AGP Executive Report

Ebola Watch: The WHO says the Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to become the deadliest in history, with 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths reported across five provinces—most concentrated in Ituri—after the outbreak’s rapid spread and a “big head start” that has left teams playing catch-up. Health Response: Congo’s outbreak has now reached a new province after a motorcycle taxi driver died of Ebola in Bas-Uele, a place previously without cases, raising fears of exposure after he visited multiple clinics. Diplomacy & Security: South Africa’s envoy to Ottawa criticized Canada’s plan to recall peacekeepers from Congo, saying budget cuts look like a withdrawal from peace efforts in Africa. Local Power: Durban’s Outer West residents were warned of a planned electricity outage on Monday, 17 August, from 8:00 to 17:00 affecting areas including Congo, Waterfall, and Maromeni. Regional Tensions: Reports of renewed fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray—heavy artillery and drone strikes—are stoking fears of a wider regional conflict.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: The Ebola outbreak in the Republic of Congo is accelerating, with WHO warning it is on track to become the deadliest in history as confirmed cases and deaths climb and the response struggles with conflict, poor roads, and work stoppages. New Province Hit: Health officials say the outbreak has reached a new province after a motorcycle taxi driver died of Ebola, raising fears of fresh exposure routes. Health Workers Under Pressure: Reports also highlight protests by Ebola response workers over unpaid wages, adding strain to an already stretched system. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Vietnam announced a major ivory seizure reportedly shipped from the Republic of Congo, while separate enforcement actions elsewhere show how traffickers keep trying to move protected species. Economy & Food Security: The World Bank approved US$60 million to expand Congo’s poultry and aquaculture, aiming to cut costs for feed and chicks and boost local production. Regional Integration Move: The Republic of Congo plans to lift visa requirements for all African nationals from January 1, 2027, easing travel across the continent.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: The WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to become the deadliest in history, with government figures putting deaths at over 2,000 and confirmed cases rising fast as conflict, poor roads and work stoppages slow the response. Regional Mobility Push: From January 1, 2027, Nigerians will be able to enter Chad and the Republic of the Congo without visas, a move aimed at boosting free movement and trade across Africa. World Bank Boost for Food Systems: The World Bank approved US$60 million to expand Congo’s poultry and aquaculture sectors, targeting cheaper feed and chicks, better farm support, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Ocean Protection Debate: The Republic of the Congo joined other African states backing a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining, citing gaps in science and governance. Energy Watch: OPEC reported July crude output rebounded, with Congo’s production slightly down while the wider OPEC+ group increased output.

Ebola Update: WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to become the deadliest in history, with the death toll now above 2,000 as cases surge and response efforts struggle amid conflict, poor roads, and work stoppages. Health & Response: Congo reports confirmed cases rising to 4,449, while health workers and communities mourn the accelerating toll. World Bank Boost: The World Bank approved US$60 million to expand Congo’s poultry and aquaculture sectors, aiming to cut input costs, improve access to feed and chicks, and strengthen climate-resilient infrastructure. Regional Travel Rules: From January 1, 2027, Nigerians will be able to enter Chad and the Republic of the Congo without visas, as both governments move to ease travel and deepen African integration. Local Mobility: Separately, reports highlight ongoing concerns about transport safety and oversight as Congo grapples with crisis conditions.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s fast-growing Ebola outbreak has killed at least 2,000 people, with officials reporting 4,381 confirmed cases and 2,011 deaths, as health teams struggle to reach remote areas amid rebel conflict, poor roads, and work stoppages over unpaid pay. Public Health Response: With no approved vaccine or treatment, clinical trials are underway in Ituri, while health workers continue to protest and strike, adding pressure to an already stretched response. Regional Travel Policy: Congo-Brazzaville announced visa-free entry for all African nationals from January 1, 2027, joining Chad in easing travel and trade across the continent. Food & Jobs Funding: The World Bank approved $60 million to strengthen Congo’s poultry and aquaculture value chains, aiming to boost jobs, food security, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Governance & Planning: Liberia’s civil service training for FY2027 manpower planning highlights how budgeting and staffing decisions shape public service delivery.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has now killed 2,011 people out of 4,381 confirmed cases, with 704 patients in isolation across five provinces. The WHO says the virus may have been spreading since February, and health teams warn containment is being slowed by insecurity, weak infrastructure, and infections emerging outside known chains. Health Response Strain: Health workers in the Ebola epicentre have protested unpaid wages, adding pressure as the death toll accelerates—reaching the second 1,000 deaths in about three weeks. Prevention on the Ground (Ituri): In Bunia, MONUSCO Police and Congolese police trained 34 university students on reporting mechanisms for sexual and gender-based violence, including how to break stigma and fear that keep victims silent. Regional Mobility Push: Congo announced visa-free entry for all African nationals starting Jan 1, 2027, joining Chad in easing travel barriers under AfCFTA goals. Sports (Congo-linked): TP Mazembe’s CAF Champions League preliminary tie with Medeama SC is set for September, while Congo’s Aigles du Congo featured in regional football coverage.

