AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response & Public Health: Congo-Kinshasa’s north-eastern outbreak is accelerating, with confirmed cases reported around 550 and deaths rising past 100 as contact tracing lags and health facilities struggle with limited tests and protective gear; WHO and regional partners are pushing “one plan, one budget, one team,” while Human Rights Watch urges community-first measures and a reduced role for security forces to protect trust. Cross-Border Politics: The East African Community is coordinating an Ebola response for Ituri, but the Kenya-U.S. plan for an Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base remains a flashpoint, even as Kenya reports no cases. Minerals & Supply Chains: Global Witness says conflict coltan from eastern DRC mined under M23 control is smuggled through Rwanda into global electronics supply chains, raising pressure on regional governance and corporate sourcing. Mining Economics: Chronic DRC energy shortages and weak hydro rehabilitation are threatening cobalt output stability, forcing miners toward costly self-generation or reduced processing. Governance & Justice: A military court in Kinshasa sentenced 54 people to death over the 2017 killing of two UN investigators, a major legal milestone with wider human-rights implications. China Mining Deal Scrutiny: Civil society groups are urging Kinshasa to renegotiate or review the “minerals for infrastructure” agreement with China, citing tax exemptions, transparency gaps, and revenue risks. Diplomacy & Trade: Tshisekedi and Egypt’s Al-Sisi discussed trade, investment, water cooperation, and Nile Basin coordination, with agreements aimed at transport, healthcare, tourism, and urban development.

Ebola Response & Financing: WHO says “one plan, one budget, one team” is key to contain the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in north-eastern DRC, with contact tracing still the priority as no vaccine is available beyond testing. Health System Strain: Reports from Ituri describe hospitals lacking tests and protective gear, while community distrust and rumors are fueling arson and resistance. Outbreak Numbers & Tracking: Africa CDC and DRC officials report fast-rising confirmed cases and deaths, with contact tracing still below the level WHO says is needed to stop spread. Community-Led Safety: Human Rights Watch urges Kinshasa and partners to engage communities and limit security forces’ role to protect trust and improve response effectiveness. Critical Minerals & Power Bottlenecks: Energy constraints are threatening cobalt output stability as the grid struggles to deliver reliable power for mining operations. Mining Governance: Global Witness alleges “conflict coltan” from eastern DRC is smuggled through Rwanda into global supply chains, raising pressure on traceability. China Mining Deal Review: Civil society groups call for a rethink of the China “minerals for infrastructure” agreement, citing tax exemptions and transparency concerns. Justice & Business Risk: A military court sentences 54 people to death over the 2017 killing of two UN investigators, underscoring ongoing security and rule-of-law risks for investment. Air Connectivity: Air Congo plans nonstop Kinshasa–Brussels flights from July 1, using a wet-lease Boeing 787-8 to navigate EU certification limits.

Ebola Surge & Health System Strain: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is accelerating, with confirmed cases reported around 550 and deaths rising past 100, as Ituri facilities struggle with limited testing and protective gear and communities resist the disease narrative. Human Rights & Response Tactics: Human Rights Watch urges Kinshasa and partners to lean on community engagement and reduce the role of security forces in the outbreak response, warning that past abuses have eroded trust. Regional Coordination: The East African Community is pushing cross-border surveillance and harmonized protocols for Ituri, while funding gaps and who pays remain unresolved. Minerals & Supply Chain Risks: An NGO says conflict coltan from eastern DRC is smuggled through Rwanda into global electronics supply chains, raising pressure on due-diligence and enforcement. Cobalt Output Threat: Chronic power shortages and aging hydro infrastructure are undermining grid reliability, forcing miners to cut processing or run costly self-generation—an issue that could destabilize cobalt supply. Mining Deal Scrutiny: Civil society groups call for a review of the “minerals for infrastructure” China agreement, arguing tax exemptions and price-linked financing may cost the state revenue and reduce transparency. Justice in UN Expert Killings: A military court in Kinshasa sentenced 54 people to death over the 2017 killing of two UN investigators, including a former army colonel. Aviation & Trade Links: Air Congo plans nonstop Kinshasa–Brussels flights from July 1, using an Ethiopian Airlines wet-lease aircraft to navigate EU certification limits.

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.

