AGP Executive Report

Ebola Update: Ebola survivors were discharged from a treatment centre in Beni, eastern DRC, as officials urged early care and pushed back against rumours while the outbreak keeps expanding. Air Disaster: A Congolese army Let L-410 crashed near Kenge in Kwango, killing 17 people, including two top military justice officials—President of the High Military Court Joseph Mutombo Katalayi and Auditor General Lucien-René Likulia—after an emergency landing attempt; the transport ministry suspended the operator pending investigations. Lake Tragedy: On Lake Kivu, a vessel carrying fish traders capsized near Idjwi Island in South Kivu, killing at least 12 with dozens missing; authorities cited overloading and the continued failure to use life jackets. Humanitarian Funding: An EU aid package will support displaced communities across Africa, including help for DRC’s Ebola response. Regional Health Risk: Africa CDC warned Kenya and nine other countries are at risk as DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola spreads, urging stronger surveillance and rapid isolation capacity.

Plane Crash in Kwango: A Congolese army aircraft crash near Kenge in Kwango province killed 17 people, including 13 passengers and four crew, with two senior military justice officials among the dead. The transport ministry says the Let L-410 UVP plane, operated by Tracep Congo Aviation, developed a technical fault while flying from Kikwit to Kinshasa and attempted to land without a proper strip, then crashed into a residential area and caught fire; President Félix Tshisekedi ordered an investigation. Ebola Travel Update: The UAE has eased Ebola-related entry and visa restrictions on Ugandan nationals after Uganda completed its monitoring period, while keeping similar precautionary measures in place for the DRC and South Sudan due to ongoing risk. Humanitarian Aid: The EU announced €710 million in new crisis funding, with most support aimed at Africa—covering displacement, migration, and humanitarian needs, and including reinforcement for the Ebola response in the DRC and neighboring countries.

DRC-Rwanda Peace Pressure: The U.S. says future ties with Rwanda hinge on “full and verifiable compliance” with the Washington peace accords, warning against any destabilizing actions in eastern DRC and demanding transparency in mineral supply chains. Ebola Crisis Worsens: WHO reports Ebola has spread to two more health zones—Bulu (Sud-Ubangi) and Dungu (Haut-Uélé)—bringing affected zones to 63 across seven provinces, with cases at 7,890 and deaths at 3,799 as conflict and displacement disrupt response. Deadly Air Disaster in Kwango: A Let L-410 crash near Kenge killed 17 people, including two senior army generals, after the plane reportedly circled for landing and hit a residential compound; TRACEP’s operating certificate has been suspended pending investigation. Humanitarian Alarm at Lusenda: UNHCR officials visited the Lusenda camp in South Kivu where Burundian refugees say food aid has been suspended for over two years, alongside medicine shortages and growing insecurity for women and children. Lake Tanganyika Shipwreck: On Lake Tanganyika, a vessel carrying 84 people sank, with 43 rescued and more than 40 still missing, as officials warn accidents remain common on the water.

Plane Crash in Kwango: A Congolese military aircraft crashed in Kenge, Kwango province, killing at least 14 people, including two senior officers—head of the military court and the armed forces auditor general. Authorities say the plane was returning from Kikwit to Kinshasa, suffered a technical fault, and crashed into a residential plot; an investigation is underway. Ebola Response Pressure: WHO says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak has reached two new health zones (Bulu and Dungu), bringing affected zones to 63, as conflict and displacement keep contact tracing and access from keeping up. UN and Displacement: UNHCR warns that forced displacement is outpacing durable solutions and urges the Security Council to push political solutions, not endless humanitarian aid. Sanctions Lift in Kinshasa: The U.S. Treasury removed retired General François Olenga and his Safari Club from its sanctions list, ending a nine-year legal fight and reopening his business prospects.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Africa CDC says DRC’s Ebola outbreak is still active, with contact tracing far behind expectations—only about 30,000 people listed as exposed versus roughly 400,000 expected—while insecurity, diagnostic limits, and community mistrust keep transmission going. North Kivu Pressure: MSF reports Ebola treatment centres in North Kivu are full, with patients unable to find beds even as some areas show easing. New Health Alerts: Bunia confirms a lab-tested mpox case, while health authorities warn the ongoing Ebola crisis is overwhelming surveillance systems. Deadly Transport Disasters: On Lake Tanganyika, a passenger boat capsized with at least 41 dead and dozens missing; separately, a military plane crash in Kwango killed up to 13, including three army officers, after it crashed into a residential plot during an attempted landing. Kinshasa Planning: Local authorities are urged to support preparations for the next population census operations.

