AGP Executive Report

Ebola Cross-Border Alarm: Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case from Congo after a Kenyan man returned via Uganda, was isolated at Nairobi Hospital, and died; authorities say 28 contacts and 23 fellow passengers are being traced and monitored, with burial planned within 24 hours. Public Health & Illicit Trade: A UN report warns Central Africa faces a major threat from counterfeit and diverted medicines, with at least 251 tonnes seized across CEMAC countries from 2020-2025—fueling treatment failures, poisonings and avoidable deaths. Local Governance & Accountability: In Brazzaville, the ruling PGR unveiled a “Pact for Acceleration 2026-2031” to measure and judge government action using baseline data and a “barometer” for public policies. Education Under Strain: Marien Ngouabi University staff in Brazzaville face seven months of salary arrears; unions gave the government 72 hours to respond before a possible strike. Football & Eligibility Fallout: Reports say FIFA knew Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible before the World Cup but allowed him to play, raising questions over qualifying results. Sports Calendar: Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns set for the MTN8 final on 10 October, with kickoff at 18:00 and broadcast details on DStv.

Ebola Alert: Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case after a Kenyan man who had been living in Congo died in Nairobi, triggering isolation of 28 contacts and tracing of 23 fellow passengers, with burial planned within 24 hours. Public Health: The UN warns that medicine trafficking is a major threat across CEMAC, citing counterfeit and diverted drugs and noting at least 251 tonnes seized from 2020-2025, including in the Republic of Congo. Sports Governance: Reports say FIFA knew Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible before the World Cup but allowed him to play, raising questions about qualifying results. Local Accountability: In Brazzaville, the ruling PGR says it will “grade” its own government programme using an observatory and a “barometer of acceleration” to track policy results. Labour Pressure: Marien Ngouabi University staff in Brazzaville issue a 72-hour deadline over seven months of unpaid salaries, threatening a strike. Business & Industry: An Italy-Congo seminar in Brazzaville compares special economic zones, aiming to unlock new industrial cooperation and investment.

Ebola Emergency: Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case from Congo after a patient died in Nairobi; authorities isolated the patient, identified 28 contacts, and began tracing 23 fellow passengers, with burial planned within 24 hours and monitoring for 21 days. Response Under Fire: In eastern Congo, health workers say help arrived too late in Mangala, where a new Ebola center is only now starting after the response ramped up months behind other towns; workers also warn of exhaustion and a shortage of experienced staff. Mining Governance Push: Civil society groups in Liberia are calling for an overhaul of mining rules, warning that weak enforcement and low transparency turn resource booms into “growth without development.” Energy Cooperation: SOCAR Downstream was selected as project management consultant for the Congo’s CORAF refinery modernization, supporting the pre-FEED phase and deepening ties with SNPC. Biodiversity Financing: Congo launched Biofin to build a national biodiversity finance plan through 2030, aiming to turn strategy goals into funded, measurable action.

