AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response & Aid: Congo’s Ebola fight is still “catching up” as cases rise and the outbreak spreads into Uganda, but frontline clinics in Ituri report missing tests and protective gear, while WHO pushes for more testing, treatment capacity, and community trust. China’s Role: China has sent a medical expert team to Kinshasa and is weighing how much to scale up, as the U.S. plays a smaller role than in past outbreaks and Beijing faces pressure to avoid a “leadership vacuum.” Health System Strain (Women at Risk): Reports from Bunia show women as primary caregivers with little protection, highlighting how the lack of masks and gloves is turning households into risk zones. Aviation & Connectivity: Air Congo plans nonstop Kinshasa–Brussels flights from July 1 using an Ethiopian wet-lease Boeing 787-8, aiming to bypass EU certification limits and add competition on a key route. Governance & Revenue: Congo moves to tighten gambling oversight with a centralized monitoring platform after a major tax gap emerged, under FATF pressure. US Visa Access: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing posts across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Kinshasa, reshaping travel costs and timelines for business and students. Security & Trade Impact: The U.S. sanctions senior commanders of DRC rebel groups (FDLR and M23) over atrocities, adding pressure to an already volatile east. World Cup Disruption: Ebola fears have already derailed Congo’s warm-up match plans in Spain, adding uncertainty to preparations.

Ebola Response & Health Capacity: In eastern DRC, health workers say the outbreak is spreading faster than systems can cope, with facilities lacking tests and basic protection; WHO says the fight is “catching up” but warns the crisis is far from over as cases rise and reach Uganda. China’s Role in Public Health: China has sent a five-person medical team to Kinshasa with protective gear and lab supplies, while analysts question whether Beijing will scale up beyond a tentative start as the epidemic worsens. Community Trust & Rumors: In Mongbwalu, residents doubt Ebola despite confirmations by Congo’s biomedical institute, fueling arson and fear—an issue that can slow containment. Air Connectivity & Business: Air Congo will launch nonstop Kinshasa–Brussels flights from July 1, using a Boeing 787-8 under a wet-lease with Ethiopian Airlines, aiming to break the route’s long dominance. Governance & Revenue: Congo moves to tighten gambling oversight with a centralized monitoring platform after a major tax gap emerged, under FATF-related pressure. Mobility & Policy Shock: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing posts across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Kinshasa, which could raise costs and delays for travelers and businesspeople. Sports Disruption: Ebola fears have already derailed DR Congo’s World Cup warm-up plans, with a friendly against Chile cancelled in Spain. Security & Sanctions: The U.S. imposed targeted sanctions on senior commanders of DRC rebel groups accused of atrocities, including FDLR and M23-linked figures.

Ebola Response & Health Security: The Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is still accelerating, with reports of limited testing and protective gear at the epicenter in Ituri, while WHO says the fight is “catching up” but warns the crisis is far from over; communities also struggle with misinformation and fear, and the Bundibugyo strain adds extra pressure because there’s no approved vaccine or treatment. China’s Role in Aid: China has sent a medical expert team to Kinshasa and is weighing how much to scale up as the US presence in the response appears smaller than in past outbreaks. Air Connectivity & Business: Air Congo is set to launch nonstop Kinshasa–Brussels flights from July 1, 2026, using a Boeing 787-8 under a wet-lease arrangement, aiming to break a route long dominated by Brussels Airlines. Regulation & Revenue: DR Congo plans a more centralized gambling monitoring platform to close a major tax gap and strengthen oversight amid FATF-related pressure. US Visa Policy Impact: The US plans to cut visa-processing posts across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Kinshasa, which could raise costs and travel burdens for Congolese applicants. Migration & Diplomacy: Kinshasa says more than half of a first group of South American deportees sent from the US have already left DR Congo for their home countries. Rebel-Group Sanctions: The US announced targeted sanctions on senior commanders linked to the FDLR and M23, escalating pressure on armed groups accused of atrocities in eastern Congo.

Ebola Response & Health Security: Eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still accelerating, with communities in Ituri rejecting the science behind the disease and health facilities reporting shortages of tests and protective gear; WHO says the fight is “catching up” but warns the crisis is far from over as cases spread toward Uganda, while a Chinese medical expert team arrives in Kinshasa to support the response and Moderna advances a potential vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain. Aviation & Trade Links: Air Congo plans nonstop Kinshasa–Brussels flights from July 1, 2026, using a Boeing 787-8 wet-leased from Ethiopian Airlines, aiming to break Brussels Airlines’ dominance on the route. Governance & Revenue: DR Congo moves to tighten gambling oversight after a major tax gap, including a centralized monitoring platform to improve fiscal control and meet FATF expectations. US Policy Impact on Business Travel: The US will cut visa processing across Africa from nearly 50 missions to 20 hubs, including Kinshasa, reshaping travel costs and timelines for students, workers, and business travelers. Sports Disruption: Ebola fears force Spain to cancel DR Congo’s warmup friendly vs Chile, adding uncertainty to World Cup preparations. Migration & Consular Services: Kinshasa says more than half of a group of South American deportees sent from the US have already left the country, while the Kenyan Embassy urges Kenyans in DR Congo and neighboring states to register for consular support.

