AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response Under Strain: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is not “shrinking,” it’s shifting—slowing in Ituri but spreading to new provinces with weaker health capacity, including South Ubangi and a surge in North Kivu, where test positivity is rising; MSF warns that fewer admissions at some treatment centers is not proof the epidemic is under control. Ebola Numbers Still High: Africa CDC reports 7,404 confirmed cases and 3,577 deaths, with transmission across seven provinces and 62 health zones; some zones have gone weeks without new cases, but many remain active and bed occupancy is overstretched in parts of North Kivu. Humanitarian Support for Care: OCHA is backing response efforts, highlighting a “CUBE” Ebola treatment unit that can cut costs and let patients and families communicate while reducing staff exposure. Rights Watch in Kinshasa: The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) opened an investigation into incidents during the Sept. 15 C64 opposition march in Limete, after reports of machete- and stick-wielding men blocking protesters. Labor Crackdown: Employment Minister Ferdinand Massamba says inspections in Kinshasa found illegal work conditions, including expatriates, and he promises sanctions against companies violating labor law.

Ebola Update: WHO says DRC’s Ebola fight shows uneven progress: transmission is easing in Ituri, but North Kivu is worsening fast, and Africa CDC says the peak is not confirmed and control is not consistent; reported totals remain above 7,200 cases and 3,500 deaths across seven provinces. Political Tensions in Kinshasa: Opposition C64 says one supporter died during clashes around a September 15 anti-government rally against proposed constitutional changes that could enable President Tshisekedi’s third term; police used tear gas as demonstrators and pro-government groups fought. Human Rights & Press Freedom: CPJ urges DRC authorities to release journalist Trésor Muntu, detained in Likasi after sharing a post criticizing a politician, warning against criminal defamation used to intimidate media. Environment & Extractives: Greenpeace Africa and partners demand Tshisekedi halt expansion of oil, gas and mining in the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor ahead of UNGA climate events, citing overlaps that put protected areas at risk. Energy & Development: A separate report highlights how Nigeria’s electricity crisis persists despite official claims—an echo of the wider regional struggle for reliable power, including in DRC’s own energy plans.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still “serious” and the peak is not confirmed, Africa CDC says, even as transmission eases in Ituri and rises in North Kivu; authorities report 7,404 cases and 3,577 deaths, with North Kivu treatment capacity near saturation. Health System Strain: Medical teams in eastern DRC say they’re battling Ebola without approved treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, amid conflict, community hostility, and attacks on care facilities. Public Health Warnings: WHO calls the signs in Ituri encouraging but warns the crisis remains fragile, with cases doubling in parts of North Kivu and continued surveillance needed. Community Trust Efforts: An Ebola Treatment Center in Beni opened to motorcycle taxi drivers to dispel misinformation and reduce attacks driven by fear and mistrust. Ebola Response Funding: CEPI pledged $3.9 million to strengthen Bundibugyo outbreak intelligence and vaccine trial readiness in DRC and Uganda. Parallel Crisis: Eastern DRC is also seeing cholera spread, adding pressure to hospitals already overwhelmed by Ebola. Political Tension: Police used tear gas and arrested people as opposition C64 protested constitutional changes that could enable Tshisekedi’s third term. Press Freedom: A DRC journalist was detained and prosecuted for sharing an X post via WhatsApp, CPJ urging immediate release.

Ebola Response: WHO says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is showing “encouraging” signs in some areas, but Tedros warns it’s still growing and far from over, with North Kivu seeing weekly cases surge and vaccine and treatment trials accelerating. Vaccine Research Funding: CEPI has pledged $3.9 million for Bundibugyo Ebola research in the DRC, aiming to improve real-time tracking and support vaccine trial evidence. Public Health Pressure Beyond Ebola: Eastern DRC is also battling cholera, with Bukavu treatment centers reporting a steady influx of severe cases as the health system strains under multiple outbreaks. Constitutional Crisis: Police in Kinshasa used tear gas and warning shots to disperse C64 protests against constitutional changes that critics say could enable President Félix Tshisekedi’s third term. Regional Diplomacy: Rwanda and the DRC returned to Geneva for peace talks under a US-backed security mechanism to push implementation of the Washington Accords. Road Safety Tragedy: At least 33 people died after a truck plunged into a river in Alto Katanga, with officials warning the death toll could rise. Energy Access Investment: All On invested $5 million into Nigeria’s PowerGen to expand renewable mini-grids, targeting thousands of new electricity connections. Sports: Zimbabwe’s ZIFA urged fans to pack the National Sports Stadium for the Warriors’ key AFCON qualifier against the DRC on September 28.