Ebola Violence in Beni: Security forces opened fire during a burial of a suspected Ebola victim at Katula-Paida cemetery in Beni, North Kivu, killing at least one person and injuring several others, as residents demanded to see the body—another sign of deep mistrust toward burial teams. Ebola Response Strain: In Butembo, MSF says Ebola treatment capacity is overwhelmed, with all beds full and patients dying before admission as North Kivu cases surge. US Steps Up Funding: The US announced an extra $267 million for the DRC Ebola response, bringing its total to $887 million, as officials push for broader burden-sharing. New Ebola Hotspot: North Kivu is described as becoming the new epicenter, with WHO warning the outbreak remains uncontrolled. Lake Tanganyika Disaster: At least 41 people died after a boat carrying about 100 passengers and cargo capsized on Lake Tanganyika while traveling from Tanzania to Kalemie, DRC; 49 were rescued and searches continue. Mining and Power Politics: US miner KoBold Metals is using AI-directed exploration to challenge China’s dominance in DRC critical minerals. Diplomacy and Security: Prime Minister Judith Suminwa told the UN that the FDLR can no longer be used as a pretext for foreign military presence, while Rwanda disputes the significance of the protocol.

Ebola Response Funding: The U.S. announced an extra $267 million for the DRC Ebola fight, bringing Washington’s total to $886 million, as officials push for wider burden-sharing to meet a $2 billion target. Health System Strain: The WHO says the outbreak is still uncontrolled, with North Kivu cases up 73% in three weeks and a major health worker shortage after frontline staff strikes over unpaid wages. Human Toll: Latest figures put the outbreak at about 7,773 confirmed cases and 3,759 deaths, with WHO warning children under five face the highest risk. Regional Mobilization: Africa CDC says $2.9 billion has been mobilized for Ebola response across Africa, including cross-border work. Local Impact: At the Kitatumba Ebola Treatment Center in Butembo, facilities are running above capacity and officials say it’s still too early to declare control. Sports (Kinshasa): The DRC kicked off AFCON 2027 qualifiers with a 2-0 win over Equatorial Guinea.

Ebola Response: The U.S. announced an extra $267 million for the Ebola fight in the DRC, bringing Washington’s total support to $886 million, aimed at treatment centers, diagnostics, and supplies as the outbreak continues to spread. Diplomacy in the Great Lakes: Belgium and Rwanda restored diplomatic ties after an 18-month rupture, with embassies set to reopen, while both sides say disagreements over eastern DRC remain. Regional Health Security: The EAC is ramping up cross-border disease surveillance and training to protect trade routes, warning that outbreaks like Ebola and Marburg can quickly disrupt markets. Media Freedom: In Kinshasa, the Committee to Protect Journalists urged DRC authorities to release music journalist Virginie Manganga, arrested over allegations tied to Fally Ipupa. Sports (DRC in focus): Zimbabwe’s AFCON qualifier vs DRC is set for Sept. 28, with ticketing and traffic diversions announced for Harare.

