AGP Executive Report

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Dozens of workers at the Rwampara Ebola treatment center in Ituri, northeast Congo, have gone on strike over unpaid salaries and bonuses, shutting the hospital and blocking the road—adding fresh strain to the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on the continent, with nearly 2,000 confirmed cases and 702 deaths and suspected spread to more provinces including Kisangani. Public Health Challenge: Health experts warn the outbreak’s rapid expansion is being worsened by limited infrastructure and delays in identifying the virus, while responders race to understand how far it has spread. Diplomatic Ties: Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim received letters of credence from Congo’s envoy, Raymond Serge Bale, in Kuala Lumpur, underscoring ongoing diplomatic engagement. Regional Migration Pressure (South Africa): South Africa’s migration crackdown continues, with officials saying more than 53,000 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation or repatriation amid heightened public tensions.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Eastern Congo’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak is getting harder to contain as cases rise and suspected spread reaches new provinces, with the rare Bundibugyo strain having no approved vaccine or treatment. Health Workers Strike: Dozens of staff at Rwampara General Hospital in Ituri have gone on strike over unpaid salaries and bonuses, shutting the facility and blocking the road—raising fears that disruptions could worsen an already fragile response. US Travel Warning: The United States has warned Americans against travel to Congo due to the outbreak, as a second American is reported diagnosed with Ebola. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa says it has processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation or voluntary repatriation in recent weeks, mainly Malawians, after anti-immigrant protests; authorities also warn against illegal “house-to-house” searches.

Migration Crackdown in South Africa: Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says South Africa has processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation or voluntary repatriation since mid-June, dominated by Malawians (80%), with Zimbabweans and Mozambicans next. Repatriations beyond SADC include returns to Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya and the Republic of Congo, while the state says it is funding transport, security and accommodation and will consider scaling back costly temporary measures as protests ease. Community Policing Push in Nigeria: Police Inspector-General Tunji Disu says Nigeria’s proposed state police will deepen community policing and improve intelligence gathering, but only after consultations, capacity building and studies of countries already running similar systems. Ebola Alert for Congo: The US CDC reports a US citizen working for a humanitarian organization in Congo has tested positive for Ebola, and says it is working with partners to prevent transmission and trace close contacts as the outbreak continues to expand. Regional Security Talks: Egypt’s defense minister met Congo’s deputy prime minister and defense minister Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita to discuss ways to strengthen military and security cooperation. Wagner-linked Drug Trade in CAR: The Wall Street Journal reports remnants of Russia’s Wagner network are financing operations in the Central African Republic through tramadol trafficking, with smuggling routes linked to the Republic of the Congo.

Xenophobia Crackdown in South Africa: South African authorities say they have processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation or voluntary repatriation since mid-June, with Malawians making up about 80%, as 205 criminal cases are linked to unlawful conduct, intimidation and incitement. Migration Enforcement Review: With daily repatriations falling from a July 5 peak of nearly 4,850 to 1,139 by July 11, the government says it may scale back costly operations while still meeting legal deportation obligations. Congo-Ebola Update: A U.S. citizen working for a humanitarian group in Congo has tested positive for Ebola, prompting contact-tracing and support efforts, as the outbreak continues to expand. Regional Security Talks: Egypt’s defense chief met Congo’s deputy prime minister and defense minister to discuss boosting military and security cooperation. Police Reform in Nigeria: Nigeria’s IGP Tunji Disu says state police will deepen community policing and intelligence gathering, but only after consultations and capacity building. Wagner Drug Trade Link: Reports say remnants of Russia’s Wagner network are financing operations in the Central African Republic through tramadol trafficking routed via the Republic of the Congo.

Ebola Update in Congo: A U.S. citizen working for a humanitarian group in Congo has tested positive for Ebola, the CDC said, with officials working to trace close contacts and prevent further spread as the outbreak continues to surge. Public Health Pressure: Earlier reporting puts Congo’s Ebola toll at over 600 deaths and more than 1,700 cases, with suspected cases emerging in new provinces and WHO warning the situation is still expanding. Security Reform Talk: Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu says state police plans will deepen community policing and intelligence gathering, but only after consultations and capacity building. Wildlife Rescue in Congo: An infant chimpanzee rescued from illegal pet traffickers in the Republic of the Congo has been taken to the Tchimpounga sanctuary for urgent care and a new start. World Cup Spotlight: England’s run continues after a tense extra-time win over Norway, keeping the Three Lions in the quarter-final mix as fans and media hype the next match.

