aid groups warn children are being hit hard, and authorities stress vigilance at displacement sites as fear and misinformation continue to undermine response efforts.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: DR Congo’s health ministry says confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 2,905 with 1,269 deaths, as provincial data from Ituri and North Kivu were merged into the national tally; officials warn the real toll could be higher, while Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka says many patients arrive only after severe symptoms and the response will push earlier community awareness. Oxford Vaccine Trial Starts: Oxford University has given the first human dose of an experimental vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain (ChAdOx1 BDBV) to 37-year-old Ed Hunt, kicking off a Phase 1 trial of 50 volunteers. Trust vs. Access Problems: In Bunia, Ituri, medical staff report growing community willingness to seek treatment, but insecurity and conflict still disrupt care, contact tracing, and outreach. Travel Curbs Spread: The Trump administration and Canada have introduced temporary entry restrictions for people recently in DR Congo, citing Ebola importation risk. Regional Health Watch: Tanzania says it has strengthened border screening with no Ebola cases or suspected infections reported so far.

Ebola Crisis: Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is accelerating, with confirmed infections now heading toward 3,000 and deaths passing 1,000 as health authorities reconcile provincial data and report hundreds of new cases; Frontline Strain: MSF says insecurity, attacks on clinics, mistrust, and patients arriving too late are overwhelming containment, while displacement is spreading the virus beyond Ituri; Vaccine Breakthrough: Oxford University has administered the first human dose of its experimental ChAdOx1 BDBV jab in a trial, with 50 volunteers set to be recruited; Regional Response: Uganda has cleared its final confirmed Ebola patient and started a 42-day countdown to declare the outbreak over, while Tanzania has stepped up border surveillance to keep Ebola out; Aid Pressure: WFP warns food support for over 130,000 refugees in Burundi—many fleeing the DRC—could end without urgent funding.

Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is worsening fast: health authorities report 1,033 deaths out of 2,536 confirmed cases, with transmission concentrated in Ituri and spreading across five eastern provinces as insecurity and displacement disrupt contact tracing and care. Health System Strain: MSF says teams are being forced to suspend work and patients are arriving late, while health workers warn the crisis is being driven by conflict, mistrust, and a lack of resources. Regional Response: East Africa is stepping up preparedness, including launching a regional virology center in Uganda to strengthen surveillance and lab capacity as neighboring countries brace for spillover. Security Fallout: In parallel, suspected ADF attacks in Ituri have killed at least 16 civilians, including artisanal miners, underscoring how armed violence is complicating both humanitarian access and the Ebola response. Trade & Mining: TradeMark Africa appoints Baraka Mugisha Billy as DRC country director to push critical minerals trade reforms and border modernization, while DR Congo also certified its first-ever lithium export from the Manono project.

Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has crossed the grim 1,000-death mark, with health authorities reporting 2,536 confirmed cases and 1,033 deaths, as response teams struggle against conflict, community resistance, and fast spread in eastern provinces. Health Response & Data: WHO and partners say case notifications show early signs of stabilisation in some areas, but officials warn it’s too soon to declare a peak; MSF says the response still can’t keep up, while new geospatial mapping support aims to improve targeting in remote Ituri communities. Security & Civilian Impact: Suspected ADF rebels killed at least 16 people in Ituri’s Mambasa territory, forcing residents to flee and disrupting mining and farming—conditions that also worsen Ebola control. Mining & Economy: DR Congo certified its first-ever lithium export, with Manono lithium products shipped via Kalemie, as the country pushes deeper into battery-critical minerals. Community & Culture: A church elder and worship leader were among six killed in an attack on a Christian village in eastern DRC, highlighting rising insecurity alongside the health emergency.

Ebola Emergency: The Africa CDC and WHO say DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is accelerating fast, with DR Congo reporting 2,473 cases and 999 deaths (about 40% fatality) and Uganda adding 20 cases and 2 deaths; Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warned the epidemic could become one of the worst in history unless urgent containment steps are taken, as insecurity, mass displacement, and community transmission keep response teams under pressure. Health Response Under Strain: Congo’s Ministry of Health says 737 patients are in isolation or hospital and contact tracing is reaching 81%, but officials admit tracing is still insufficient and transmission chains are hard to follow. WHO Message to Ituri: WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus sent a direct message to people of Ituri, stressing they are not alone and recalling his past visits during earlier outbreaks. Security Hits Aid: The UN reports attacks in Beni, North Kivu, have killed civilians, injured others, and forced some humanitarian groups to suspend movements, complicating Ebola operations. Local Governance—Mining Rule: DR Congo is set to enforce a long-delayed “local ownership” requirement for mining companies from July 31, despite industry concerns, as an ad hoc committee finalizes technical amendments.

Ebola Toll Surpasses 1,000: The WHO says the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda has killed more than 1,000 people, with 2,473 confirmed cases and 999 deaths in DR Congo, plus 20 cases and two deaths in Uganda. Outbreak Still Spreading: DR Congo’s health authorities report 737 patients in isolation and warn transmission remains active, with contact tracing still below what’s needed to fully control the outbreak. Frontline Strain and Violence: Aid groups and officials say misinformation and attacks on health facilities are worsening the crisis, making it harder for people to reach clinics. Cross-Border Response: Africa CDC is urging urgent action and more funding, while Kenya and other neighbors step up preparedness as cases rise. Local Mining Stakes Deadline: DR Congo also reaffirmed a July 31 deadline for mining firms to comply with local ownership rules, despite industry concerns. UK Evacuation: A UK humanitarian worker exposed to Ebola was evacuated to London for monitoring, despite no symptoms.

Ebola Surge in DRC: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo keeps accelerating, with confirmed cases reported at 2,423 and deaths at 967 as Africa CDC warns it could become the worst ever if countries don’t act now. International Response: The UK evacuated a humanitarian worker from DR Congo to a London hospital after a potential healthcare-related exposure; officials say there are no confirmed Ebola cases in the UK and the public risk remains low. Funding Pressure: Africa CDC says about $1.4bn is needed to stop the outbreak, while UN experts warn overcrowded displacement sites are raising transmission risk. Conflict and Rights: UN experts renewed calls for an end to M23’s “reign of terror,” citing sexual torture and violence against civilians. Local Capacity Building: In Bunia, local scientists and health teams are expanding Ebola defenses, adding wards and support areas around treatment facilities. Regional Economy: SADC praised progress on transforming the leather sector, with DR Congo among countries aligning national leather plans to regional value-chain goals. Science Watch: A new study suggests friendly physical touch may help bonobos and chimpanzees keep social peace.

Ebola Surge in DRC: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo keeps accelerating, with the death toll now at 930 and confirmed cases at 2,344 as WHO warns the true numbers could be far higher. Humanitarian Pressure: UN agencies say overcrowded displacement camps in Ituri are raising the risk of spread, with cases reported across at least 16 sites and limited water and sanitation. Regional Response: Neighbors are stepping up border screening and emergency preparedness, including Tanzania’s Kigoma and Zambia, while Uganda’s last patient was discharged and a 42-day countdown begins. Cross-border Politics: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya urged the U.S. to lift Ebola travel restrictions on Uganda, arguing the country has shown progress. Security and Rights: UN experts renewed calls to end M23 abuses, including sexual torture and violence, as fighting continues to disrupt health services. Local Impact: In Ituri, new cases and deaths were reported in Lubero’s Musienene health zone, as communities complain of limited government support. Other Congo News: Scientists have confirmed a new Congo rainforest monkey species, the orange-lipped “Likweli.”