AGP Executive Report

Ebola Crisis: The DRC says Ebola has killed 1,521 people as cases rise to 3,442, with the outbreak spreading across 49 health zones and contact tracing at 78.3%—below WHO containment targets—while health teams face violent attacks and burning of treatment facilities amid misinformation. Vaccine Race: CEPI and partners report major momentum on a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine, including funding to accelerate development and manufacturing for early clinical trials, as officials warn hunger and insecurity are undermining response. Armed Groups & Diplomacy: Kinshasa says an FDLR-linked protocol commits fighters to disarm and repatriate, but Rwanda rejects it as outside the US-brokered Washington framework—raising new tensions over how disarmament should be supervised. Constitutional Politics: Opposition coalition C64 denounces a Constitutional Court ruling that clears the way for a referendum that could enable Tshisekedi’s third term, calling it a threat to the constitutional order. Regional Security: Botswana warns that the conflict in eastern DRC is fueling the spread of armed groups, disrupting trade, and worsening illicit exploitation of natural resources. Justice & Corruption: In Zambia, former Copperbelt police chief Yuyi Mwala and others are charged over an alleged $448,596 copper theft linked to a truck diversion from the DRC.

Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps accelerating, with confirmed cases rising to 3,360 and deaths reaching 1,487 as transmission continues in sustained pockets, especially Ituri, while UN officials warn the response is falling behind the pace of the epidemic. Vaccine Push: Merck and Wellcome-backed Hilleman Laboratories is preparing to manufacture a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine for clinical trials, as CEPI funds multiple vaccine efforts and Oxford’s trial moves forward. Third-Term Politics: Opposition figures in Kinshasa are furious after the Constitutional Court approved a referendum law that could open the door for President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term, setting up a fresh political standoff. Health Under Strain: Save the Children reports more than 180 children dead in Ituri-linked Ebola impacts, with thousands needing mental health and psychosocial support amid fear and displacement. Accountability on Pollution: Human Rights Watch says oil production in the DRC poses severe environmental and health risks, pointing to Perenco’s operations and calling for stronger government action to reduce exposure. Water Infrastructure: Tshisekedi inaugurated a Chinese-built water treatment plant in Kamina, aimed at boosting safe drinking water capacity for local communities.

Ebola Surge & Vaccine Push: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps worsening, with confirmed cases rising to about 3,360 and 1,487 deaths, while a clinical trial begins to test a post-exposure preventive treatment for high-risk contacts; WHO warns the public health risk remains very high as transmission continues in Ituri. Cross-Border Health Watch: Uganda declared itself Ebola-free after completing the 42-day monitoring period, but WHO says it must stay on high alert because the outbreak is still raging across the border. Constitutional Tension in Kinshasa: DR Congo’s constitutional court approved a referendum path that critics fear could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term, prompting protests in eastern cities and support from some Kinshasa residents. Eastern Congo Peace Friction: Congo says an FDLR-linked Rwanda genocide-era militia signed a disarmament protocol, but Rwanda rejects it as inconsistent with the U.S.-brokered peace deal—raising uncertainty for the disarmament process. Environment & Accountability: A government audit says French-British oil firm Perenco polluted soil and air in Muanda, including from gas flaring near inhabited areas, with groundwater testing underway.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: The UN says Democratic Republic of the Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to about 3,200, with the death toll now above 1,400 as the outbreak spreads fastest on record, straining surveillance and care across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo. Health System Strain: A report from Bunia describes overstretched Ebola surveillance teams facing vehicle shortages and delayed reporting from clinics, slowing contact tracing and raising the risk of further spread. Regional Spillover: Uganda declared itself officially Ebola-free after completing the WHO-recommended 42-day monitoring period, but it kept its border with DRC closed as cases surge next door. Security and Politics: In eastern Congo, thousands protested proposed constitutional changes that could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term, while demonstrations continued despite Ebola-related gathering restrictions. Humanitarian Response: The UN and partners say they are pushing food support and household visits for patients, contacts and vulnerable people as the outbreak worsens.