Ebola Response: Congo’s Ebola fight gets a boost as a trial enrolling over 250 participants tests a drug aimed at stopping new infections, amid a crisis that has already killed thousands. Central Bank Accountability: Central Bank of Congo Governor André Wameso urges CONFEP 2026 recommendations to be turned into a roadmap with deadlines, clear responsibilities and monitoring indicators for provincial entities. Biodiversity Financing: Congo launches Biofin to build a National Biodiversity Finance Plan, seeking to fund its 2025–2030 biodiversity strategy with support from the Global Environment Facility and UNDP. Energy Deal: SOCAR Downstream is selected as project management consultant for SNPC’s CORAF refinery modernization, marking deeper Congo–Azerbaijan energy cooperation. Brazzaville Culture: Brazzaville’s Relico literary festival closes its ninth edition and already sets dates for its 2027 tenth run. Sports & Eligibility: FECOFA rejects Les Aigles du Congo’s appeal and confirms Chadrack Bingi Belo’s eligibility for TP Mazembe. Wildlife & Trade: Nigeria’s customs repatriates a rescued baby gorilla to Congo, continuing full-cycle wildlife operations.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 8,000 cases, with deaths reported above 4,000 as authorities struggle to contain the fastest-growing outbreak and front-line workers demand overdue wages. Energy Deal for Refining Congo: SOCAR Downstream has been selected as project management consultant for SNPC’s CORAF oil refinery modernization, supporting the Pre-FEED phase and deepening Azerbaijan–Congo energy ties. Football Eligibility Ruling: FECOFA dismissed FC Les Aigles du Congo’s appeal and confirmed Chadrack Bingi Belo’s eligibility for TP Mazembe, citing compliance with FECOFA’s exceptional transfer window. UN Security Council Reform Push: Congo urged UN Security Council reform at the 81st UN General Assembly, backing Africa’s bid for two permanent seats with veto power and reaffirming its 2030–2031 non-permanent seat bid. Sports and Society: An extreme athlete, Ash Dykes, is set to paddle 700km down the Sangha River in croc-infested waters, highlighting Congo Basin adventure risks. Education and Skills: UNESCO and a Chinese coding platform are expanding AI education across Africa, including training teachers in the Republic of Congo.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed more than 4,018 people, with 8,300 confirmed cases, as authorities struggle to contain the fastest-growing outbreak in history; a UN official says an Ebola-hit displacement camp and transit center was burned by soldiers, forcing 19,000 people to flee, while health workers protest unpaid wages. Human Rights Under “Zéro Kuluna”: Congo’s human rights observatory says 561 people have disappeared after arrests linked to the DGSP’s year-long “Zéro Kuluna” security operation, calling for names, independent inquiries and prosecutions. Security and Training: Thirty-five FAC officers graduated from the DEMIA 6 joint staff course in Brazzaville, marking entry into the restricted staff corps. Digital Connectivity: CAMTEL and SPIN Gabon agreed a roadmap to expand the CAB-CORRIDOR fiber links across Cameroon, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo, targeting operational rollout in October 2026. UN Diplomacy: Congo urged UN Security Council reform, backing Africa’s demand for two permanent seats with veto power and pushing its 2030–2031 non-permanent bid.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed more than 4,018 people, with 8,300 confirmed cases, as authorities struggle to contain the fastest-growing outbreak in history; in rebel-held areas of eastern Congo, six new cases were reported by AFC/M23, showing transmission chains are still active. Human Rights Alarm: Congo’s Human Rights Observatory says “Zéro Kuluna” security operations have led to 561 enforced disappearances, calling for names, independent inquiries and prosecutions. Security Sector Training: Thirty-five Congolese Armed Forces officers completed the DEMIA 6 joint staff course in Brazzaville, moving into the restricted staff-officer corps. Education Reform: Congo’s education ministry announced changes for the 2026-2027 school year, including a new primary-to-secondary format and the opening of about ten new high schools in rural areas. Regional Connectivity: CAMTEL and SPIN Gabon signed up to advance the CAB-CORRIDOR fibre project linking Cameroon, Gabon and the Republic of Congo. UN Diplomacy: Congo urged UN Security Council reform, backing Africa’s demand for two permanent seats with veto power.