Ebola Crisis: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still not under control as cases and deaths rise unevenly, with North Kivu up sharply while Ituri and Haut-Uele show declines; Nigeria has tightened entry screening, and IOM is expanding health checks and coordination with neighboring countries to curb cross-border spread. Security & Disarmament: Kinshasa has launched a national voluntary civilian disarmament campaign in six zones, offering anonymity and amnesty to reduce illegal small arms. Diplomacy: Belgium and Rwanda restored diplomatic ties after an 18-month rupture, with both sides pointing to continued dialogue on the eastern DRC conflict. Health Response Logistics: Tunisia sent medicines and equipment to support DR Congo’s Ebola response. Sports (DRC focus): Sébastien Desabre expects a tight match as DR Congo’s Leopards host Equatorial Guinea in AFCON 2027 qualifiers at Stade des Martyrs. Business & Trade: ITC and Access Bank announced a three-year SME finance and market-access partnership covering DR Congo and 13 other African countries.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: The WHO says the Ebola outbreak remains uncontrolled and increasingly spread across more areas, with transmission shifting toward the DRC’s border regions; it has affected 63 health zones in seven provinces, while treatment capacity and community deaths remain major concerns. Ebola Response Access: In Kisangani, Ebola teams held awareness sessions with deaf people, warning that communication barriers can delay care and worsen outcomes. Cross-Border Health Rules: Nigeria’s NCDC says travellers from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission may need to fill health declaration forms, as part of enhanced surveillance. Mpox Update: South Africa reports mpox cases rising to 22, with four new lab-confirmed infections. Diplomacy Around the DRC Conflict: Belgium and Rwanda have restored diplomatic relations after an 18-month break, while both sides say disagreements over eastern DRC remain. Mining Rights and Abuses: Amnesty alleges M23 fighters abused miners and facilitated trafficking of gold and coltan from eastern DRC to Rwanda, raising war-crimes concerns.

Ebola Response in DRC: WHO says 20,000 Ervebo doses are earmarked for a research vaccination programme in Ituri, as the outbreak continues to spread across seven provinces and officials warn effectiveness against the Bundibugyo strain is still being tested. Ebola’s Human Cost: UN Women reports women and girls are hit hardest in the DRC outbreak, doing much of the caregiving at home and in communities, often without protection, which keeps transmission risks high. M23 Abuses at Mines: Amnesty says Rwanda-backed M23 fighters killed 18 artisanal miners and subjected others to torture, forced labour and detention at coltan and gold sites in North and South Kivu. Regional Mediation Backed: The AU and UN endorsed Togo-led mediation in the DRC-Rwanda dispute, backing preventive diplomacy and a roadmap through end-2026. Mining Investment Reform: Reuters reports DRC is preparing a one-stop agency to centralize mining approvals and cut red tape under a US-linked minerals partnership, aiming to attract more Western capital. Mpox Testing Warning: UNIGE researchers say over a third of mpox PCR positives in DRC may be false diagnoses linked to sample contamination, raising concerns for surveillance and patient care. Kinshasa Protest Probe: Congo’s justice minister orders an inquiry into violence and alleged deaths during an anti-government rally in Kinshasa over proposed constitutional changes.

Ebola Response in Eastern DRC: Health authorities in the DRC launched a new Ervebo vaccination drive in Ituri and North Kivu, targeting frontline workers as part of a trial to test protection against the Bundibugyo strain; officials say the outbreak has already killed about 3,699 people and infected more than 7,541. M23 Abuses and Mineral Trafficking: Amnesty International reports M23 fighters abused miners at Rubaya and Lomera, including killings and forced labor, and says gold and coltan are trafficked to Rwanda—urging action by the AU and buyers. Women, Peace and Security: Joyce Banda told UN leaders to stop “talking” and deliver results for women excluded from eastern DRC peace talks, calling for at least a 30% quota in mediation and monitoring. Kinshasa Sanitation Push: Kinshasa’s sanitation task force announced 7,500 bins across the capital, with penalties for dumping in public spaces. Regional Finance Integration: The DRC joined the Pan-African payment system (PAPSS), expanding continental payment connectivity as central bank governors elected an interim Africa Monetary Institute chair. Local Content Study Tour: A DRC delegation began studying Nigeria’s oil-and-gas local content model, aiming to replicate the NCDMB framework.