Ebola Response in Congo: The CDC says a U.S. citizen working for a humanitarian organization in Congo has tested positive for Ebola, with officials coordinating with the employer, U.S. agencies, Congolese health authorities, and close-contact tracing; the case comes as the outbreak keeps expanding, described by Africa CDC as the fastest-growing ever on the continent, with deaths reported above 600 and cases pushing into new provinces. Cross-Border Fallout: Reports also say U.S. deportees detained in an Equatorial Guinea hotel were told a suspected Ebola patient was quarantined there, raising fresh questions about how health risks are handled during migration crackdowns. Security Reform Watch: Nigeria’s police chief Tunji Disu says state police would bring policing closer to communities and improve local intelligence, but stresses consultations and capacity-building before implementation. Wildlife Protection: An infant chimp rescued from illegal pet traffickers in the Republic of the Congo has been taken to the Tchimpounga sanctuary for urgent care and a new start.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s latest Ebola outbreak has killed 600 people, with 1,759 confirmed cases since May 15, and suspected infections now reported in provinces previously untouched, including Tshopo (Kisangani) and Haut-Uele—raising fears the fast-growing Bundibugyo strain is spreading beyond Ituri. Wildlife Rescue in Congo: An infant chimpanzee rescued from the illegal pet trade in the Republic of the Congo has been moved to the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga sanctuary after traffickers were arrested, with vets treating him and naming him Beau. Public Health Watch: Spain reported the death of an 84-year-old man from Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever after a tick bite, triggering contact monitoring. Business Shock Linked to Congo: Congo Brands Australia, behind Logan Paul and KSI’s Prime drinks, has collapsed into administration after heavy losses and debts. Environment & Rights: Civil society groups have warned that illegal logging and mining-linked land exploitation threaten the Ngoyla Wildlife Reserve and Djoko Community Forest in the Congo Basin.

Ebola Update: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed 600 people and reached 1,759 confirmed cases, with suspected new infections now reported in Tshopo (including Kisangani) and Haut-Uele—areas previously unaffected—raising fears the disease is spreading faster than response efforts. Health Workers Strike: Health workers in the outbreak area have threatened or joined strike action over pay issues, adding pressure to already strained containment efforts. Prime Drink Collapse: Congo Brands Australia, the local arm behind Logan Paul and KSI’s Prime drinks, has collapsed into administration, with debts in the millions and only about $85,000 in cash. Local Sports: Bowling Green FC Lions youth teams are heading to the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championship in Salt Lake City after winning state titles. Environment Watch: A new report warns Africa’s floods are worsening due to climate change and poor planning, with recent heavy rains hitting multiple countries across the continent.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed 600 people and reached 1,759 confirmed cases, with suspected new infections reported in Tshopo province (Kisangani) and Haut-Uele—areas previously unaffected—while Africa CDC warns the outbreak is the fastest-growing on the continent and urges sustained support. Health System Strain: Health workers in Ituri say they have not been paid since the outbreak was declared and are protesting, raising fears for containment as treatment centres near capacity. Wildlife Rescue Update: A pet chimpanzee, Lola, fell ill in Equatorial Guinea, but Congo teams coordinated with partners and vets to rescue her and a mandrill, Nico, highlighting risks of keeping primates as pets. Sports Spotlight: Mohamed Salah received a guard of honour as he left the United States for Egypt after a strong World Cup run. World Cup Knockout Fallout: The tournament is down to eight teams, with six from Europe, as the bracket heads toward quarterfinals. Conservation & Forest Pressure: Civil society groups warn illegal logging and mining-linked land exploitation are threatening Ngoyla Wildlife Reserve and Djoko Community Forest in the Congo Basin.

Ebola Update in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed 600 people and reached 1,759 confirmed cases, as officials investigate suspected infections in Kisangani (Tshopo province), an area not previously listed among affected locations. Health Workers Protest: In Ituri, some Ebola frontline health workers have reportedly walked off the job over unpaid wages and bonuses, raising fears for containment efforts. Local Partnerships & Jobs: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) has launched four paid internship positions for Gonet Academy graduates, turning a graduation pledge into a concrete hiring pipeline. Regional Infrastructure: Cameroon secured UK-backed financing for the long-delayed Ebolowa–Akom II–Kribi road, aiming to cut transport costs and improve access to the Port of Kribi. Energy & Trade: Africa’s LNG export race widens as a new $4.6bn gas project adds Canada and Mauritania/Senegal as fresh LNG exporters, while Nigeria remains the continent’s biggest LNG player. World Cup Lens: Coverage highlights the tournament’s quarterfinal lineup—six European teams, one from South America, and one from Africa—keeping attention on African representation and the wider cultural debate around football.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Health workers in Ituri have walked off the job over unpaid wages and bonuses, warning the strike could slow the outbreak. Latest figures cited by officials and reports put cases at 1,708 with 580 deaths, as the response struggles with limited gear and tensions between front-line staff and authorities. World Cup Quarterfinals: The tournament is narrowing to eight teams, with six from Europe and one from South America and Africa, keeping the spotlight on Messi and Morocco as the quarterfinal race intensifies. Congo-China Diplomacy: Congo’s ambassador to China met Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu in Beijing, with both sides stressing deeper cooperation in energy, minerals and infrastructure. Mining and Investment Signals: Congo’s mining ministry says priority projects should not be held hostage by funding failures, while separate coverage highlights rising copper output expectations. Regional Cooperation: Angola and Congo discussed strengthening bilateral ties, including peace and security and plans for an Angola-Congo economic forum.

