Energy & Mining: Chronic power shortages and aging hydro infrastructure are now the biggest risk to DRC cobalt output stability, forcing operators to either run costly self-generation or cut processing rates, as the grid operates far below capacity and unmet demand keeps rising. Ebola & Health Systems: Ebola is spreading fast in eastern DRC, with confirmed cases climbing to about 550 and deaths rising, while frontline facilities report shortages of tests and protective gear and communities struggle with fear and misinformation. Community vs Security in Response: Human Rights Watch urges Kinshasa and partners to prioritize community engagement and limit the role of security forces in the Ebola response to rebuild trust and improve effectiveness. China Mining Deal Under Fire: Civil society groups are calling for a review of the “minerals for infrastructure” agreement with China, arguing it favors Chinese firms through tax exemptions and price-linked funding that can leave DRC revenues exposed. Critical Minerals Geopolitics: The U.S. launches a $12bn critical minerals stockpile push to counter China’s dominance, underscoring how DRC’s cobalt and copper sit at the center of global supply-chain competition. Aviation & Trade Links: Air Congo plans nonstop Kinshasa–Brussels flights from July 1, using a wet-lease Boeing 787-8 to navigate EU certification limits and boost direct connectivity for business and travelers. Justice & Governance: A military court sentences 54 people to death over the 2017 killing of two UN investigators in Kasai, a major test for accountability in conflict-affected regions.