Ebola Response in DRC: WHO says 20,000 Ervebo doses are set for a research vaccination programme in Ituri, as the outbreak continues to spread across seven provinces; MSF warns it’s “far from over,” with cases moving into new, underprepared areas. Human Rights in Eastern Congo: Amnesty International accuses Rwanda-backed M23 of torture, summary killings and forced labor of artisanal miners at Rubaya and Lomera, documenting 18 miner deaths and alleged trafficking of gold and coltan into Rwanda. Kinshasa Sanitation: A presidential sanitation task force says it will deploy 7,500 waste bins across Kinshasa, with penalties for people caught dumping in public spaces. Sports & National Team: Congo’s Léopards begin assembling in Kinshasa for AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with eight players already arrived. Regional Diplomacy: UN and AU leaders call for stronger peace and financial reforms, reaffirming support for Togo-led mediation efforts in eastern DRC.

Ebola Response: Iqarus deployed a 19-person medical and operational team to run a dedicated quarantine, isolation and holding facility for suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, aiming to protect patients, health workers and communities while linking patients to definitive treatment sites. Ebola Vaccines in Ituri: DRC expanded Ebola vaccination to Ituri, with more than 3,700 people receiving Ervebo, and MSF launching a study in Bunia to test whether the vaccine can protect against the Bundibugyo strain driving the outbreak. M23 Abuses & Mining Trafficking: Amnesty International says Rwanda-backed M23 is smuggling coltan and gold out of eastern DRC and forcing tens of thousands to work in mines around Rubaya (North Kivu) and Lomera (South Kivu), documenting killings, torture, unlawful detention and forced labour that could amount to war crimes. Kinshasa Night Life & Power Cuts: A new documentary debut, set mostly in Kisenso, explores how Kinshasa residents cope with chronic electricity shortages through community faith and nighttime survival routines.

Ebola Response in Ituri: The DRC has expanded Ebola vaccination in Bunia, Ituri, starting a test rollout of Ervebo for about 20,000 frontline health workers in Ituri and North Kivu, with MSF, WHO and Africa CDC backing the study to see whether a Zaire-strain vaccine offers protection against the Bundibugyo virus driving the outbreak; officials report 7,541 confirmed cases and 3,639 deaths as the campaign is expected to run 6–9 months. Humanitarian Pressure in Eastern DRC: The UN says fighting has displaced over 70,000 people since mid-August into Walikale territory, straining basic services and making aid access harder. Sports & Kinshasa Spotlight: Zimbabwe will allow up to 30,000 fans at the National Sports Stadium for its Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against DR Congo, signaling a return of international football after a five-year gap. Public Health Access Gap: A deaf community advocacy report warns communication barriers are leaving many people with hearing impairment cut off from Ebola prevention information. Mobility & Travel Controls: The UK published a list of African countries whose citizens need an airport transit visa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ebola Response in Eastern DRC: Ebola vaccination has expanded to Ituri, with more than 3,700 people already receiving Ervebo and a new MSF-led BRAVO study starting in Bunia to test whether the Zaire-strain vaccine can protect against the Bundibugyo variant; health teams plan to vaccinate about 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu and follow them for up to a year as cases remain high. Humanitarian Crisis: The UN says fighting in eastern DRC has displaced over 70,000 people since mid-August, with arrivals in Walikale straining services and blocking aid access. Community Impact: UN Women reports women and girls are disproportionately affected by Ebola in DRC, with many serving as caregivers in facilities and at home, increasing exposure risk. Local Economy: In Bukavu, young entrepreneurs are building a local market for South Kivu coffee, helping producers sell beyond exports despite conflict disruptions. Weather Preparedness: WFP and METTELSAT signed an MoU to modernize Congo’s weather observation system, aiming for better early warning and resilience.