AGP Executive Report

Ebola Crisis: Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps accelerating, with the latest government figures putting confirmed cases at 6,186 and deaths at 3,007—described as the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. Health System Strain: Officials say six Ebola checkpoints in the northeast stopped reporting because staff weren’t paid, and payroll lists appear padded, forcing authorities to purge “ghost” workers using biometric registration and centralized payments. International Response: The U.S. CDC warns containment efforts are still below response targets as conflict, attacks on health workers, and weak medical facilities keep fueling spread. Trade & Industry: The first batch of Congo’s poria products has shipped to China under China’s zero-tariff policy, with processing and packing underway in Loudima, Bouenza. Diplomacy & Sports: Russia and Congo discussed preparations for the Russia–Africa Summit, while Namibia named a provisional squad for AFCON qualifiers that begin with a match against Congo on Sept. 24. Security Incident: In Durban, clashes between “March and March” members and Congolese refugees on Che Guevara Road left four injured, including a police officer, with stun grenades used to disperse crowds.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 6,186 confirmed cases and 3,007 deaths, with authorities warning transmission is accelerating faster than containment can keep up. The latest figures point to new health zones in North Kivu, conflict-linked spread, attacks on health workers, and weak medical infrastructure—while schools have reopened in the middle of the outbreak, raising fears of transmission in classrooms. Public Health Response: Officials say the outbreak is among the fastest-growing on record, with limited vaccine supply and no approved treatment for the current strain, as health workers report repeated strikes over pay. Regional Spotlight: In sports, Congolese giants TP Mazembe have begun their trip to Ghana for their CAF Champions League preliminary clash against Medeama, aiming to return with a strong result from Tarkwa. Culture & Recognition: The Ga Mantse in Ghana says he will confer new traditional titles on 12 Africa Monologue Challenge finalists, including a representative from the Republic of Congo.

Ebola Crisis: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is accelerating fast: the Ministry of Health says 6,186 confirmed cases and 3,007 deaths since mid-May, with the disease spreading across six provinces and new health zones reported in recent weeks. Health Response Strain: Authorities warn containment is lagging behind transmission as conflict in eastern areas, attacks on health workers, and population movement—especially miners—keep disrupting tracking and care. Schools Reopen Under Risk: Despite concerns from parents and teachers, classes have resumed in the epicenter, with measures like temperature checks and hand sanitiser, though some schools still lack clean water and resources. Regional Spotlight—Football: TP Mazembe has begun its trip to Ghana for the CAF Champions League preliminary clash against Medeama, with Ghana’s King Promise set to perform at the Tarkwa fixture on Sept 6. Energy Watch: Industry group IPPG says more than 150 oil and gas projects across Africa are stalled as international capital retreats, threatening development plans.

Ebola Update: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 6,000 confirmed cases and 2,911 deaths, with officials calling recoveries “encouraging” as the virus spreads amid insecurity, displacement, and health-worker strikes. Schools Under Strain: Despite parents and teachers in Ituri province urging a delay, classes resumed Tuesday; UNICEF says it’s helping authorities reduce transmission in schools. Security Flashpoint: An Ebola response team was attacked while securing a body near Mambasa in Ituri, forcing staff to flee and injuring one member—highlighting how violence is disrupting care. Regional Finance Watch: Cameroon’s short-term borrowing costs in the CEMAC market hit a new high, with Congo also paying above the regional average—an indicator of tightening conditions across the region. Sports & Culture: Ghana’s Medeama set ticket prices for its CAF Champions League clash with TP Mazembe (GH₵100–GH₵500) and will feature King Promise at the TNA Stadium.

Ebola Update: Congo’s eastern outbreak has surged past 6,000 confirmed cases and 2,911 deaths, with 1,360+ recoveries reported, as WHO warns the situation is still out of control and could surpass the 2014–2016 West Africa toll. School Resumption Under Strain: In Bunia and Ituri, classes restarted for the new academic year despite parents and teachers urging a delay; some schools saw low attendance, and officials cited basic measures like thermometers, sanitizers, and hygiene awareness, while critics point to gaps in clean water and funding. Security Crisis on the Ground: Response teams faced deadly disruption during a burial call in Ituri, highlighting how insecurity, displacement, and population movement are complicating care and containment. Sports & Culture: Medeama set ticket prices (GH₵100–GH₵500) and lined up Ghana’s King Promise for their CAF Champions League prelim against TP Mazembe, aiming to build momentum at home before the return in Lubumbashi.