Ebola Crisis: Congo’s confirmed Ebola death toll has climbed to 2,011, with 4,381 confirmed cases and 704 patients in isolation, as the outbreak accelerates faster than any previously recorded in the country. WHO Timeline: The WHO says the virus may have been circulating since February—months before the May 15 declaration—after early cases were mistaken for malaria and typhoid and tracing was slowed by insecurity and weak access to remote communities. Health Response Shift: Africa CDC says containment is moving toward door-to-door case finding in hard-hit areas, a step expected to raise suspected case numbers as community health workers uncover infections missed by routine surveillance. Immigration Crackdown: In Kazungula, immigration officers apprehended 10 Ethiopian nationals after an intelligence-led operation, while 212 Congolese refugees were voluntarily repatriated. Local Sports Buzz: Yanga and Simba are ramping up for the Community Shield derby, with both sides facing pressure after mixed pre-season results. Football Debut: Yanga’s new signing Peter Shalulile scored on debut, but Aigles du Congo still edged them 2-1. Prosperity Watch: A new Legatum Prosperity Index ranks Mauritius as Africa’s most prosperous country in 2026, with Tanzania placed 11th on the continent.

Ebola Update: The WHO says Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak likely began in February, months before it was officially declared on May 15, with early cases wrongly blamed on malaria and typhoid. Public Health Response: Africa CDC and partners are shifting to door-to-door case finding in the hardest-hit areas, a move expected to raise daily suspected case numbers as community health workers uncover infections missed by routine surveillance. Immigration & Borders: In Kazungula, immigration authorities apprehended 10 Ethiopian nationals during an intelligence-led operation, while 212 Congolese refugees are reported to have voluntarily repatriated. Regional Cooperation: Kenya has joined a China-led AI governance body, WAICO, with Congo listed among the founding signatories. Sports: A Congolese-Belgian coach, Christian Nsengi-Biembe, has been appointed to lead South Sudan’s Bright Stars on a one-year deal. Culture & Community: A Congolese wedding blending local and South African traditions is going viral online.

Ebola Update: WHO says eastern Congo’s Ebola outbreak likely began in February, months before it was declared on May 15, with early cases misread as malaria or typhoid and the virus now “ahead of us.” Health Response: Africa CDC and partners are shifting to door-to-door case finding in hard-hit areas, a move expected to raise reported suspected cases as thousands of community health workers search for hidden infections. Outbreak Scale: Confirmed cases have reached about 4,200 with over 1,900 deaths, and WHO warns the fastest-growing outbreak is still surging amid shortages, threats, and misinformation. Regional Diplomacy: Kenya joined China’s new AI governance body, WAICO, with Congo among the founding signatories—an intergovernmental forum based in Shanghai. Business & Trade: SUMEAWORLD opened a nearly 12,000m² logistics and trade hub in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone, citing roots in Congo and plans to support supply flows across 75+ countries.

Ebola Update: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 4,000 laboratory-confirmed cases, described as the fastest-growing on record, as health workers push to slow transmission amid mounting strain. Health Workers’ Pay: At the Ebola epicentre, workers have protested unpaid wages, adding pressure to an already stretched response. Sports — Congo Abroad: In Tanzania, Young Africans’ Yanga Day drew thousands, but Congolese side Les Aigles du Congo stunned the celebrations with a 2-1 comeback win; new signing Peter Shalulile scored early from the spot before Les Aigles overturned it through Tonny Talasi. Sanitation — Local Development (Congo-linked): A public latrine renovation reopened in Wroto Town, aiming to tackle years of unsafe sanitation practices. Regional Policy: Chad announced it will join Congo in opening borders to all Africans with visa-free entry starting Jan. 1, 2027.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 4,000 laboratory-confirmed cases, now described as the fastest-spreading on record, as health workers continue pushing back despite mounting pressure. Public Health & Local Action: In Wroto Town, a newly renovated public latrine in Liberia’s District #9 was reopened after years of unsafe sanitation, with organizers citing improved hygiene and reduced health risks for residents. Regional Mobility Policy: Chad announced it will join Congo and Togo in opening borders for visa-free entry for all Africans starting Jan. 1, 2027, while clarifying it covers entry visas only. Jobs & Skills Push: India’s Alva’s Pragati 2026 job fair concluded with 2,394 spot offers and 5,935 shortlisted candidates, including targeted hiring for women engineers. Sports & Clubs: Al-Salmiya completed its foreign-player roster by signing Gabon winger David Sambissa, adding to a squad that includes Congolese defender Tresor Tshibwabwa.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 4,000 laboratory-confirmed cases, now described as the fastest-spreading on record, as health workers at the eastern epicentre protest unpaid wages and push to keep transmission down. Public Health Response Pressure: WHO leadership is in Congo to support the response while frontline staff say delays in pay are undermining efforts to contain the disease. Regional Mobility Policy: Chad announced it will join Congo and Togo in opening borders to all Africans with visa-free entry starting January 1, 2027, while entry rules won’t automatically grant the right to work or settle. Sports Transfer Watch: Al-Salmiya completed its foreign-player roster by signing Gabon winger David Sambissa, adding to a squad that also includes Congolese defender Tresor Tshibwabwa. Migration Tensions in South Africa: A Congolese woman with legal status to work in South Africa destroyed her salon rather than hand it over amid anti-immigrant unrest.