Ebola Update: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still expanding, with confirmed cases rising to 1,708 and deaths climbing to 506, as WHO warns the situation is not yet stabilising. Mining & Industry: Ivanhoe says Congo copper output should rise in the second half of 2026, while Congo and Angola discussed boosting bilateral cooperation, including an Angola–Congo economic forum. Energy & Investment: Congo is set to host the Congo Energy & Investment Forum in 2027, aiming to position Brazzaville as a hub for energy deal-making. China Ties: China’s vice foreign minister met Congo’s ambassador to China, reaffirming cooperation in energy, minerals and infrastructure. World Cup Buzz: FIFA lifted Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension after a Trump call, triggering fresh questions about World Cup integrity. Regional Security: Nigeria’s army chief convened African land forces to strengthen cooperation against security threats, with Congo among participants.

China-Congo Diplomacy: Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu met Congo’s ambassador to China, Cyprien Sylvestre Mamina, pledging deeper cooperation on energy, minerals and infrastructure under the China–Congo “shared future” agenda. Energy & Investment: Congo will host the second Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in June 2027 in Brazzaville, aiming to attract major oil, gas and technology investors and position the country as a regional hub. Ebola Update (Congo): The WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still in an “expansion phase,” with confirmed cases rising to 1,581 and deaths to 506, as treatment centers face capacity pressure. Public Health Planning: India’s health ministry launched consultations on a One Health action plan for zoonoses, focusing on coordination, surveillance, labs and preparedness. Human Trafficking (Region): Liberia’s labour minister reported prosecutions and convictions over trafficking cases, including alleged child trafficking schemes. World Cup Fallout: FIFA and Trump defended the decision to lift U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s suspension after a phone call, while UEFA and Belgium challenged the ruling. World Cup Attendance Impact (UK): England saw school attendance drop after the World Cup win over Mexico, with hundreds of thousands fewer pupils showing up.

World Cup Spotlight: Egypt’s historic run ended in the Round of 16 as Lionel Messi’s Argentina beat Mohamed Salah’s Pharaohs 3-2, sending the tournament’s African hopes into a new phase. Ebola Update (Congo): The WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still in an “expansion phase,” with confirmed cases rising to about 1,581 and deaths to 526, as treatment centers near capacity and health workers threaten action over conditions. Public Health Planning: Congo’s health authorities also pushed a One Health-style approach, holding consultations and launching learning resources to strengthen zoonotic disease surveillance and response. Regional Trade Push: AfCFTA’s Wamkele Mene urged African governments to adopt visa-on-arrival for all Africans to speed up intra-African trade, warning that slow free-movement progress is holding back integration. Energy & Investment: Congo will host the second Congo Energy & Investment Forum in June 2027, aiming to position Brazzaville as a hub for energy deal-making and new investment. Human Trafficking (Regional): A labour minister in Liberia reported prosecutions and convictions in trafficking cases, including alleged child trafficking attempts. World Cup Governance Row: FIFA cleared U.S. striker Folarin Balogun after a Trump call, triggering fresh questions over World Cup integrity and disciplinary independence.

World Cup Integrity Row: FIFA lifted U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension after a phone call involving Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, triggering a backlash from UEFA and Belgium, with Belgium still seeking explanations and legal options. Ebola Update (Congo): Congo’s Ebola toll climbed to 506 deaths as confirmed cases rose to 1,561; health workers threatened to strike over unpaid benefits and poor conditions, just as clinical trials begin. Zoonoses Preparedness (Health Ministry): India’s Health Ministry held a One Health consultation to strengthen prevention and control of zoonotic diseases, focusing on multisector coordination, surveillance, labs, and response. Energy/Investment: Dangote Industries says it plans a 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Kenya, expanding its East Africa refining footprint. World Cup QF Preview: The tournament heads into the next knockout stage with Messi vs Salah among the marquee matchups.

World Cup Politics: FIFA lifted U.S. forward Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension after a call from President Donald Trump to FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, triggering a furious backlash from Belgium and UEFA, with Belgium preparing to challenge FIFA’s decision and UEFA calling it “incomprehensible” and a breach of the sport’s rule of law. Congo Football & Health: Congo’s Ebola situation worsened, with confirmed cases rising to 1,561 and 506 deaths reported, while 254 patients have recovered and 628 remain in isolation or treatment across 36 health zones. Congo Environment: Scientists tracked how Congo River freshwater—about 40,000 cubic metres every second—spreads across the Atlantic, carried offshore by rotating ocean eddies. Energy & Regional Economy: Congo’s copper and cobalt outlook is seen as stable despite Middle East tensions, while Dangote unveiled plans for a 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Kenya to serve East Africa. Security Cooperation: African army chiefs vowed stronger continental security coordination, with Congo-Brazzaville among participants in Nigeria’s Third African Land Forces Forum.