Constitutional Crisis in Kinshasa: Opposition C64 protests against proposed changes that could let President Félix Tshisekedi seek a third term were met with tear gas and warning shots in Kinshasa and other cities, with clashes between protesters and pro-government supporters and dozens of arrests reported. Ebola Update from WHO: The WHO says the DRC’s Ebola fight shows “encouraging” signs in some areas, with transmission declining in Ituri, but warns the outbreak is still “far from over” and remains “uncontrolled” as cases surge in North Kivu and the epidemic’s path varies by province. Ebola Response Pressure: UN and WHO officials stress the need for sustained funding, more specialized medical teams, and continued vigilance, noting vaccine and treatment efforts are moving faster but the crisis remains deadly and massive. Energy and Climate Finance Angle: A new risk-management push highlights how hydropower-dependent utilities in eastern and southern Africa—including the DRC—need revenue protection tools like parametric insurance as climate shocks intensify.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed about 3,510 people and confirmed 7,258 cases since May 15, with transmission easing in Ituri but still rising in North Kivu—WHO and UN officials warn it’s too early to declare the peak over. Public Health Funding: The UN says the response is only about 49% funded, urging more international medical teams and resources as the virus remains in seven provinces and 62 health zones. Political Tension in Kinshasa: Police fired tear gas and arrested dozens during protests against constitutional changes that could allow President Félix Tshisekedi a third term, as opposition coalition C64 clashed with pro-government supporters. Eastern Congo Diplomacy: DRC and Rwanda are back in Geneva talks, but fighting and disputes over FDLR, Rwanda’s presence, and M23 control continue to complicate any peace deal. Critical Minerals Trade: Reuters reports Congo copper exports hit a record 1.72 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, with sales to the US and Europe doubling as Kinshasa pushes to diversify away from China. Conservation Deal: For the first time, a Congolese NGO (Strong Roots) will co-manage the Itombwe Nature Reserve in South Kivu under a 10-year partnership with ICCN, with communities at the center.

Constitutional Crisis in Kinshasa: Police fired tear gas and arrested activists as hundreds protested the C64 coalition’s pushback against proposed constitutional changes that critics say could enable President Félix Tshisekedi’s third term; clashes also erupted with pro-government supporters, with protests disrupted in Lubumbashi and Uvira. Ebola Update: UN and WHO officials say there are early signs of slowing in parts of Ituri, but the outbreak remains “deadly and massive” and it’s too soon to declare the peak over; cases are reported across seven provinces, with North Kivu still seeing rising numbers. Kinshasa Budget Move: Prime Minister Judith Suminwa submitted the 2027 budget bill to the National Assembly, proposing 56.929 trillion FC as an “action and sovereignty” plan covering security, roads, airports, universities, and revenue mobilization. US Minerals Push: Cabinet minutes say DRC approved a “DRC-USA Task Force” to speed up the strategic minerals partnership with Washington, aiming to translate commitments into concrete results for copper and cobalt. Lobito Corridor Boost: The Lobito rail route is set to ramp up cargo volumes toward 800,000 tons in 2027 as US-backed infrastructure expands for critical minerals. Bukavu Fire Aftermath: Funerals continued in Bukavu for victims of the school fire, with reports of dozens of children killed and injured, as civil society calls the situation a humanitarian catastrophe.

Eastern DRC Mourning: Hundreds gathered in Bukavu for mass funerals of children killed in a school fire and stampede that followed as pupils tried to escape flames spreading from a nearby house; local authorities say at least 27 students died and dozens were injured, with the cause still unknown amid tightly packed wooden housing. Ebola Update: DRC officials say the Ebola outbreak has reached its peak, pointing to slowing infections and fewer health zones reporting new cases, even as the response remains under pressure. Public Health Gaps: WHO data highlights how many people still rely on healthcare facilities without clean water, sanitation, or hygiene—an issue that worsens infection control risks during outbreaks like Ebola. Regional Diplomacy: DRC and Rwanda are set to reconvene in Geneva to review security commitments under the 2025 Washington Accords as fighting continues in the east. Health Threat Watch: WHO reports mpox remains a moderate global risk, with Africa accounting for about 75% of cases reported in July, including high numbers in DRC.

