AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response Under Strain: In Ituri, front-line Ebola burial teams say they’re reaching their limits as workload grows and communities turn hostile, while the outbreak keeps spreading beyond the initial hotspot. Public Health Logistics & Pay Disputes: A separate report says some Ebola checkpoints stopped reporting because staff weren’t paid, and payroll lists were padded with “fictitious” workers—slowing payments and disrupting screening and treatment. Tracking the Spread with Mobile Data: WHO-backed teams are using anonymized mobile-phone movement records to predict where Ebola may surface next, a first for Ebola response planning. Kinshasa Fire Tragedy: At least 22 people died in a wedding-hall fire in Lingwala, with officials citing a single narrow exit that trapped attendees. DRC-Israel Diplomatic Pivot: Tshisekedi’s visit to Israel is driving a renewed plan to move the DRC embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and Israel to open a resident embassy in Kinshasa, with security and mining ties also on the agenda. Elections of Accountability: Belgium’s court referral puts Semlex on track for a criminal trial over alleged bribery tied to Congo’s biometric passport contract. Education Disrupted: Congo suspended academic activities in several universities in Goma and Bukavu due to insecurity, while schools elsewhere prepare to reopen amid Ebola, conflict and teacher labor disputes.

Kinshasa Fire Tragedy: A wedding hall fire in Lingwala, Panacée hall, killed at least 22 people and injured several others, with a single narrow exit blamed for the deadly evacuation chaos. Ebola Outbreak Watch: Congo’s Ebola crisis is worsening in reach and speed, with modelling suggesting far more infections than official counts and health teams using anonymized mobile-phone movement data to predict where cases may flare next. Diplomacy & Security/Mining: President Félix Tshisekedi’s Israel trip is deepening ties, with Kinshasa announcing plans to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and Israel seeking closer security cooperation and mining-linked investment. Regional Crime-Fighting Network: Central African academics launched a regional research network in Yaounde to tackle organized crime and armed violence, aiming to strengthen data and policy responses across the region. Public Health System Strain: Reports say Ebola checkpoints and payment lists are disrupted by unpaid staff and “fictitious” workers, slowing response operations. Education Disruption: Kinshasa suspended academic activities for the 2026–2027 year in several public higher education institutions in Goma and Bukavu amid insecurity tied to the AFC/M23 situation. Anti-Corruption Court Move: Belgium’s court referred Semlex and 14 defendants to trial over alleged bribery, money laundering and tax fraud linked to Congo’s biometric passport contract.

Ebola Response Tech: WHO-backed teams in eastern DR Congo are using anonymized mobile-phone movement data to predict where Ebola could spread next, as the outbreak keeps widening beyond Ituri; official figures now point to 6,100+ infections and 3,000+ deaths, with analysts warning the real toll may be much higher. Public Health Funding & Payroll Integrity: Congo’s Ebola fight is also being hit by payment delays tied to “fictitious” workers on payroll lists, forcing officials to verify staff and slowing checkpoints, screening and treatment. Diplomacy & Security-Trade Links: President Félix Tshisekedi’s Israel push continues: Kinshasa says it will move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and Israel plans a resident embassy in Kinshasa, with security cooperation and mining access for Israeli firms in the background. Eastern Instability & Business Disruption: The government suspended academic activities in Goma and Bukavu for 2026-2027 due to the security crisis and AFC/M23 control, a move that can ripple into local human-capital and services markets. Corruption Case Watch: Belgium’s Semlex passport scandal is headed to trial in Brussels over alleged bribery, money laundering and tax fraud linked to DRC biometric passports. Tragedy in Kinshasa: A wedding-hall fire in Lingwala killed at least 22 people, with a narrow single exit blamed for worsening evacuations.

