Ebola Update: DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases jumped to 689 with 139 deaths, after 17 new confirmed infections (5 deaths) were reported in Ituri; health authorities also cite operational gaps like weak alert reporting, limited treatment-center capacity, shortages of infection-control supplies, reluctance to do post-mortem swabs, and a $21.5m funding shortfall. Humanitarian Access: Doctors and facilities in Ituri report patients and staff falling ill, lack of Ebola testing, and insufficient protective gear—raising fears the outbreak is spreading faster than the system can respond. Security vs Health Response: Human Rights Watch urges Kinshasa and partners to prioritize community engagement and reduce the role of security forces in Ebola response, warning that past abuses have eroded trust. Court & Accountability: Congo’s military court sentenced 54 people to death over the 2017 killing of UN investigators Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalan, including former army colonel Jean de Dieu Mambweni. Mining & Trade Risks: Global Witness says conflict coltan mined under M23 control is smuggled through Rwanda into global supply chains, with exports reportedly doubling and shipments routed via Tanzania/Kenya to processing in China and Kazakhstan. Energy for Cobalt: Chronic power shortages and aging hydro infrastructure are threatening cobalt output stability, forcing miners to choose between costly self-generation or reduced processing. China Deal Scrutiny: Civil society groups call for a review of the “minerals for infrastructure” agreement with China, arguing tax exemptions and price-linked financing limit benefits to the Congolese state. Business Backdrop: A Lighthouse Reports investigation highlights how visa outsourcing firms like VFS Global can turn travel into a costly business for Africans—an issue that matters for regional mobility and trade.