Ebola Update: Congo’s eastern outbreak has surged past 6,000 confirmed cases, with 2,911 deaths reported; officials say more than 1,360 people have recovered, but insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike, and heavy population movement are keeping the virus “out of control.” Public Health Pressure: The World Health Organization warns the outbreak is on track to surpass the 2014–2016 West Africa toll, after the virus spilled into two new health zones last week. Telecom Crackdown: Congo’s ARPCE says it dismantled a SIM-box fraud network in Brazzaville—its sixth such bust this year—seizing SIM boxes, equipment, and phone numbers used in the scheme. Visa Services: The U.S. Embassy in Abuja says it will still process diplomatic and official visas (A, G, and C categories) even as routine visa processing is being redirected to regional hubs. Business & Energy: Etu Energias is set to buy Chevron’s stakes in two Angola offshore blocks for $260 million, a deal that could shift operatorship. Sports (Regional): Medeama beat Nations FC 2-0 to win Ghana’s Champion of Champions, then turn immediately to their CAF Champions League tie with TP Mazembe.

Ebola Update: Congo’s health authorities say the outbreak has topped 6,000 confirmed cases, with deaths nearing 3,000, as the virus spreads amid insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike, and heavy population movement. Public Health Response: WHO warns the outbreak is still out of control and could surpass the 2014–2016 West Africa toll; officials also report recoveries above 1,300 and that the outbreak has spilled into new health zones. Tech & Fraud Crackdown: Brazzaville’s telecom regulator ARPCE dismantled a sixth illegal SIM-box fraud network this year, seizing SIM boxes and equipment during a raid in the Massengo area. Digital Taxes: Apple adjusted App Store proceeds and pricing after Morocco introduced a 20% VAT on digital services, and it also updated tax handling for the Republic of the Congo. Energy Deal Watch: Angola’s Etu Energias agreed to buy Chevron’s stakes in two offshore blocks for $260 million, a move that could shift operatorship in the Lower Congo Basin. Visa Processing: The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria clarified it will keep handling diplomatic and official visas even as routine visa processing moves to regional hubs, including Brazzaville.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still surging, with health authorities reporting 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths, as spread accelerates faster than response efforts amid insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike, and heavy population movement. School Reopening Pressure: In Ituri, parents and teachers are urging authorities to delay school reopening set for Sept. 1, warning the outbreak still poses too great a risk to children. Sports—Congo in the Spotlight: Newcastle beat Tottenham 2-0 in the Premier League, with Congolese forward Yoane Wissa scoring the second goal; and in CAF build-up, Ghana’s Medeama won the Champions of Champions Cup and will host Congolese giants TP Mazembe on Sept. 6. Regional Health Watch: The wider region remains on alert as Congo begins Ebola vaccinations to fight the outbreak, while Iraq also confirmed a new Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever case.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern Congo: Congo’s Ministry of Health says the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has surged into two more health zones in North Kivu—Biena and Manguredjipa—bringing affected areas to 60, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths; officials warn the fatality rate is higher in the new zones as insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike, and heavy population movement keep response efforts behind. Vaccination Push: Health authorities began vaccinating frontline and health workers with the Ervebo vaccine, citing its past effectiveness against the Zaire strain, while noting no approved vaccine or treatment yet targets the rare Bundibugyo virus driving this outbreak. Local Education Pressure: In Ituri, parents and teachers are urging authorities to delay school reopening, arguing the outbreak still poses too great a risk to children. Sports (Congo-linked): In football, Congolese forward Yoane Wissa helped Newcastle beat Tottenham 2-0, while elsewhere RED Arrows defeated AS Simba 2-1 in an international friendly.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern Congo: Congo’s Health Ministry says the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has spread to two more health zones in North Kivu—Biena and Manguredjipa—bringing affected areas to 60, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths; officials warn the fatality rate is higher in the new zones amid insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike, and intense population movement, while Congo has started vaccinating frontline workers with Ervebo. School Safety Debate: Parents and teachers in Ituri are urging authorities to delay school reopening as infections outpace containment, noting young children face the highest fatality risk. Border Tensions: Burundian and Congolese travelers heading to Rwanda report increased checks, repeated interrogations, and intimidation at border crossings, with intelligence agents reportedly targeting those bound for Rwanda. Sports (Congo in the Spotlight): In the Premier League, Newcastle beat Tottenham 2-0; Congolese forward Yoane Wissa scored the second goal. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO-listed plantation estates in São Tomé and Príncipe—built on slavery and forced labour, including workers brought from the Congo—are drawing preservation and tourism interest.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern Congo: Congo’s Health Ministry says the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has surged into two more health zones—Biena and Manguredjipa in North Kivu—bringing affected areas to 60, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths; officials warn the fatality rate is higher in the new zones as insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike, and population movements disrupt response efforts, while WHO says the outbreak remains out of control and could surpass the 2014–16 West Africa toll. Public Health Response: Congo has started vaccinating health and frontline workers with the Ervebo vaccine, and clinical trials are underway for a licensed option against the rare Bundibugyo virus. Regional Health Watch: In Iraq, a 47-year-old woman in Nineveh has tested positive for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, adding to 2026 totals of 19 infections and 11 deaths nationwide. Local Economy & Tech: Apple says new tax rules are changing developer payouts in the Republic of Congo as it adjusts App Store pricing mechanics in phases.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern Congo: Congo’s Health Ministry says the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has surged to 60 affected health zones, adding Biena and Manguredjipa in North Kivu. Officials report 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths, with a 48% overall fatality rate and higher deaths in the new zones, blamed on insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike, and intense population movement. Vaccination Push: Congo has started vaccinating frontline workers with Ervebo, while clinical trials continue for a licensed vaccine for the rare Bundibugyo strain. Global Funding Pressure: UN chief António Guterres says an extra $1.1 billion is urgently needed, warning vital operations could run out as the response plan remains underfunded.