Ebola Response Tech: Congo health officials are using anonymized mobile-phone movement data to predict where Ebola could spread next, as the outbreak driven by the Bundibugyo strain keeps expanding across provinces and deaths pass 3,000. Ebola Funding & Payroll Integrity: A separate report flags payment delays and “fictitious” workers on Ebola payrolls, forcing checkpoints to stop reporting and disrupting screening and treatment work. Kinshasa–Jerusalem Diplomacy: After President Félix Tshisekedi’s Israel visit, Kinshasa says it will move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and Israel will open a resident embassy in Kinshasa, with security and investment ties also on the agenda. DRC–Israel Security & Mining: Netanyahu hosted Tshisekedi as both sides seek closer security cooperation and greater Israeli access to Congo’s mining and related projects. Education Disruption: The government suspended academic activities for 2026-2027 in 11 public higher education institutions in Goma and Bukavu amid insecurity tied to the AFC-M23 crisis. Public Health & Business Risk: A modelling update warns the epidemic could be far larger than official figures, raising pressure on logistics, labor, and local commerce. Urban Transport: Kinshasa’s revived airport-to-city rail line is back after nearly 15 years, but overcrowding and heat are driving passenger complaints. Corruption Trial Watch: Belgium’s Semlex case is set for trial in Brussels over alleged bribery linked to Congo’s biometric passport contract. Regional Research Fight Crime: Central African academics launched a network in Yaounde to tackle organized crime and armed violence, aiming to strengthen regional analysis and advocacy. Infrastructure & Trade Links: Algeria’s INATEL signed an MoU tied to Kinshasa’s city expansion project, pointing to more digital and industrial investment interest. Safety Shock: A major fire at a wedding party in Kinshasa’s Lingwala killed at least 22 people, underlining ongoing risks for public events.

DRC–Israel Security & Investment Push: President Félix Tshisekedi’s Sept 1-3 visit to Israel accelerated ties, with talks covering security, agriculture, infrastructure, health, water and investment; Kinshasa is also seeking closer security cooperation as Israel looks to expand economic access tied to mining. Embassy Move to Jerusalem: Kinshasa confirmed it will transfer its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, reviving a 2023 plan; no timetable was given, while Israel reiterated plans for a resident embassy in Kinshasa. Ebola Response Meets Mobility Data: Congo’s Ebola fight is turning to anonymized mobile-phone records to map population movement and spot where cases may emerge next, as infections top 6,000 and deaths pass 3,000; analysts warn the real caseload could be far higher. Public Health Funding Friction: Reports say Ebola checkpoints and staff payments are being disrupted by unpaid workers and “fictitious” names on payroll lists, slowing screening and treatment. Education Disruption in Conflict Zones: Kinshasa suspended academic activities for 2026-2027 in 11 public higher education institutions in Goma and Bukavu amid insecurity linked to AFC/M23 control, drawing strong criticism. Anti-Corruption Court Case: Belgium’s Brussels court referred Semlex and 14 defendants to criminal trial over alleged bribery and diversion of about $60m tied to DRC biometric passports. Urban Transport Watch: Kinshasa’s revived urban train service returns after nearly 15 years, easing gridlock but drawing complaints over crowding and heat. Regional Crime Research Network: Academics from Cameroon, Gabon, Chad and the DRC launched a regional network in Yaounde to combat organized crime and armed violence. Kinshasa City Expansion Tech Deal: Algeria’s INATEL signed an MoU for a digital, industrial and technological program linked to the Kinshasa City Expansion Project.

Ebola Response Tech: WHO-backed teams in eastern DR Congo are now using anonymized mobile-phone movement data to spot where Ebola could spread next, as the outbreak tops 6,100 infections and 3,000 deaths and modelling warns the real caseload may be far higher. Public Health Funding & Payroll Integrity: A Bloomberg report says Ebola checkpoints and staff lists are being disrupted by unpaid workers and “fictitious” payroll entries, forcing biometric clean-ups that slow payments to real responders. Diplomacy & Security: Kinshasa says it will transfer its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, following Tshisekedi’s talks with Netanyahu and Herzog, with security cooperation and mining-linked economic ties in the background. Education Under Pressure: DR Congo has suspended academic activities for 2026-2027 in 11 public higher education institutions in Goma and Bukavu amid the security crisis around AFC/M23 control. Corruption Case Watch: Belgium’s court referral sends Semlex to trial in Brussels over alleged bribery and diversion of about $60m tied to DR Congo biometric passports. Urban Mobility: Kinshasa’s long-dormant urban train has returned after nearly 15 years, easing gridlock but drawing complaints over overcrowding and heat. Regional Business Links: Algeria’s INATEL signed an MoU tied to Kinshasa’s city expansion project, while Tunisia’s CEPEX opened registrations for a Kinshasa construction trade mission ahead of EXPO BÉTON.