Ebola Surge in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has now passed 4,000 laboratory-confirmed cases, described as the fastest-spreading on record, as health workers push to slow transmission in Ituri. Health Workers’ Pay Crisis: At the epicentre in Bunia, dozens of Ebola staff protested unpaid wages and bonuses, even abandoning some facilities, warning the outbreak won’t be contained without urgent government action. Regional Refugee Pressure: In Uganda and Zambia, Burundian refugees are facing renewed pressure after Tanzania-linked fears of fresh forced returns, with some starting to repatriate while others say they still fear for their safety. Culture Returns in Exile: In Zambia’s Meheba camp, Burundian drummers returned to public performance after nearly four years and won awards during a Kaonde traditional ceremony. Film Spotlight on Congo: Hollywood news also hit the Congo beat: Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Russell Crowe are set to star in “Bluefly,” a sci-fi thriller said to be set deep in the Congo.

Ebola Crisis in Ituri: Dozens of health workers at Congo’s Ebola epicentre in Bunia protested unpaid wages and bonuses, abandoning facilities as cases near 4,000 and officials cite ongoing payment delays. Health Workers’ Strike Pressure: Protesters say the lack of pay is undermining the response and warn the outbreak won’t end in the province without authorities stepping in. Film Spotlight on Congo: Hollywood star Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Oscar winner Russell Crowe are set to lead the sci-fi action thriller “Bluefly,” directed by Nimród Antal, with the plot centered on a covert mission deep in the Congo to recover a mysterious aircraft. Business Move: Energy Capital & Power (ECP) has officially established a UK entity in London to expand its energy and mining events and investor outreach across Europe. Sports Note: Awilo Longomba urged the P-Square twins to reconcile, calling the feud “sad and heartbreaking.”

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Health workers at the epicenter of Congo’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak staged protests in Bunia, saying they still haven’t received wages and bonuses since the outbreak was declared in mid-May; cases have climbed to 3,973 with 1,801 deaths, and workers say facilities are being abandoned even as the disease spreads. Film Spotlight on Congo: Hollywood’s Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Oscar winner Russell Crowe are set to star in the sci-fi action thriller “Bluefly,” directed by Nimród Antal, with the plot centered on a covert mission in Congo to recover a crashed aircraft “that isn’t supposed to exist.” Agriculture & Trade: The second Great Agricultural Fair of Congo kicked off near Brazzaville, featuring hundreds of exhibitors and China-aided agricultural technology displays, including cassava and tomato varieties. Culture & Youth: A local dance initiative is running workshops aimed at teaching children about African culture through music and movement. Local Governance (Not Congo): In Wilmington, a city council attempt to override a veto on water shutoffs failed due to lack of attendance, leaving vulnerable households unprotected.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Health workers in Bunia, Ituri, staged protests and abandoned some Ebola facilities, demanding unpaid wages and bonuses since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, as WHO and partners warn the fast-growing outbreak is spreading faster than response efforts. Health Response Pressure: Confirmed cases are reported near 4,000 with thousands of deaths, while an Oxford vaccine trial is moving forward with only a handful of volunteers so far. Mining Policy Shock: Congo has banned exports of copper and cobalt concentrate, pushing companies toward local processing and introducing new rules that could reshape how major miners operate in the country. Sports—CAF Draw Impact: CAF Champions League preliminary-round draw sets Zamalek against Djibouti’s AS Port, with the winner facing the Rwandan Army vs Congo’s Eagles tie. Science—Congo Basin Discovery: Researchers report some Congo Basin catfish may “sniff” underwater using a nasal structure that actively draws in scent molecules. Film—Congo-set Thriller: Russell Crowe and Priyanka Chopra Jonas are set to star in “Bluefly,” a sci-fi action thriller described as unfolding deep in the Congo.