Ebola Emergency: Congo has begun Ebola vaccinations in Kisangani, prioritizing health workers and front-line responders with the Ervebo vaccine, while clinical trials continue for a licensed jab for the current outbreak; officials say the fastest-growing outbreak has reached 60 affected areas after spreading to two new health zones in North Kivu (Biena and Manguredjipa), with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths, as insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike and population movement hamper response. Aid Pressure: UN chief António Guterres says an extra $1.1 billion is urgently needed because the UN’s Ebola plan is only 48% funded, warning vital operations could run out. Regional Diplomacy: Namibia’s foreign minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi pushed for electing the first female UN secretary-general during talks in the Republic of Congo. Business & Taxes: Apple says it will update App Store pricing and proceeds in the Republic of Congo from Sept. 14 to reflect an 18% VAT change.

Ebola Response in Congo: Congo has begun Ebola vaccinations in Kisangani, prioritizing frontline health workers with the Ervebo vaccine as authorities race to slow the fastest-growing outbreak in history. School Disruption: With schools set to reopen Sept. 1, parents and teachers in Ituri are urging a delay, saying the outbreak still poses too great a risk to children. Health Numbers: Congolese health authorities report 5,713 confirmed cases and 2,744 deaths, while the wider campaign continues amid concerns infections are outpacing containment. App Store Tax Changes: Apple updated App Store proceeds and pricing for the Republic of the Congo after introducing an 18% VAT, with price changes scheduled to start Sept. 14 for apps and in-app purchases. Regional Finance: CEMAC governments increased borrowing on the regional debt market in July, with Congo among the largest borrowers as outstanding securities rose.

Rail & Minerals Deal: Mota-Engil plans to sign a 30-year concession with the Republic of Congo to rehabilitate and run a copper-and-cobalt railway on the Lobito Corridor, aiming to boost exports of critical minerals to Western markets. Public Health Watch: WHO reports major dengue and other infectious-disease spikes in Afghanistan, a reminder of how fragile health systems can be during seasonal outbreaks. Ebola Response: Congo is set to receive 70,000 doses of Ervebo Ebola vaccine as the outbreak continues to spread, with recent reporting highlighting very high weekly death tolls. Regional Environment: Yaounde hosted a 15-nation summit on agroecological transformation in the Congo Basin, pushing regional solidarity to protect food security and biodiversity. Trade & Investment: Namibia’s international relations minister urged deeper Congo–Namibia trade and investment after saying current trade levels are “unacceptably low,” with a focus on agro-processing and beef. Telecom Finance: MTN says it is exploring banking licences in markets where mobile-money “floats” are large, as it moves toward lending from its own balance sheet.

Ebola Response: Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps accelerating, with reports saying cases have breached the 5,000 mark and the death toll is climbing fast, as international health partners push for more vaccines and support. Telecom & Finance: MTN says it’s moving deeper into banking and lending, exploring licences in markets where mobile money has big customer bases and large wallet “floats,” while also appointing new leadership for its Francophone operations. Regional Trade: Namibia’s foreign minister urged the Republic of Congo to boost trade and investment, pointing to agro-processing and beef as key areas for deeper business ties. Conservation Scrutiny: Prince Harry has stepped down from African Parks’ board after years of controversy over alleged ranger abuses in the Republic of Congo, though he says he remains a supporter of the mission. Public Health Beyond Congo: Frankfurt Airport reported two malaria deaths and five illnesses among staff, with authorities investigating how the infection may have arrived by aircraft. Sports & Youth: CAF U-23 qualifiers draw set Congo among exempted teams, while regional football continues with clubs preparing for new seasons.