Ebola Response Tech: Congo health officials are using anonymized mobile-phone movement data to predict where Ebola could spread next, as cases top 6,250 and deaths pass 3,000—an approach never before used in an Ebola response. Vaccination Rollout: A new Ebola vaccination drive has started in eastern DRC, with the Ervebo jab first given to front-line workers in Kisangani (Tshopo). Security & Education Disruption: The government has suspended academic activities for the 2026–2027 year in 11 public higher education institutions in Goma and Bukavu, citing the security crisis and rivalry with AFC-M23. Diplomacy & Mining/Trade: President Félix Tshisekedi met Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, with both sides pushing closer security and economic ties; Israel also signals interest in Congo’s mining sector. Transport & Urban Economy: Kinshasa’s urban train has returned after nearly 15 years, easing some commuting but drawing complaints over overcrowding and heat. Regional Infrastructure Deal: Congo signed the Dilolo–Sakania railway concession with Mota-Engil Africa, linking the DRC to Angola’s Lobito port to boost freight and value-add processing. Governance Pressure: Tshisekedi announced a national dialogue starting in all 26 provinces, excluding armed groups and foreign-backed actors, as political tension rises over constitutional change talks. Anti-Corruption Court Move: Belgium’s court referral of Semlex to trial over alleged bribery and passport scandal charges keeps Congo’s passport corruption case in the spotlight.

Ebola Response Meets the Payroll Problem: Congo’s Ebola fight is hitting a major operational snag as health checkpoints stop reporting and payroll lists are padded with “fictitious” workers, delaying payments and disrupting screening, treatment and infection control while cases keep rising. Ebola Vaccination Drive: Health Minister Roger Kamba says an Ervebo vaccination rollout has started in Kisangani, targeting front-line responders as the outbreak—driven by the Bundibugyo strain—has already surpassed 6,000 confirmed cases and 3,000 deaths. Health Data for Containment: WHO-backed teams are using anonymized mobile-phone movement data to predict where the virus could spread next, aiming to stretch limited surveillance and response resources. Kinshasa Rail Returns: After nearly 15 years, Kinshasa’s urban train is back, easing some transport pressure but drawing complaints over packed carriages, heat and fare levels. Lobito Corridor Deal: Congo signed a concession contract for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway with Mota-Engil Africa, aiming to connect mines to Angola’s Lobito port and push for more value-added, not just raw-material exports. Israel–DRC Security and Mining Talks: Netanyahu hosted Tshisekedi as Kinshasa seeks security support and Israel looks to expand mining-linked business opportunities, including possible ties to the Lobito Corridor. Semlex Passport Scandal Heads to Trial: Belgium’s court referral moves Semlex toward a criminal trial over alleged bribery, money laundering and tax fraud tied to Congo’s biometric passport revenues. Education Under Pressure: Congo’s school reopening plan faces Ebola, conflict and teacher labor disputes, with some areas using a green/orange/red risk system and others delaying in-person classes. National Dialogue Plan: Tshisekedi announced a national dialogue starting in the provinces and ending in Kinshasa, explicitly excluding armed groups like Rwanda-backed M23, with business and civil society among planned participants. Eastern DRC Security Push: Government forces launched new offensives against M23 in South Kivu, aiming to retake positions and pressure M23’s western flank as ceasefire verification work begins.

Ebola Response Funding Crunch: Six Ebola checkpoints in northeastern DR Congo stopped reporting after staff weren’t paid, while payroll lists for an Ebola center reportedly showed only 40 real workers out of 240—delays that are now disrupting screening, treatment and infection control as confirmed cases and deaths keep rising. Public Health & Schools: DR Congo’s school reopening plan for Sept. 1 faces pressure from Ebola, insecurity in M23/AFC-controlled areas, and a teacher labor dispute, with a green/orange/red risk system and concerns that some schools lack adequate safeguards. Ebola Vaccination Rollout: Health officials began an Ervebo vaccination drive in Kisangani, targeting front-line responders as the outbreak accelerates. Corruption Case in Belgium: Semlex, the Belgian firm behind DR Congo biometric passports, has been referred to a Brussels criminal court over alleged bribery, money laundering and tax fraud tied to a passport scheme said to divert nearly $60m. Kinshasa Urban Mobility: Kinshasa’s revived sky-blue urban train is back after nearly 15 years, easing gridlock but drawing complaints over overcrowding, heat and short stop times. Lobito Corridor Rail Deal: DR Congo and Portuguese Mota-Engil Africa signed a concession for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway to connect to Angola’s Lobito port, aiming to move beyond raw-material transport toward processing and added value. National Dialogue Plan: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a national dialogue starting in the provinces and ending in Kinshasa, excluding armed groups and “foreign” actors, as political tension grows around constitutional reform debates. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey’s Erdogan held calls with Tshisekedi and Kagame on investment, trade, defense and regional security, signaling continued engagement around eastern Congo stability.

