AGP Executive Report

Health Emergency in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 5,000 cases, with 5,021 infections and 2,378 deaths recorded as of Sunday, as WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warns the epidemic is “far from being under control” and spreading faster than any previous outbreak. Response Under Strain: Health teams say insecurity, displacement and intense population movement—especially in Ituri—are making contact tracing and safe care harder, while WHO notes many cases may still be unreported. Mining Risks in the Outbreak Zone: Reports highlight how mobile artisanal gold miners in eastern Congo complicate monitoring, with workers often operating in hard-to-reach areas. Regional Tragedy Beyond Ebola: In the Central African Republic, an illegal gold mine landslide near the Cameroon border has killed at least 100 people, with searches ongoing amid a lack of rescue equipment. Diplomatic/Regional Note: Liberia has agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the United States over the next year, with the first group of 20 expected to arrive Aug. 20.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: The WHO says Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” warning it is moving faster than any previous epidemic and could spread further as insecurity, displacement and mining-route travel fuel transmission. Outbreak Toll Update: Government figures put the outbreak at 4,945 cases and 2,325 deaths, with 101 new cases and 33 deaths reported in the last 24 hours; MSF highlights limited community engagement and ongoing response obstacles, including strikes, rebel threats, bad roads and misinformation. Mining and Mobility Risk: AP reports artisanal gold miners in Ituri are constantly on the move and often outside monitoring, complicating contact tracing and surveillance even where no cases have been confirmed at mining sites. Regional Health Context: Separate reporting notes a new Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever case in Iraq’s Nineveh province, bringing 2026 totals to 18. Energy Watch (Angola): Chevron confirms an oil and gas condensate discovery at Block 0 offshore Angola, with plans to assess development via tie-back to nearby infrastructure.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak has become the country’s deadliest on record, with 4,945 cases and 2,325 deaths reported so far; the latest 24 hours saw 101 new infections and 33 more deaths, as WHO warns the virus is spreading at an “exceptional pace” across six eastern provinces. Health Response Strains: Doctors Without Borders says limited community engagement is a major hurdle, while unpaid health worker strikes, rebel threats, poor roads and misinformation are disrupting care and contact tracing. Oil & Gas in Angola (Regionally Relevant): Chevron says it has struck oil and gas condensate in Angola’s offshore Block 0 at the 105-4X well, finding a hydrocarbon column over 600 metres and more than 90 metres of net pay in the Pinda reservoir, with plans to assess development via nearby infrastructure. Sports & Transfers (Congo-linked): West Ham rejected Aston Villa’s loan approach for Congo international Aaron Wan-Bissaka, as Villa push to complete further squad moves before the transfer deadline. Diplomacy/Politics: Russia will open a polling station for State Duma elections at its embassy in Mali on 20 September, with voting also listed for the Republic of the Congo.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest on record, with 4,945 cases and 2,325 deaths, after 101 new cases and 33 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, as health workers struggle with unpaid strikes, insecurity, hard-to-reach areas, and misinformation. Public Health Pressure: The outbreak is spreading faster than previous waves, and case fatality has risen to about 46%, with experts warning that weak surveillance and delayed care are worsening outcomes. Diplomatic Ties: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi sent greetings to Congo’s Denis Sassou Nguesso for National Day, delivered via the Congolese embassy in Cairo. Regional Spotlight: Nigeria is preparing for the African Cadets Men’s Handball Championship in Abidjan, with Congo listed in Group A. Energy Watch (Region): Chevron announced a major offshore oil and gas condensate discovery in Angola, a reminder of continued investment interest across Central and Southern Africa.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest on record, with 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths, after 101 new cases and 33 deaths were reported in the past 24 hours; the WHO says the pace is exceptional and the outbreak is on track to surpass the 2014-16 West Africa toll, while health workers warn surveillance is lagging as many new cases are found outside monitoring. Health System Strain: Response efforts are being hit by unpaid health worker strikes, threats in affected areas, misinformation, and difficult access due to poor roads, with Doctors Without Borders warning that measles, cholera and other emergencies may be neglected as Ebola dominates resources. Diplomatic Greetings: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi sent greetings to Congo’s Denis Sassou Nguesso for National Day, underscoring continued regional ties. Local Culture: Congo marked Independence Day with the Miss Indépendance beauty pageant, won by Synthia Laurdina Montago.