Bukavu Fire Aftermath: Families in Bukavu laid to rest 26 children and other victims killed in a deadly school fire and stampede, with mourners calling for safer city planning and faster emergency response as UNICEF says at least 26 children died and 25 were injured. Ebola Update: The DRC reported Ebola cases rising to about 7,200 with thousands of deaths, while officials say surveillance remains heightened in Ituri and North Kivu and the response continues amid fears of spread. Natural Resources & Inclusion: In Kinshasa, MONUSCO and UN Women convened women and youth groups to push gender-responsive natural resource governance, linking resources to peace and prosperity rather than conflict. Critical Minerals Deal: Almonty Industries signed a tungsten venture with Rwanda, a move tied to Western efforts to build mineral supply chains outside China—highlighting the region’s growing role in strategic metals. Kinshasa Sanitation Crackdown: Reports say “builders” drawn from former gang members were deployed under the National Service to clear rubbish in Kinshasa, praised by some but accused of abuse. Finance Reform: The DRC’s new stock market law aims to pave the way for a Kinshasa Stock Exchange, offering a new path for Congolese savings to become investment. Politics & Parliament: The National Assembly opens its September session amid opposition tensions, with the 2027 budget law expected to be a key focus.

Ebola Update: DR Congo says its worst-ever Ebola outbreak is “under control” and that the peak was reached in early August, but confirmed cases have now passed 7,000 and the virus has spread to a seventh province, with officials warning of flare-ups and the need for strict contact tracing. Ebola in Displacement Camps: Three Ebola cases were confirmed in Ituri’s Savo displaced persons camp, home to about 70,000 people in precarious conditions, raising fears of faster spread where sanitation is poor. Public Health Pressure: The government reports 7,022 cases and about 3,400 deaths, while health teams continue vaccination and tracing amid concerns that some areas may be reaching peaks at different times. Security & Civilians: A blast in Rutshuru, North Kivu killed seven civilians and injured three, with local authorities blaming an explosive device found by a child. Local Governance & Protest: Opposition C64 maintains a Sept. 15 march in Kinshasa, urging lawmakers to “listen to reason” ahead of the parliamentary opening. Urban Life: In Kinshasa, former gang members in a paramilitary “builders” cleanup force are clearing rubbish—while videos and residents’ accounts allege beatings and abuse. Education Tragedy: In Bukavu, a school fire and stampede killed at least 26 children, with UNICEF reporting injuries and officials citing multiple fire points.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s government says the 17th Ebola outbreak is “under control” and that the peak passed in early August, but the numbers keep climbing: 7,022 confirmed cases, 3,398 deaths, and 1,671 recoveries, with spread now reaching a seventh province, South Ubangi—far from the original Ituri epicenter. Humanitarian Pressure: New cases were confirmed in a displaced persons camp in Ituri, where about 70,000 people live with severe sanitation gaps, raising fears of faster transmission. Health System Strain: Officials and partners warn that even if some areas show declines, flare-ups and uneven spread mean contact tracing and vigilance must continue. Security and Civilian Impact: In eastern DRC’s Rutshuru (North Kivu), an explosive device detonated after a child found it, killing seven civilians and injuring three. Education Tragedy: In Bukavu, a school fire and stampede killed at least 26 children, with reports of students jumping from upper floors and others trampled.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo says its worst-ever Ebola outbreak has surpassed 7,000 cases, reaching 7,022 with 3,398 deaths and 1,671 recoveries, and now includes a seventh province, South-Ubangi, far from the original epicenter in Ituri. The government claims the outbreak has passed its peak (early third week of August) and is “under control,” but officials and health experts warn flare-ups and uneven transmission remain a real threat, especially as schools in Ituri report detections after students returned. School Fire Tragedy in Bukavu: In South Kivu’s Bukavu, a deadly fire and stampede at Furaha and Ujamaa primary schools killed 29 students and injured 25, destroying two schools and more than 300 homes, with many deaths blamed on panic and children being unable to escape. Sports & National Mood: TP Mazembe advanced in the CAF Champions League after beating Ghana’s Medeama 3-1 in Lubumbashi, while DR Congo’s World Cup momentum is set to feed into 2027 AFCON qualifiers with new Europe-based players called up.