Passport Corruption Trial: Belgium’s Brussels court has referred Semlex and 14 defendants to criminal court over alleged bribery, money laundering and tax fraud tied to DRC biometric passports, with claims that nearly $60m was diverted per passport scheme. Ebola & School Reopening: As the 2026–27 school year starts, DRC is pushing free primary education and pilot canteens, but reopening is complicated by Ebola, insecurity in M23/AFC areas, and teacher strikes—while vaccination begins in Kisangani. National Dialogue Politics: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a national dialogue starting in all 26 provinces, ending in Kinshasa within three months, excluding armed groups and “foreign power” actors—an issue tied to constitutional reform debate. Rail & Corridor Deals: DRC and Portugal’s Mota-Engil signed a concession for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway (30 years), aiming to connect mining hubs to Angola’s Lobito port and boost value-added processing. Regional Business Links: A Uganda–DRC Business Connect Forum in Butembo pushed trade partnerships across agriculture, pharma, construction and dairy, targeting practical ways to cut barriers. Kinshasa Urban Transport: Kinshasa’s revived airport-to-city train returns after nearly 15 years, but packed carriages and complaints over fares and comfort highlight ongoing urban mobility pressure.

Rail & Mining Infrastructure: The DRC and Portugal’s Mota-Engil Africa signed a concession contract for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway, aimed at moving copper/cobalt output toward Angola’s Lobito port, with a 30-year term, a 10% DRC stake and a 7.5% royalty on gross revenue. Regional Trade: Uganda and the DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to cut trade barriers and link firms across sectors like agriculture, pharma, construction materials and dairy. Urban Mobility: Kinshasa’s revived airport-to-city train is back after nearly 15 years, easing gridlock but drawing complaints over packed carriages, heat and fare levels. Ebola, Schools & Human Capital: As schools reopen, the government is rolling out canteens and monitoring clubs, but the return is complicated by Ebola, insecurity and a teacher labor dispute; vaccination has started in Kisangani and reopening plans vary by green/orange/red risk zones. Corporate Accountability: Belgian firm Semlex faces a Brussels criminal trial over alleged bribery, money laundering and tax fraud tied to DRC biometric passport contracts. Politics & Business Climate: President Tshisekedi announced a national dialogue starting in the provinces, excluding armed groups and foreign-backed actors, as constitutional reform tensions rise. Security & Administration: Kinshasa suspended university activities in Goma and Bukavu for the 2026–2027 year amid the AFC/M23 security crisis, while a senior FARDC intelligence chief returned to eastern command. Diplomacy & Investment Signals: Tshisekedi’s Israel visit focused on security and economic ties; Erdogan also discussed investment and regional security with Kinshasa and Kigali.

Ebola Response & Public Health: Congo has started an Ebola vaccination drive, with officials saying the Ervebo shots will first go to front-line workers in Kisangani, as the outbreak—now driven by the Bundibugyo strain—pushes health systems toward a tougher phase. School Continuity: With schools due to reopen Sept. 1, the government is using a green/orange/red risk system, but teachers in Ituri warn that reopening without strong safeguards could endanger students and families. Governance & Political Risk: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a national dialogue starting in all 26 provinces, ending in Kinshasa, with armed groups and foreign-backed actors excluded—an approach critics say may not fully address the constitutional tensions around a possible third term. Infrastructure & Trade: Congo and Portugal’s Mota-Engil signed a concession for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway, feeding the Lobito Corridor vision of moving minerals toward Atlantic ports, with a 30-year concession and Congo receiving a stake plus royalties. Urban Mobility: Kinshasa’s restored sky-blue urban train is back after nearly 15 years, easing some gridlock but drawing complaints over overcrowding, heat, and short stops. Anti-Corruption Case: Belgium’s Brussels court referred Semlex, tied to Congo’s biometric passports, to the criminal court over alleged bribery, money laundering and tax fraud. Regional Business Links: Uganda and DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to push trade partnerships across sectors like agriculture, pharma, construction materials and dairy.

Ebola Response: Congo’s Ebola fight is ramping up as a vaccination drive begins in Kisangani, with health officials using Ervebo first for frontline workers; experts warn this outbreak is Bundibugyo (harder to detect with standard tests) and spreads through contact with blood and body fluids, not casual air transmission. Public Health & Schools: Eastern provinces are preparing for school reopening under a green/orange/red risk system, but teachers in Ituri say classrooms aren’t safe enough, raising pressure on authorities ahead of Sept. 1. Anti-Corruption Case: Semlex, the Belgian firm behind DRC biometric passports (2015–2025), has been referred to Belgium’s criminal court over alleged bribery of foreign public officials, money laundering and tax fraud. Transport & Urban Economy: Kinshasa’s urban train is back after nearly 15 years, easing gridlock for commuters—though overcrowding, heat and fare complaints show the service still needs investment. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: The DRC and Portuguese Mota-Engil signed a concession for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway linking mining hubs to Angola’s Lobito port, aiming to move copper and cobalt exports and create value locally. Politics & Business Climate: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a national dialogue starting in the 26 provinces, excluding armed groups and foreign-backed rebels, as constitutional reform tensions simmer.