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with confirmed cases rising to 4,945 after 101 new infections in 24 hours, and deaths reaching 2,325—surpassing the 2018–2020 toll of 2,299. The case fatality rate has climbed sharply, while health experts warn the rise reflects gaps in surveillance, late detection, and limited access to care. Frontline Strain: In eastern Congo, community health workers say response efforts are being undermined by unpaid staff, misinformation, and insecurity; in Nizi, teams report 60–70 alerts daily, but many new cases are found among people not previously monitored. Regional Diplomacy: China and the Republic of the Congo held talks on FOCAC follow-up, with both sides stressing cooperation in agriculture, health, digital economy, and green development. National Day Messages: Qatar’s Amir and Vietnam’s leaders sent congratulations to President Denis Sassou Nguesso on Congo’s 66th National Day. Local Culture: Congo held the Miss Independence 2026 beauty pageant, with Synthia Laurdina Montago crowned.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: Eastern Congo’s Ebola response is being strained as health workers went on strike at the Nizi Treatment Center and community contact-tracing teams report they have not been paid for over three months; officials say the outbreak has reached 4,381 confirmed cases and 2,011 deaths, with WHO warning it could become the deadliest ever. Diplomacy and Regional Ties: China and the Republic of the Congo held talks in Beijing on advancing FOCAC cooperation, with focus on agriculture, health, digital economy, AI and green development. National Day Messages: Qatar’s Amir sent congratulations to President Denis Sassou Nguesso for Congo’s 66th National Day, while Vietnam also issued official congratulatory messages. Public Life and Culture: Congo marked Independence Day with the Miss Independence beauty pageant, won by Synthia Laurdina Montago. Sports: Zambia won bronze at the Billie Jean King Cup after beating Congo 2-0 in the third-place playoff. Power Supply Update: Sierra Leone? No—EDSA in Sierra Leone? Actually, EDSA (Western Area) announced repairs for multiple electricity faults, warning of restoration timelines depending on the damage.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Eastern Congo’s Ebola response is being stretched as the outbreak keeps outpacing contact tracing, with health workers in Bunia and beyond reporting rising community awareness but relentless case growth; the WHO says it is on track to become the deadliest in history, with deaths now above 2,000 and infections surpassing 4,500. Sports Spotlight: Malawi’s Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga will face Cameroon in the WAFCON final in Morocco, with Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina in goal after saving four penalties in the semi-final shootout—setting up a classic underdog-vs-title-holder clash. Governance and Markets (Cameroon): Bloomberg reports investor jitters over President Biya’s long absence abroad, linking weak Cameroon bond performance to uncertainty over succession battles among his allies. Diplomacy: Russia has appointed a new ambassador to Egypt, while South Africa’s envoy to Canada criticises Ottawa’s planned peacekeeper pullback from Congo as a retreat from Africa commitments. Security and Aid: Canadian Red Cross workers describe the emotional toll of Ebola burials in Bunia, where “little pink coffins” are sold roadside as families mourn.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern Congo: Exhausted Red Cross and community health teams in Bunia and beyond say Congo’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak is still outpacing contact tracing, with the death toll now above 2,100 and cases climbing past 4,500; WHO warns it could become the deadliest in history as workers battle fear, misinformation, and the lack of a specific vaccine or treatment for the current Bundibugyo strain. Sports Spotlight: Malawi’s Chawinga sisters and Cameroon’s star goalkeeper Michaely Bihina set up a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco, with Malawi chasing a major upset against a Cameroon side that has conceded only twice. Diplomacy and Security: South Africa’s envoy to Canada criticises Ottawa’s plan to recall most peacekeepers from Africa, including from Congo, saying it undermines middle-power commitments to peace. Trade and Investment: The UAE says it has signed 38 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements since 2021, expanding market access across Asia, Africa and Europe as non-oil trade hits record levels. Regional Notes: Vietnam seized nearly 1.2 tons of illegal elephant ivory and animal bones shipped from the Republic of Congo, launching a criminal investigation.