Ebola Emergency: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 deaths, with 4,018 fatalities reported from 8,300 confirmed cases as authorities struggle to contain the fastest-growing outbreak in history; health workers also staged protests over unpaid wages, while a displacement camp and transit centre for infected patients was burned by soldiers, forcing thousands to flee. Human Rights Under Security Crackdown: Congo’s Human Rights Observatory says “Zéro Kuluna” security operations have led to 561 enforced disappearances, calling for names, independent investigations and prosecutions. UN Diplomacy: At the UN General Assembly, the Republic of Congo pushed for UN Security Council reform, including two permanent African seats with veto power, and reiterated its bid for a non-permanent seat for 2030–2031. Military Training: Thirty-five Congolese Armed Forces officers graduated from DEMIA 6, a staff course preparing them for higher command roles. Regional Connectivity: CAMTEL and SPIN Gabon signed up to advance the CAB-CORRIDOR fibre project linking Cameroon, Gabon and the Republic of Congo. Sports & Society: A major pro-Palestine march drew thousands in Cape Town, with chants linking Palestine, Sudan and Congo.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 deaths, with health authorities reporting 4,018 fatalities out of 8,300 confirmed cases, as the virus keeps spreading faster than response capacity. Frontline Strain: At the epicentre in Ituri, health workers staged protests over unpaid wages, while a UN official said an Ebola displacement camp and transit centre was burned by soldiers, forcing 19,000 people to flee. Rebel-Held Spread: Reuters reports six new Ebola cases in areas of eastern Congo controlled by AFC/M23 rebels, linked to a transmission chain reaching from government-held territory. Human Rights Alarm: Congo’s Human Rights Observatory says “Zéro Kuluna” security operations have led to 561 enforced disappearances, calling for names, independent inquiries and prosecutions. Local Daily Life: A commentary warns Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire residents face worsening public transport—potholes, congestion, higher fares and a weak state transport company—arguing mobility is a constitutional duty.

Education Reform: Congo’s education ministry says the CEPE exam is being scrapped from June, with a new pathway taking pupils from CM2 to 6e, while the 2026-2027 school year starts on 1 October; the ministry also plans to open about ten new high schools in rural areas and make preschool compulsory. Human Rights & Security: The Congolese Human Rights Observatory (OCDH) says “Zéro Kuluna” security operations linked to the DGSP have led to enforced disappearances of 561 people, demanding names, independent inquiries and prosecutions. Ebola Crisis: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 deaths, with 4,018 fatalities reported among 8,300 confirmed cases, as health authorities struggle amid mistrust and resource strain. Eastern Congo Update: In rebel-held areas, AFC/M23-linked reports cite six new Ebola cases, tracing them to a chain of transmission near the front line. Economy & Finance: BEAC reports CEMAC banks’ non-performing loan ratio fell to 15.4% by June 2026, down from 17.4% a year earlier. Sports: Botswana’s Sekao Boifang Jack and George Chiswaniso win the CAVB Zone VI beach volleyball overall title after consistent results across five legs.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 deaths, with 4,018 fatalities reported from about 8,300 confirmed cases, as health authorities warn that rapid spread into new areas is straining limited resources and mistrust is slowing cooperation. Violence Against Responders: A local official in Butembo, Marie-Célestin Karondwa, was attacked after defending government Ebola measures on radio, underscoring how tensions and resistance are complicating the response. Mobile Labs Boost Testing: Authorities are deploying mobile laboratories in Ebola hotspots such as Butembo to speed up testing and support containment efforts. Congo’s Regional Links: Russia and the Republic of the Congo signed a 2026-2028 cooperation plan covering energy infrastructure, industry, transport, agriculture, science and education. Business & Investment: Sedima, a Senegalese poultry group, plans a $35 million integrated farming and poultry complex in Congo’s Pool department, aiming to expand feed production and chicken output. Sports Spotlight: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, with Congolese ties in recent history, continue AFCON qualifying momentum after a 5-0 win over Eritrea, with Oswin Appollis starring.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: A Congolese politician, Marie-Célestin Karondwa, was beaten to death in Butembo after defending the government’s Ebola response on radio, underscoring deep mistrust as the outbreak tops 8,000 cases and nears 4,000 deaths. Wildlife Cooperation: Nigeria Customs repatriated a rescued baby gorilla, Bili, to the Republic of Congo in a full-cycle operation, with DHL coordinating the cross-border logistics to Tchimpounga near Pointe-Noire. Local Health Support: AGL Congo launched its École Prospère education programme with a school infirmary at CEG Mbota Raffinerie, aiming to close school health gaps through a corporate clinic project. Sports Spotlight: South Africa’s Oswin Appollis starred for Bafana Bafana with a hat-trick of assists in a 5-0 win over Eritrea, while Congo featured in Bafana’s record 5-0 victories list. Diaspora & Consular Life: Congo joined Lyon’s consular festival, holding a citizens’ “mbongui” focused on practical issues like passports and consular services.