Legal Accountability: Belgium’s Brussels court has referred Semlex, the firm behind DRC biometric passports (2015–2025), to the criminal court over alleged bribery of foreign public officials, money laundering and tax fraud tied to the passport contract—an important test for governance and procurement integrity. Urban Transport & Costs: Kinshasa’s revived urban train is back after nearly 15 years, easing some commuting but drawing complaints over overcrowding, heat (no air conditioning) and fares that rise by class. Security & Education: The government has suspended academic and para-academic activities for 2026–2027 in several public higher education institutions in Goma and Bukavu, citing the security crisis and rivalry linked to AFC-M23 control. Trade & Construction: Tunisia’s CEPEX is taking firms to Kinshasa’s EXPO BÉTON (Oct 7–10) via a business prospecting mission, targeting construction materials, infrastructure and public works. Regional Business: Uganda and the DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to deepen trade links across sectors like agriculture, pharma, dairy and construction materials. Rail Investment: The DRC and Portugal’s Mota-Engil signed a concession contract for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway line, feeding the Lobito Corridor with a 30-year deal and a DRC stake plus royalties. Ebola Response: Congo began an Ebola vaccination drive in Kisangani as officials push to contain the Bundibugyo outbreak, while schools reopening plans in affected areas face health-safety concerns.

National Dialogue & Politics: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a “national dialogue for peace, cohesion and state rebuilding,” starting with consultations across all 26 provinces and ending in Kinshasa within up to three months, while excluding armed groups and foreign-backed actors (including AFC/M23). Ebola Response & Business Disruption: Congo began an Ebola vaccination drive in Kisangani as the Bundibugyo outbreak keeps worsening; schools reopening is now risk-based (green/orange/red zones), with many high-risk schools shifting to radio/TV or home learning—an education shock that can ripple into household incomes and local demand. Urban Transport & Consumer Pressure: Kinshasa’s sky-blue urban train is back after nearly 15 years, but commuters complain about overcrowding, heat, and short stops—raising pressure on fares and service quality. Rail & Mining Infrastructure Deal: DRC signed a concession contract with Portugal’s Mota-Engil for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway (Lobito Corridor), aiming to move beyond raw-material exports toward processing and value creation, with a 30-year term and DRC receiving a stake plus royalties. Regional Trade Push: Uganda and the DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to expand cross-border trade links, with dozens of Ugandan firms showcasing agriculture, pharma, construction materials, apparel and dairy. Security & Human Capital: The government suspended academic activities in several public higher education institutions in Goma and Bukavu for 2026–2027 due to the security crisis tied to AFC-M23 control, affecting registrations, classes and assessments.

Kinshasa Urban Rail Revival: Kinshasa’s sky-blue train is back after nearly 15 years, running between the airport and downtown, but commuters complain about overcrowding, heat (no air conditioning), and short stops that force people to jump on while moving. National Dialogue & Politics: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a national dialogue starting in all 26 provinces, ending in Kinshasa, with armed groups and foreign-backed actors excluded; the process is meant to address rising tensions tied to a constitutional-change bill. Ebola Response & Business Disruption: Congo began an Ebola vaccination drive in Kisangani, while health officials warn the outbreak could keep worsening; schools reopening plans in eastern provinces are being adjusted by risk level, raising concerns for families and local economies. Education Shutdown in Conflict Zones: The government suspended academic activities in several public higher education institutions in Goma and Bukavu for 2026-2027, citing security and rivalry with AFC-M23. Eastern Security Command Change: General Olivier Gasita returned to eastern DRC as head of intelligence for the 2nd Defense Zone after protests in Uvira. Lobito Corridor Deal-Making: DRC signed a concession contract with Mota-Engil Africa for the Dilolo–Sakania railway line to connect mining hubs to Angola’s Lobito port, aiming to move beyond raw-material exports toward processing and value creation. Regional Trade Push: Uganda and DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to expand trade links across sectors like agriculture, pharma, construction materials, and dairy. Erdogan’s Great Lakes Outreach: Turkey’s Erdogan spoke with Tshisekedi and Kagame on investment, trade, defense cooperation, and regional security.