Ebola Crisis Hits Health Systems and Trust: Eastern DRC’s Ebola outbreak is spreading faster than communities believe, with reports from Ituri describing patients and even health workers falling ill amid shortages of tests and protective gear; WHO says the response is “catching up” but warns the crisis is far from over, while aid cuts and weak capacity are complicating containment. Bundibugyo Strain and Caregiver Risk: Coverage highlights the Bundibugyo strain in particular, with no approved treatment or vaccine, and shows how women and frontline caregivers face heightened exposure as hospitals struggle to protect staff. China Steps In on Ebola Response: A Chinese medical expert team has arrived in Kinshasa for a three-month mission to support DRC’s epidemic prevention, control, and treatment capacity. US Deportation Fallout in Kinshasa: The DRC says more than half of 15 South American deportees sent from the US to Kinshasa have already left for their home countries, underscoring the “transitional” nature and controversy of the third-country removal scheme. Visa Processing Overhaul Looms for Kinshasa: The US plans to cut visa-processing posts across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Kinshasa, which could raise costs and travel burdens for applicants. World Cup Disruption: Ebola fears have already forced the cancellation of a Congo friendly against Chile in Spain, adding uncertainty to preparations for the tournament. DRC Gambling Oversight: Kinshasa moves to tighten supervision of the gambling sector via a centralized monitoring platform after a reported tax collection gap and FATF-related pressure.

Ebola Response Under Strain: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak is worsening despite WHO saying efforts are “catching up,” with confirmed cases and deaths rising and health workers in Ituri reporting shortages of tests and protective gear. Community Trust Crisis: In Mongbwalu, rumors about coffins and aid workers are driving resistance and even arson, complicating contact tracing and safe burials. Women Carry the Burden: Reports from Bunia show women as first caregivers, often without protection, facing impossible choices—especially pregnant patients—while Bundibugyo has no approved vaccine or treatment. China Steps In: A Chinese medical expert team has arrived in Kinshasa for a three-month mission to support containment capacity. World Cup Disruption: Congo’s World Cup build-up takes another hit as Spain cancels a planned friendly with Chile over Ebola health concerns. DRC Business & Revenue Oversight: Kinshasa moves to tighten gambling supervision with a centralized monitoring platform after a major tax collection gap. Strategic Minerals Push: The DRC approved higher royalties for lithium and other strategic minerals, raising costs for miners but boosting state take. US Visa Processing Shift: The US plans to cut Africa visa-processing posts to 20 hubs, including Kinshasa—likely raising travel costs for applicants and affecting business travel. Justice Update: A court decision in the Yumbi massacres trial spares authorities, a key legal moment after years of proceedings.

Ebola Response & Health Security: WHO says DRC’s Ebola fight is “catching up,” but MSF warns the response still hasn’t caught the outbreak’s speed, with Bundibugyo cases spreading across eastern DRC and into Uganda; health workers report shortages and delayed testing, while WHO chief Tedros urges stronger international support and community ownership. Women & Caregiving Risk: In Ituri, women are often the first caregivers and face the highest exposure, especially pregnant women, as families avoid hospitals without protective gear. China Support: A Chinese medical expert team has arrived in Kinshasa for a three-month mission to bolster epidemic control capacity. Cross-Border & Travel Fallout: Uganda tightens border movement; the crisis is also disrupting business and mobility, including World Cup preparations after Spain blocked a Congo–Chile friendly over Ebola fears. US Visa Processing Overhaul: The US plans to cut Africa visa-processing posts from nearly 50 to 20 “hubs,” including Kinshasa, raising costs and friction for students and business travelers. DRC Fiscal & Regulation: Kinshasa moves to centralize gambling monitoring after a major tax gap, and approved higher royalties for strategic minerals (including lithium and cobalt-related inputs), aiming to boost state revenue. Security & Sanctions: The US sanctions senior commanders of DRC rebel groups over atrocities, adding pressure to the already volatile east.