Ebola Surge in DRC: Congolese authorities say confirmed Ebola cases have crossed 7,000, reaching 7,022, with 3,398 deaths and 1,671 recoveries; the outbreak has now hit seven provinces after a case was confirmed in Sud-Ubangi in the northwest, far from the eastern epicenter, raising fears of wider spread through travel and weak health access. School Fire Disaster in Bukavu: In South Kivu’s Bukavu, a deadly fire at Furaha and Ujamaa primary schools killed 29 students and injured others, with witnesses describing deaths linked to a stampede as children tried to escape; UNICEF earlier put the toll at 26 children dead and 25 injured. Sports—DRC Football: TP Mazembe ended Medeama’s CAF Champions League run with a 3-1 win in Lubumbashi on Saturday, advancing to face Zambia’s Red Arrows. Culture & Spotlight: At TIFF, David Oyelowo and Danai Gurira backed the DRC-focused film “Muganga,” highlighting Dr. Denis Mukwege’s work for survivors of sexual violence tied to the cobalt-fueled wars.

Ebola Crisis Escalates: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has now surpassed 7,000 confirmed cases and nearly 3,400 deaths, with the virus spreading to a seventh province, Sud-Ubangi, far from the eastern epicenter. Health authorities say a 23-year-old man who traveled from South Kivu via Rwanda and Uganda died after testing positive, raising fears that movement across provinces is widening the spread. Health System Strain: WHO and partners warn the response is being slowed by shortages of trained staff, operational partners, and funding, even as surveillance, contact tracing, lab testing, and vaccination efforts expand. School Fire Tragedy in Bukavu: In South Kivu’s Bukavu, a school fire and stampede killed at least 26 children, with UNICEF reporting 25 more injured; witnesses describe students jumping from upper floors and people trapped inside suffering asphyxiation. Regional Security Context: Bukavu has been under M23 control since February 2025, and the rebel group declared mourning after the blaze. AI Misuse Watch: Separately, a global AI report says bad actors used Claude for surveillance and weapons-related work—another reminder of rising digital risks beyond the DRC.

Ebola Crisis (DRC): Congo’s record-breaking Ebola outbreak has surged to a seventh province, Sud-Ubangi, after a man who traveled through multiple provinces and neighboring countries tested positive; officials say the Bundibugyo strain was detected and contacts are being traced, raising fears of wider spread far from the epicenter. Outbreak Numbers: Latest figures put cases at about 6,843–6,942 with roughly 3,310–3,349 deaths, while WHO warns the outbreak remains out of control and could surpass the 2014–16 West Africa disaster. Health Response: WHO says transmission is spreading across dozens of health zones and that delayed detection and limited resources are hampering containment. Education Tragedy (Bukavu): In rebel-held Bukavu, fires at two schools triggered a stampede, killing at least 20+ children (reports vary by update) with fears the toll could rise; authorities and local media describe destroyed homes and overwhelmed emergency response. Justice & Diplomacy: Congo’s justice minister, Guillaume Ngefa, is pushing judicial cooperation with the Netherlands, aiming to strengthen efforts against impunity. Tech & Safety: A new report from Anthropic details how bad actors misused Claude for surveillance, propaganda, and other harmful operations, adding to global AI risk concerns.

Ebola Crisis: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spreading fast: WHO says it has reached 61 health zones across six provinces, with new cases reported in North Kivu and Sud-Ubangi after a long-distance travel-linked case; the latest figures put confirmed cases around 6,843 with about 3,310 deaths, while WHO warns the response needs major boosts in beds, staff, and supplies to avoid collapse. School Fire Tragedy (Bukavu): In rebel-held Bukavu, a fire that spread from homes to two schools triggered a deadly stampede; reports put deaths at about 24 children (with figures rising in some accounts) and dozens injured, as authorities investigate the cause. Regional Security (DRC ties): DRC President Félix Tshisekedi is in Israel for a first state visit since 2021, aiming to deepen security cooperation and shift regional alignments. Humanitarian/Health Response: WHO and partners say vaccination and treatment efforts are underway, but insecurity, displacement, and delayed detection are still driving transmission.