Ebola Response in Congo: Exhausted community health workers are struggling to keep up as Congo’s Ebola outbreak accelerates, with WHO warning it is on track to become the deadliest in history; the latest figures cited include thousands of confirmed cases and deaths, and officials say contact tracing is racing against spread. Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown: Vietnam seized nearly 1.2 tons of illegal elephant ivory and animal bones hidden in timber crates shipped from the Republic of Congo, launching a criminal investigation after scanners flagged suspicious cargo. Regional Security Watch: South Africa’s envoy to Ottawa criticized Canada’s plan to recall most peacekeepers from Congo, saying budget cuts undermine peacekeeping commitments. Health System Strain: A new Ebola case linked to a motorcycle taxi driver who died after visiting clinics has raised fears of exposure in Bas-Uele, where no prior cases were recorded. Trade and Diplomacy: The UAE says it has expanded its CEPA network to 38 agreements, boosting non-oil trade and market access across Africa and beyond.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: The WHO says Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak is on track to become the deadliest ever, with 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,128 deaths, and most activity concentrated in Ituri as the virus spreads into new provinces. Wildlife Crime Watch: Vietnam seized nearly 1.2 tons of illegal elephant ivory and animal bones shipped from Congo, hidden inside timber crates, and opened a criminal investigation. Regional Security: Nigerian troops report rescuing nine kidnapped victims in Niger State and arresting 20 suspects in Plateau, while fighting terrorists in Kaduna. Diplomacy & Peacekeeping: South Africa’s envoy in Ottawa criticises Canada’s plan to recall most peacekeepers from Congo, saying budget cuts undermine Africa-focused “middle power” cooperation. Tigray Tensions: Renewed clashes and drone strikes along Ethiopia’s Tigray border raise fears of a wider conflict. Local Life: Durban’s Outer West residents face a scheduled power outage on 17 August affecting multiple neighbourhoods. Deep-Sea Mining: The Republic of the Congo joins other African states backing a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: The WHO warns Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to become the deadliest ever, with 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,128 deaths, as the virus spreads into new areas and response efforts struggle with conflict, poor roads and work stoppages. New Province Hit: A motorcycle taxi driver’s death in Bas-Uele after travel from Haut-Uele has raised alarm, with health officials tracing possible exposure after the driver visited multiple clinics. Local Response Strain: Health workers at the Ebola epicentre protest unpaid wages, adding pressure to an already stretched system. Regional Integration Move: Republic of the Congo will lift entry visa requirements for all African nationals from January 1, 2027, joining Chad in easing travel across the continent. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Nigerian customs intercepted two live lion cubs hidden in crates bound for Congo-Brazzaville, arresting three suspects. Climate Science for Congo Basin: A major satellite study finds tropical forests—including the Congo Basin—store and respond to carbon differently across continents, challenging one-size-fits-all climate assumptions.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged into a new province after a motorcycle driver died of the disease, with cases now reported at 4,566 and deaths at 2,128, as WHO warns it could become the deadliest ever. Health Workers Under Strain: Response efforts are being hit by conflict, poor roads and work stoppages, while health workers protest unpaid wages at the epicentre. Wildlife Crime: Vietnam says it seized 1,193kg of elephant ivory shipped from the Republic of Congo, hidden in sawn timber, and has launched a criminal investigation. Regional Mobility Boost: Congo-Brazzaville will join Chad in removing entry visas for all African nationals from January 1, 2027, announced during the African Development Bank meetings in Brazzaville. Food Security Funding: The World Bank approved US$60m to expand Congo’s poultry and aquaculture, targeting feed, chicks, training and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: WHO warns Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak is on track to become the deadliest in history, as the death toll surpasses 2,000 and confirmed cases climb to 4,449; conflict, poor roads and work stoppages are slowing response, while health workers report unpaid wages and families mourn the accelerating spread. Regional Mobility Deal: Chad and the Republic of the Congo will scrap entry visas for all African nationals from January 1, 2027, meaning Nigerians can travel visa-free to both countries, with only minimal administrative and security checks. Ocean Policy: Mauritius, Mozambique and the Republic of the Congo joined calls for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining at the International Seabed Authority meeting in Kingston, bringing African support for a moratorium to six. Food Security Funding: The World Bank approved US$60 million to expand Congo’s poultry and aquaculture sectors, targeting cheaper feed and chicks, skills support, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: WHO warns Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak is on track to eclipse the deadliest in history, as confirmed cases rise to 4,449 and deaths pass 2,000, with containment hampered by rebel conflict, poor roads, and health workers striking over unpaid wages. Health and Human Resources: Liberia’s Civil Service Agency and Ministry of Finance trained HR directors and technical staff for Fiscal Year 2027 manpower planning, while a separate report highlights the strain on nurses and health workers in crisis zones. Regional Mobility Boost: Chad and the Republic of the Congo will scrap entry visas for all African nationals from January 1, 2027, a move aimed at easing travel and trade under wider continental integration goals. Congo’s Development Finance: The World Bank approved $60m to strengthen Congo’s poultry and aquaculture value chains, targeting jobs, food security, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Energy and Industry: TechnipFMC won a contract from Azule Energy to supply flexible flowlines and risers for Angola’s West Hub Tails project, underscoring continued investment in the Lower Congo basin.

Ebola Update (Congo): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed at least 2,000 people, with government figures putting confirmed cases at 4,381 and deaths at 2,011, as the virus spreads faster than containment efforts and health teams struggle to reach remote communities. Health Workers Under Pressure: Reports say health workers involved in the response have protested unpaid wages, adding strain to an already stretched system. World Bank Financing (Congo): The World Bank Group approved $60 million to strengthen Congo’s poultry and aquaculture value chains, aiming to boost jobs, food security and climate-resilient production. Visa-Free Travel (Regional Integration): Congo and Chad announced plans to abolish visa requirements for all African nationals from January 1, 2027, aligning with AfCFTA goals to reduce travel barriers. Environment Watch: A new analysis warns global forest fires are burning far more forest than two decades ago, with climate and land-use pressures driving the surge. Local Sports: Portee Community beat Congo Water 3-0 in the 2026 1XBet ASSPA Inter-Community League, tightening the race in Group H.