Ebola Surge in DRC: The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ebola outbreak has hit 3,262 confirmed cases and 1,437 deaths, with officials calling it the fastest on record and noting it is nearly matching the scale of the 2018–2020 crisis. Frontline Strain: In Ituri’s Bunia, surveillance teams say they are “just chasing” cases as vehicle shortages and late or missed reporting slow contact tracing and allow spread. UN Support: The UN says confirmed cases reached 3,200 as it backs surveillance, lab testing, patient care, and food support, while also warning the toll could rise further. Uganda Declares Ebola-Free: Uganda says it has ended its own 2026 Ebola outbreak after 42 days without new cases, but keeps its border with the DRC closed as Kinshasa’s numbers keep climbing. Security and Politics: In eastern Congo, thousands protested proposed constitutional changes that could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term, with demonstrations held under police supervision despite Ebola gathering bans.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: Health authorities say the Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak has surged to 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 deaths across five provinces, with Ituri still the epicentre; the WHO warns insecurity could further disrupt containment as more than 1,400 children are reported among the most affected, and health workers have gone on strike over unpaid bonuses, further straining treatment centres. Armed Violence in Eastern DRC: Separate reports say ADF fighters killed at least 31 civilians in Ituri’s Mambasa territory in attacks between Wednesday and Monday, including a mining village incident. Humanitarian Response: UNICEF highlights how coordinated aid and psychosocial support are helping Ebola survivors and children in Ituri, even as logistics teams struggle to reach communities amid conflict. Diplomacy: Israel and the DRC reaffirmed plans to deepen ties after foreign ministers met in Jerusalem, signing MOUs on diplomatic training and broader cooperation in health and technology.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DRC: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has hit 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 deaths, with the virus spreading across 48 health zones in five provinces. Ituri remains the epicenter, while officials say contact tracing, border screening, and community awareness are being scaled up—yet health-worker strikes over unpaid wages are disrupting care. Security Crisis in Ituri: Separate reports say 27 civilians were killed and 11 missing in new attacks attributed to the ADF in Mambasa territory, with looting and displacement worsening an already fragile situation. Diplomacy: Israel and DR Congo’s foreign ministers met in Jerusalem and signed memoranda to expand cooperation, including diplomatic training and broader ties in trade, agriculture, technology, and healthcare. Human Rights & Environment: Human Rights Watch warns that pollution linked to Perenco’s oil operations in Kongo Central is exposing nearby communities to health risks, including respiratory problems, and alleges illegal flaring and harmful spills.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DRC: DR Congo’s 17th Ebola outbreak has jumped to 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 deaths, with infections rising by about 1,000 in 10 days. Officials say nearly 90% of cases are in Ituri, and the virus is now in five provinces, as conflict, displacement, and mistrust keep response teams from reaching communities. Health Response Strains: Authorities link the fast rise partly to better detection and expanded testing, but health worker strikes over unpaid wages and gaps in contact tracing are disrupting containment. New Tools for a No-Vaccine Strain: The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccine or treatment; clinical trials and a new WHO diagnostic test are underway to speed up care and tracking. Security and Civilian Toll: Separately, armed attacks in eastern DRC’s Mambasa area killed at least 32 civilians, adding fresh pressure on an already overwhelmed humanitarian and health response.

Ebola Crisis Escalates: The DRC Ebola outbreak has surged past 3,000 confirmed cases, reaching 3,075 infections and 1,354 deaths, with 755 patients in hospital or isolation; health authorities warn the outbreak is in sustained transmission as armed violence and weak access keep response teams under pressure. Health System Under Strain: Care is being disrupted by strikes at Ebola treatment centres in Ituri, including a walkout over unpaid performance bonuses, while Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka visited epicentres in Ituri and pushed for faster delivery of logistics like oxygen, ambulances, water, and safe burial supplies. Violence Fuels Spread: In the same eastern region, at least 32 civilians were killed in two armed attacks in Mambasa, and the ADF has been blamed for more than 30 deaths in recent incursions—raising fears of displacement and hidden cases. Aviation Incident: A Malawi-registered plane vanished in eastern DRC after reporting an engine loss, with search teams still combing a remote area and no wreckage confirmed. Cross-Border Fallout: Canada tightened entry rules for travellers coming from the DRC due to Ebola, while the U.S. keeps Ebola-related screening restrictions active.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DRC: The DRC says confirmed Ebola cases have passed 3,000, reaching 3,075, with deaths rising to 1,354—the fastest-growing outbreak on record. Officials warn the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment, while scientists race ahead; Oxford reports the first volunteer has received an experimental Bundibugyo vaccine dose. Health System Strain: In Ituri, health workers at the Elikya Ebola Treatment Centre in Bunia went on strike over unpaid performance bonuses, disrupting care as the outbreak accelerates. Violence Compounds the Crisis: In the same eastern region, the ADF has been blamed for attacks in Mambasa, killing at least 32 civilians over 72 hours and triggering new displacement—further complicating Ebola response and surveillance. Government Response Push: Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka visited Ituri’s Ebola hotspots, urging faster delivery of logistics like oxygen, ambulances, water, and safe burial equipment, and stressing improved working conditions for medical staff. Cross-Border Fallout: Canada has barred foreign nationals who recently visited the DRC from entering, while allowing citizens and permanent residents to return under quarantine rules. Security and Diplomacy: Angola’s president received a message from Tshisekedi’s envoy about the “very worrying” security situation in eastern DRC, with hopes for progress in coming weeks. New Science Spotlight: Separate from the outbreak, researchers also announced a newly described Congo Basin monkey species, “Likweli,” highlighting the DRC’s biodiversity.

Ebola Surge in Ituri: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has climbed to 2,973 confirmed cases and 1,309 deaths, with Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka warning the crisis could worsen the humanitarian situation in eastern Ituri and calling for faster delivery of logistics like oxygen, ambulances, hygiene supplies, and safe burial equipment. Containment Strain: Health authorities say transmission remains sustained, with 540 recoveries and 766 people in isolation or hospital, while contact tracing is still below the level needed to fully stop spread. Health Workers Strike: Care has been disrupted by strikes at Bunia’s Elikya Ebola Treatment Centre over unpaid bonuses, adding pressure to an already stretched response. Vaccine Breakthrough: Oxford has begun the first human trial of a Bundibugyo-targeting Ebola vaccine, with the first volunteer vaccinated, as DRC still lacks an approved vaccine for this strain. Cross-Border Fallout: Canada has imposed new entry restrictions on foreign nationals who recently visited the DRC, and the CDC has renewed U.S. Ebola travel screening rules through mid-August. Human Impact on Children: Save the Children reports 476 child Ebola cases and warns of trauma and fear, pushing for stronger mental health and protection support.