Ebola Surge in Ituri: Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases climbed to about 550 with 101 deaths, as health authorities push harder surveillance and contact tracing amid hard-to-reach hotspots and a lack of testing and protection for frontline staff. Frontline Health Worker Strain: Reports from Ituri describe doctors and midwives falling sick while facilities run short on protective gear and tests, with caregivers—especially women—facing impossible choices as Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment. Court Verdicts in UN Expert Killing: Congo’s High Military Court sentenced 54 people to death over the 2017 ambush killing of UN investigators Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalan, including Colonel Jean de Dieu Mambweni, reigniting human-rights and accountability debates. China’s Limited but Growing Role: As the outbreak worsens, China has sent an initial medical team to Kinshasa and signaled emergency assistance, while analysts question whether Beijing will step up enough as the US role appears reduced. US Critical Minerals Push: The US launched a $12bn critical minerals stockpile “Project Vault,” aiming to reduce dependence on China—an issue that matters for Congo’s mining economy and supply-chain leverage. Air Congo to Brussels: Air Congo announced nonstop Kinshasa–Brussels flights starting July 1, using a wet-lease Boeing 787-8 under Ethiopian Airlines’ stake, a potential boost for trade and tourism links. Migration and Consular Pressure: Congo said more than half of a small group of South American deportees sent to Kinshasa have already left for home, highlighting the logistics and political friction around third-country removals.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases jumped to 550 with 101 deaths as health authorities push harder on surveillance and contact tracing, warning the outbreak is spreading across multiple clusters and reaching harder-to-access areas. Frontline Health Crisis: Reports from Ituri describe hospitals short of tests and protective gear, with health workers and patients falling ill—fueling fear and undermining containment. Misinformation Risk: Communities in Mongbwalu are rejecting the science behind Ebola, with rumors driving arson and distrust that complicates public health work. Regional Response & Funding: The East African Community is coordinating an Ebola response for Ituri, but faces a funding wall, with arrears still unpaid and new contribution formulas under debate. China vs. U.S. Role: Coverage highlights a “leadership vacuum” narrative as the U.S. scales back and China weighs whether to step up, while Beijing has sent an expert team to Kinshasa. Aviation & Trade: Air Congo plans nonstop Kinshasa–Brussels flights from July 1, using an Ethiopian wet-lease aircraft to navigate EU certification limits—potentially reshaping travel and business links. World Cup Disruption: Ebola concerns have already derailed DR Congo’s friendly vs Chile in Spain, adding uncertainty to preparations for the 2026 tournament. Governance & Justice: A Kinshasa appeal trial sentenced a Congolese colonel and others to death over the 2017 murders of UN investigators, a major accountability moment with wider security implications. Migration & Consular Services: The DRC says more than half of a first group of U.S.-deported South Americans have left the country, while Kenya urges its nationals across Central Africa to register for consular support.

Ebola Surge in Ituri: DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases climbed to 550 with 101 deaths, as new clusters appear and authorities push harder surveillance, contact tracing, vaccination and health-center capacity. Health System Strain: Reports from the epicenter describe hospitals short on tests and protective gear, with caregivers—especially women—facing impossible risks while communities also resist the science behind the outbreak. Cross-Border Pressure: The crisis is spilling into neighboring Uganda, while regional coordination efforts (EAC) face a funding wall and delays in budget payments. China Steps In: Beijing has sent a medical expert team to support the response, but questions remain over how much more it will do as the outbreak grows. US Minerals Push: The US launched a $12bn critical minerals stockpile (Project Vault), aiming to reduce dependence on China—an issue that matters for Congo’s mining economy. Air Congo to Brussels: Air Congo plans five weekly Kinshasa–Brussels flights from July 1 using a Boeing 787-8 wet-leased from Ethiopian Airlines, a major connectivity boost for trade and tourism. Aviation Disruption: DR Congo’s World Cup warm-up vs Chile was cancelled in Spain over Ebola health concerns, adding uncertainty to preparations. Justice & Security: A Congolese appeal trial sentenced a colonel and others to death for the 2017 murders of UN investigators, while the US announced targeted sanctions on senior commanders of eastern rebel groups. Migration Watch: Kinshasa says more than half of a small group of South American deportees have already left the country, highlighting the practical limits of third-country removals.

Ebola Surge in DRC: Congo health authorities report confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 550, with 101 deaths, as new clusters emerge and hard-to-reach areas force tighter surveillance and faster contact tracing. Aid and Funding Pressure: The regional Ebola response is running into a funding wall, while WHO urges more support and warns the fight is still far from over. Health System Strain: Frontline workers in Ituri say testing and protective gear are still scarce, leaving caregivers to operate under fear and uncertainty. China Steps In (and the debate continues): China has dispatched a medical expert team to support the response, but questions remain over how much Beijing will scale up as the outbreak grows. Business Disruption: DR Congo’s World Cup preparations take another hit after Spain cancels a planned friendly with Chile over Ebola concerns. Air Connectivity Boost: Air Congo announces nonstop Kinshasa–Brussels flights starting July 1, using a Boeing 787-8 under a wet-lease with Ethiopian Airlines, aiming to expand intercontinental access despite EU oversight limits. Justice and Security: A Kinshasa appeal trial hands death sentences to a Congolese colonel and others over the 2017 murders of UN investigators, while US sanctions target senior commanders of rebel groups in eastern DRC.

Ebola Response & Funding: WHO says the fight against Ebola in DR Congo is “catching up,” but health workers warn the crisis is far from over as cases rise and the outbreak crosses into Uganda; local facilities in Ituri report shortages of tests and protective gear, while the East African Community pushes cross-border surveillance and rapid response, and the funding gap remains a major bottleneck. China Steps In: China dispatched a medical expert team to Kinshasa for a three-month mission, as debate grows over whether Beijing will scale up amid calls for more international support. Healthcare Under Strain: Reports from Mongbwalu and Bunia highlight fear, misinformation, and even arson linked to rumors, while caregivers—especially women—face extreme risk with little protection. Aviation & Business Connectivity: Air Congo announced nonstop Kinshasa–Brussels flights from July 1 using a Boeing 787-8 under a wet-lease, aiming to open a long-haul route despite DR Congo carriers still facing EU safety restrictions. US Visa Processing Overhaul (Kinshasa Included): The US plans to cut visa-processing posts across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Kinshasa, reshaping travel costs and planning for students and business travelers. Sports Disruption: DR Congo’s World Cup warm-up match vs Chile in Spain was cancelled over Ebola-related health concerns, adding uncertainty to preparations. Migration & Repatriation: Kinshasa says more than half of the first group of US-deported South Americans have already left the country for their origins, underscoring the logistical complexity of third-country removals. Security & Trade Climate: US sanctions target senior commanders of eastern DR Congo rebel groups (FDLR and M23), raising pressure on armed actors that disrupt commerce and stability.

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.