Ebola Response & Economy Shock: WHO says it is “catching up” with the spread of DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak, with confirmed cases now over 340 and spread into Uganda, while MSF warns the real scale is likely far higher as testing lags and aid is delayed by conflict and closures. Aid & Funding Pressure: The UK development minister admits aid cuts have been “counterproductive,” and WHO is urging more international support as responders struggle to keep up. China Steps In: A Chinese anti-epidemic medical expert team arrived in Kinshasa for a three-month mission to boost Congo’s outbreak control capacity. Health Worker Risk: Reporting from Bunia highlights how women are often first caregivers and face higher exposure, especially where protective gear is scarce. World Cup Disruptions: Ebola fears are derailing Congo’s preparations, including the cancellation of a Spain-based friendly vs Chile, adding uncertainty for the squad and traveling fans. US Visa Hub Shift: The US plans to cut Africa visa-processing sites from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Kinshasa, which could raise costs and travel burdens for business travelers and students. DRC Fiscal Oversight: Kinshasa moves to tighten gambling supervision with a centralized monitoring platform after a major tax collection gap emerged, under FATF-linked pressure. Strategic Minerals Push: DR Congo approved higher royalties for lithium, tantalum, niobium, tungsten, uranium and rare earths, raising costs for miners as Kinshasa seeks a bigger share of critical-minerals value.

Ebola Response Escalates: The WHO says Congo’s Ebola fight is “catching up” but warns the outbreak is far from over, with confirmed cases above 340 and spread into Uganda—while MSF says the real scale is likely bigger and testing is lagging. Cross-Border Shock to Business & Travel: Border closures and travel restrictions are hitting trade and tourism, and even sports logistics are disrupted as Spain cancels a DR Congo World Cup warm-up over Ebola concerns. International Aid & Capacity Push: WHO chief Tedros visited Kinshasa and Ituri, urging stronger health-system capacity and community ownership; China also sent an anti-epidemic team for a three-month mission. US Visa Policy Changes: The US plans to cut Africa visa-processing sites from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Kinshasa, reshaping travel costs and planning for business travelers. DRC Fiscal Oversight: Kinshasa moves to centralize gambling monitoring after a major tax gap emerged, aiming to improve compliance under FATF pressure. Mining Royalties Update: The DRC approved higher royalties for strategic minerals (including lithium and tantalum), a potential cost shift for investors in critical minerals.

Ebola Disrupts Business & Travel: DR Congo’s World Cup build-up took a hit after a friendly vs Chile was cancelled in La Linea de la Concepcion due to Ebola health fears, while WHO chief Tedros urged stronger international support and community-led response as MSF warns the outbreak is outpacing containment. Public Health Support: A Chinese anti-epidemic team arrived in Kinshasa for a three-month mission to back Ebola response, as WHO calls for more testing and treatment capacity. Visa Policy Shock for Congolese Travelers: The US plans to cut Africa visa-processing sites from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Kinshasa, reshaping where applicants must travel for interviews and biometrics. DRC Revenue & Regulation: Kinshasa is tightening gambling oversight with a centralized monitoring platform after a reported tax gap, as FATF pressure grows. Critical Minerals Push: The DRC moved to raise royalties by adding lithium, tantalum, niobium, tungsten, uranium and rare earths to its strategic minerals list. Security & Humanitarian Strain: US sanctions targeted senior commanders of DR Congo rebel groups over atrocities, while analysts say military gains haven’t weakened the ADF in eastern DRC.

Ebola Response, Kinshasa: A Chinese anti-epidemic medical expert team arrived in Kinshasa for a three-month mission to support DR Congo’s Ebola fight, as WHO warns the outbreak is still outpacing response capacity and needs stronger health-system and community trust. Regional Health Pressure: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus met President Félix Tshisekedi and pushed for more international support, while MSF says the true scale is unclear and containment is delayed by constraints like conflict and border closures. Cross-Border Trade Shock: The crisis is hitting regional commerce and tourism as Uganda and others tighten movement, with fears of wider disruption along busy corridors. Gambling Oversight: DR Congo is moving to centralise gambling monitoring after a reported tax gap—estimated iGaming revenue near $1.7bn versus about $1m collected—by building a nationwide platform to track operators, amid FATF-related pressure. Critical Minerals Deal: Kinshasa approved higher royalties for strategic minerals (including lithium, tantalum, tungsten and rare earths), potentially raising costs for miners as DRC seeks a bigger share of value from battery supply chains. US Visa Processing Shift (Kinshasa Hub): The US plans to cut Africa visa-processing sites from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Kinshasa, reshaping travel logistics for business and students across the region.

Ebola Response Boost: A Chinese anti-epidemic medical team arrived in Kinshasa for a three-month mission to support DR Congo’s Ebola fight, as WHO warns the outbreak is still spreading and health systems need more testing, treatment capacity, and community trust. Aid Pressure: The UK admitted aid cuts have been “counterproductive,” while WHO is urging more support as cases rise and the emergency expands beyond official estimates. Visa Shock for Business Travel: The US plans to cut visa-processing sites across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Kinshasa, which could raise costs and slow movement for students, workers, and business travelers. Fiscal Oversight: DR Congo is tightening gambling supervision after a reported tax gap—building a centralized monitoring platform to track operators and improve fiscal control amid FATF pressure. Mining Royalties: Kinshasa moved to triple royalties for lithium and other strategic minerals, raising costs for miners but aiming for a bigger state take from critical minerals. Security Reality Check: Analysts say military gains in eastern DR Congo aren’t weakening the ADF, pointing to governance failures and re-infiltration risks that also complicate Ebola containment.