Ebola Crisis: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 8,000 confirmed cases, with 3,901 deaths reported as health workers and communities struggle with shortages, delayed payments and deep mistrust. Political Violence: A Congolese local official in Butembo, Marie-Célestin Karondwa, was beaten to death after defending the government’s Ebola response on radio, underscoring how resistance can derail efforts to contain the disease. Wildlife Enforcement: Nigeria’s Customs Service repatriated a rescued female baby gorilla, Bili, to the Republic of Congo after DNA tests confirmed her origin, completing what it calls its first full-cycle international wildlife operation. Education & Health: AGL Congo launched École Prospère with a first project focused on a school infirmary at CEG Mbota Raffinerie, aiming to close gaps in pupils’ access to care. Business & Industry: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshuffling its dealer network across West and Central Africa, naming MDA as its authorised dealer for the Republic of Congo and expanding support coverage. Sports (Congo): Congo drew 1-1 with Cameroon in AFCON 2027 qualifiers in Brazzaville.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 8,000 confirmed cases, reaching 8,067 with 3,901 deaths across 63 health zones, as health worker shortages and delayed care continue to hamper the response. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Tuesday’s results delivered shocks and surprises, with Guinea-Bissau crushing Nigeria 3-0, Ghana falling 4-2 to Gambia, and Congo drawing 1-1 with Cameroon in Brazzaville; Egypt hit South Sudan for 5-0, while Morocco beat Lesotho 2-0 and Senegal edged Ethiopia 1-0. Education Data Push: Liberia’s Ministry of Education is moving toward a real-time education data system, aiming for a central dashboard to track attendance and indicators and respond faster than periodic reporting. Regional Economy Watch: The BEAC kept key rates unchanged, signaling policy continuity for CEMAC countries including Congo-Brazzaville. Tourism and Tech: Brazzaville marked World Tourism Day by pitching AI and digital platforms to lift tourism’s GDP share from 3% toward nearly 10%. Culture: The “Mighty Sparrow” (Slinger Francisco) died at 91, widely celebrated as a calypso icon.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases have surged to 8,067 with 3,901 deaths, as WHO warns the outbreak remains out of control and the country runs short of health workers; routine care is also collapsing in hotspots, with major drops in essential services and childhood vaccination. Regional Economy & Banking: The Bank of Central African States (BEAC) kept key rates unchanged, holding its main tender rate at 4.50% for CEMAC members including Congo-Brazzaville, signaling continuity despite slower growth. Tourism Push in Brazzaville: Brazzaville marked World Tourism Day by betting on digital tools and AI to lift tourism’s GDP share from 3% to nearly 10%, aiming to make Congo a top Central African destination. Mining Investment Update: Zanaga Iron Ore says its Congo project’s economics improved, pointing to potential cash-cost savings and talks on financing up to US$500 million. Culture & Sports: The “Calypso King” Mighty Sparrow died at 91, while AFCON 2027 qualifiers saw Guinea-Bissau stun Nigeria 3-0 and matchday 2 headlines across groups.

Ebola Crisis Deepens: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 8,000 confirmed cases, reaching 8,067 with 3,901 deaths as of Sept. 26, while the World Health Organization warns the country is running out of health workers and routine care is collapsing in hotspot communities. Violence Against Responders: A senior UDPS official, Marie-Célestin Karondwa, was beaten to death in Butembo after promoting Ebola prevention on radio, underscoring growing mistrust that is hampering response efforts. Forest Funding Push: At the UN, African countries and partners backed new forest-financing models, but a major gap remains; one proposal excludes Southeast Asia, prompting calls for Indonesia to demand a seat to protect forests. Global UN Frustration: World leaders at the UN General Assembly voiced stronger doubts about multilateralism’s effectiveness, even as they insist the UN still matters. Sports Governance: In Brazzaville, Fecofoot elected Éric Alain Mantot as president with 87.5% of votes, amid reports of tension around the vote. Culture: The Mighty Sparrow, calypso icon, died at 91 in New York.