Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 4,000 cases for the first time, with 4,053 infections and 1,850 deaths reported across five provinces, as health authorities warn the real toll may be higher and fear the Bundibugyo strain could be mutating. Kinshasa Boat Scare Eases: After a suspected Ebola death linked to a river boat near Kinshasa, seven tested passengers came back negative, but authorities expanded screening for all boats arriving in the capital. Vaccine Push: WHO experts have recommended a full-scale human trial of Ervebo to test whether the licensed Zaire-strain vaccine offers cross-protection against Bundibugyo, while Africa CDC and partners move to expand use of available tools, including Merck’s vaccine and Gilead’s antiviral, as the outbreak worsens. Community Response Plan: Africa CDC says the immediate priority is shifting the response to village-level action, alongside free healthcare, stabilizing health workers, and faster delivery of support. Mining Policy Shock: DR Congo has banned exports of copper and cobalt concentrates to force more local processing, a move already rattling markets. Clean Energy Deal: A US-Congolese partnership signed an MoU targeting up to 2 GW of clean power and rural electrification, aiming to unlock investment and ease the country’s power deficit. Press Freedom: CPJ urged Uganda to protect exiled Congolese journalist John Zihindula Bwirabwanda after armed men broke into his home and threatened him.