Ebola Surge & Funding: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus wrapped a visit to Kinshasa and Ituri, warning the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak needs stronger international support, more health-system capacity, and deeper community buy-in as MSF says the response is still “not caught up” and the true scale may be far higher than official figures. Cross-Border Disruption: The outbreak has already triggered border closures and travel curbs across the Great Lakes region, with Uganda reporting confirmed cases and the crisis hitting trade and tourism. Wild Meat, Food Security & Risk: Reporting links Ebola risk to hunting and butchering of wild animals, while experts stress that outright bans can worsen food security where wild meat and fish are key protein sources. DRC Revenue & Governance: Kinshasa is building a centralized gambling monitoring platform amid FATF pressure, aiming to close the gap between iGaming revenues and taxes collected. Critical Minerals Push: The DRC approved higher royalties by adding lithium, tantalum, niobium, tungsten, uranium and rare earths to its strategic minerals list, a move that could raise costs for miners and boost state take. US Visa/Travel Policy Spillover: A US plan to cut visa processing sites in Africa includes Kinshasa, while broader Ebola-related travel restrictions are reshaping mobility for businesses and travelers.

Critical Minerals Policy: Kinshasa approved a strategic minerals overhaul that adds lithium, tantalum, niobium, tungsten, uranium and rare earths to the “strategic” list, raising royalties to 10% (from 3.5%) for mining companies—pushing up costs for lithium projects as DRC deepens ties with Western partners to secure critical supply chains. Ebola & Trade Disruption: The Ebola crisis in eastern DRC is worsening fast: MSF calls the situation “deeply alarming” as suspected cases top 1,000 and deaths rise, with border and airport closures delaying aid and containment. Cross-Border Containment: WHO chief Tedros urged a ceasefire to let health workers reach communities; UNICEF delivered emergency supplies, while Uganda’s border curbs and other travel restrictions are tightening around the outbreak. Business Fallout & Logistics: Flight suspensions to Bunia and broader travel limits are disrupting movement of people and goods, adding pressure to already fragile health and transport systems. World Cup Compliance: Despite Ebola concerns, FECOFA and FIFA confirmed the Leopards’ participation after meeting U.S. health protocols, including a Europe-based 21-day stay before entering the U.S.

Ebola Shock to Trade & Travel: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is accelerating fast, with WHO and MSF warning the response hasn’t caught up; MSF says the true scale is unclear as hundreds of samples remain untested, while border and airport closures are already hitting regional commerce and tourism. Cross-Border Contagion Risk: The outbreak has spread into Uganda and is driving tighter regional controls, including travel suspensions and targeted screening calls from aviation authorities—yet experts stress blanket bans can backfire on livelihoods. Aid & Funding Push: UNICEF delivered its first emergency shipment of over 100 tons of supplies for nearly 100,000 people, and the US says it’s sending $80m more to expand protective gear, surveillance, contact tracing and diagnostics. Security and Mistrust Complicate Response: In Ituri’s gold-mining areas, conflict, displacement, and community mistrust are slowing care and safe burials, with health workers struggling to reach people. World Cup Business Fallout: FIFA cleared DR Congo’s Leopards for the 2026 World Cup after FECOFA confirmed compliance with US health protocols, including a 21-day stay in Europe before entry. Energy Investment Angle: Separate from Ebola, Congo-Brazzaville announced a $2.031bn plan to expand electricity access and push industrial transformation—an important signal for regional infrastructure and trade.

Ebola Surge Hits Eastern DRC: MSF calls the situation “deeply alarming” as suspected cases in Ituri and across eastern provinces race past 1,000, with hundreds of samples still untested and aid delayed by border and airport closures. Cross-Border Business Shock: Uganda’s border clampdowns and wider travel restrictions are already disrupting trade and tourism, raising the risk of longer economic spillovers for the Great Lakes corridor. Aid and Logistics Move In: UNICEF has airlifted its first shipment of over 100 tons of Ebola supplies to reach nearly 100,000 people, while WHO chief Tedros visits Kinshasa and urges a ceasefire so health teams can reach communities. Wild Meat Link Raises Risk Debate: Experts point to hunting and handling of wild animals as a key “one health” driver of zoonotic spillovers, keeping public behavior and market practices in the spotlight. World Cup Fallout: FIFA clears DR Congo’s Leopards after compliance with U.S. health protocols, but Ebola travel rules still force camp changes and add uncertainty for fans.