Ebola Surge in DRC: The DRC health ministry says confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 2,905 with 1,269 deaths, after harmonizing data from Ituri and North Kivu—officials stress the jump isn’t only new infections. Treatment Access and Trust: In Bunia, Ituri, medical staff report more people seeking care as community trust grows, even as insecurity and conflict keep response teams from reaching everyone. Vaccine Breakthrough: Oxford University has started the first human trial of a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine; the first volunteer, Ed Hunt, received the first dose in Oxford as researchers enroll 50 healthy adults. Cross-Border Pressure: The U.S. has imposed temporary travel restrictions on people who recently visited the DRC, aiming to reduce Ebola importation risk, while other countries keep tightening screening. Regional Health Funding: Africa CDC’s boss urges more domestic and regional funding to avoid dependence on donors as the outbreak spreads faster than the system can respond.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern DRC: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is surging again after officials reconciled provincial and national data, pushing confirmed infections toward 3,000 and deaths past 1,000, with the Bundibugyo strain driving the worst fatal spike on record and no approved vaccine yet. Containment Under Fire: Health teams say insecurity, attacks on clinics, mistrust, and mass displacement are forcing them to suspend work, making contact tracing and early detection harder just as cases spread beyond Ituri. New Vaccine Trial Moves Forward: Oxford researchers have started the first human trial of a Bundibugyo Ebola jab, with the first dose given to a volunteer in the UK as scientists race to test safety and immune response. Regional Response: Uganda has cleared its last confirmed patient and started a 42-day countdown to declare its outbreak over, while Tanzania says it has tightened border surveillance to keep Ebola out. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP warns that food aid for Congolese refugees in Burundi could end without urgent funding, threatening worsening hunger and malnutrition.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern DRC: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 1,000 deaths, with health authorities reporting 1,033 fatalities out of 2,536 confirmed cases, as the Bundibugyo strain keeps spreading across five eastern provinces and response teams struggle with insecurity, displacement, and late arrivals to treatment centers. Health System Strain: Médecins Sans Frontières warns the response “can’t catch up” as conflict forces staff to suspend activities, communities flee while carrying the virus, and contact tracing remains weak. Regional Preparedness: East Africa is moving to strengthen cross-border readiness, with the East African Community launching a regional virology center in Uganda to boost surveillance and diagnostics as neighboring countries brace for spillover. Security and Civilian Harm: In parallel, armed violence continues to hit civilians in Ituri, including a deadly ADF-linked attack that killed at least 16 people and disrupted farming and mining. Trade and Mining Watch: TradeMark Africa named Baraka Mugisha Billy as DRC country director, aiming to speed up critical minerals trade and border modernization, while the DRC certified its first-ever lithium export from Manono to Kalemie.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern DRC: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has crossed a grim milestone, with health authorities reporting 2,536 confirmed cases and 1,033 deaths, as the spread continues despite signs of a plateau in some areas; WHO and Africa CDC officials warn the response is still “catching up,” with conflict, community resistance, and weak contact tracing slowing containment. Aid and Health Response: Médecins Sans Frontières says the response can’t keep up with the scale of spread, while Switzerland announced an extra CHF 1.6 million to support WHO coordination and testing capacity. Security and Civilian Harm: Suspected ADF rebels killed at least 16 people in an attack in Ituri’s Mambasa territory, with residents fleeing and local economic activity disrupted. Mining and Economy: DRC certified its first-ever lithium export, with Manono lithium products shipped via Kalemie, as the country pushes to diversify mining and attract investment. Church Mediation: C64 opposition postponed a protest march after appeals from Catholic and Protestant leaders, as national dialogue efforts restart with churches playing a key role.

Ebola Emergency in DRC: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warned the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could become one of the worst in history unless urgent action accelerates. Health Numbers: The DRC health ministry says 2,473 cases and 999 deaths, with 737 patients in isolation or hospital and 482 recovered; Africa CDC later put deaths at 1,031. Response Strain: Officials say contact tracing is reaching about 82% and that most new infections are happening beyond known transmission chains, while insecurity and displacement are disrupting care. Security and Attacks: The UN reports insecurity in North Kivu is limiting humanitarian movement, and separate reporting highlights attacks on Ebola health workers and facilities in Ituri, worsening fear and mistrust. WHO Leadership: WHO Director-General Tedros sent a message to people of Ituri, and the DRC and WHO reaffirmed their partnership to intensify surveillance, labs, and patient care. Mining Policy: In parallel, the DRC says it will enforce the long-delayed “local ownership” rule for mining companies starting July 31, despite investor concerns.