AGP Executive Report

Ebola Update: The DRC Ministry of Health says Ebola has reached 1,460 confirmed infections and 447 deaths in the east, with 213 recoveries and 595 still in treatment; authorities report 82.7% contact tracing and focus on Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, while new local restrictions include bans on handling corpses and limits on transport. WHO Trial Launch: The WHO has started a clinical trial for the Bundibugyo strain, enrolling the first patient to test MBP134 and remdesivir (alone or combined), as the outbreak continues to spread toward major cities like Kisangani. Political Tension: DRC opposition is calling for demonstrations in Kinshasa and other cities over President Félix Tshisekedi’s push for a third term via constitutional change. Regional Support: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged continued backing for the DRC Ebola fight, including support for vaccine development and a call for humanitarian access. World Cup Fallout: England’s late comeback over DR Congo sent the Leopards out of the tournament, but the run sparked pride across the country and diaspora.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern DRC: WHO says a Bundibugyo Ebola treatment trial has enrolled its first patient, but the outbreak is still surging—DRC’s official toll is now 438 deaths out of 1,406 confirmed cases, with WHO warning mistrust and violence are slowing response. Health System Strain: Reuters reports malaria and other diseases could kill more people than Ebola as clinics face shortages and patients avoid care. Peace Deal Under Fire: UN experts say widespread violations continue in eastern Congo, with the Congolese army and M23 failing to meet terms of a December peace agreement, and M23 still controlling territory and driving abuses. Regional Pressure: South Africa’s President Ramaphosa is in Kinshasa for an African Union solidarity mission to back DRC’s Ebola response. DRC in the Spotlight: England narrowly beat DR Congo 2-1 at the World Cup, with Harry Kane’s late brace sending the Leopards out of the tournament.

DR Congo vs England at the World Cup: The Leopards’ historic run ended in Atlanta as Harry Kane scored twice late to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 England win, sending DR Congo home and booking England a Round of 16 clash with Mexico. Coach’s tragedy: After the match, DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre’s father’s death was announced during his live press conference, a moment that quickly went viral. Ebola update: DR Congo reported 1,406 confirmed Ebola cases with 438 deaths, with treatment and surveillance focused on eastern provinces including Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Ebola violence: In Ituri, a mob set fire to an Ebola treatment centre in Bafwabango, killing one police officer and injuring two, as mistrust and unsafe burial practices continue to disrupt response efforts. Regional security/withdrawal: South Africa formally ended its DRC deployment, with soldiers returning home after a mission that included deadly clashes.

World Cup Shock in Atlanta: Harry Kane scored twice to rescue England from DR Congo’s early lead, beating the Leopards 2-1 and booking a Round of 16 date with Mexico. Ebola Fallout in DRC: The UN warns the outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and push nearly a million more people into poverty, with DR Congo now reporting 1,333 cases and 399 deaths. Regional Health Alerts: Africa CDC says Uganda has confirmed an isolated Marburg case during Ebola surveillance, with no active spread reported. AU Response: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to visit Kinshasa for an African Union solidarity mission to support the DRC’s Ebola response. DRC in the Spotlight Beyond Football: DR Congo’s iconic “Lumumba Vea” superfan was replaced for the England match after being denied a US visa tied to Ebola restrictions.

Ebola Update: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has climbed to 1,333 confirmed cases and 399 deaths, with health agencies warning the response is still not strong enough to quickly stop transmission and that the wider socioeconomic fallout could worsen. Public Health Restrictions: Authorities have tightened controls, including bans on mass gatherings in affected areas, as officials report the outbreak is spreading and contact follow-up remains a key pressure point. Eastern Congo Politics: A new analysis questions whether President Félix Tshisekedi’s third-term bid could strengthen Rwanda and the M23 position, as constitutional changes move forward despite opposition and church pushback. World Cup Spotlight: In the Round of 32, Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to reach the last 16, setting up a potential England vs DR Congo matchup next—while the DRC’s World Cup run continues to draw global attention.

Ebola Emergency: The UN says DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6 billion and hundreds of thousands of jobs, as confirmed cases hit 1,307 with 377 deaths; the Africa CDC is urging $18 million for urgent trials of experimental treatments and faster contact tracing. Public Order & Rights: Kinshasa and three other provinces have banned mass gatherings over Ebola fears, but the government is allowing venues to show the England World Cup match—opposition groups say the restrictions are aimed at limiting dissent. Church Weighs In: Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo has publicly opposed constitutional reform, arguing there’s “no necessity, urgency, or opportunity” for changes while Congolese people need peace and relief. Diamonds Deal: DR Congo signed an agreement with Swiss firm Adex to market Congolese diamonds, with domestic cutting and a digital platform meant to curb smuggling and boost local value. World Cup Spotlight: DR Congo’s Leopards face England in the Round of 32 in Atlanta, with the match framed as a historic national moment amid the health crisis. International Court Move: DR Congo has filed proceedings against Rwanda at the ICJ over decades of alleged atrocities in eastern Congo.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 1,274 confirmed cases and 360 deaths, with spread now reaching a 4th province and prompting Kinshasa and several provinces to ban public gatherings and marches to slow transmission. Opposition Under Pressure: Opposition leader Delly Sesanga says he was banned from leaving the country and had his passport seized, as tensions rise around proposed constitutional changes. Frontline Health Workers: Reports highlight volunteers and Red Cross burial teams risking violence and infection to carry out safe burials—often not welcomed by terrified communities. Eastern DRC Conflict Minerals: The U.S. moves to sanction networks tied to conflict-mineral smuggling linked to Rwanda-backed M23, aiming to cut funding for armed groups. World Cup Spotlight: As DR Congo prepares for a historic Round of 32 clash with England in Atlanta, striker Yoane Wissa says the team should “enjoy” the challenge—while the country’s Ebola crisis shadows the celebration.

Ebola Emergency in DRC: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has surged to a fourth province, pushing the entire northeast into the affected zone. Health figures: 1,274 confirmed cases and 360 deaths reported, with clinical trials for treatments expected to start soon. Kinshasa Crackdown: DRC authorities banned mass gatherings in Kinshasa and three provinces to slow spread, drawing opposition claims of political motives ahead of a July 8 protest. Regional Coordination: Africa CDC, WHO and Uganda launched a continental incident management team to speed cross-border Ebola response. Cobalt Policy: ARECOMS says unused cobalt export quotas due by June 30 will be forfeited and reassigned to a strategic state quota, tightening control over shipments. Eastern Congo Justice: A military court convicted on appeal a senior army officer over UN experts’ 2017 murders, handing death sentences to him and militia members. World Cup Spotlight: DR Congo head to the Round of 32 against England in Atlanta after a historic qualification run, but their “Lumumba Vea” superfan was denied US entry.

Ebola Update: The DRC says confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 1,274, with 360 deaths, as health officials push to keep contact tracing and care moving. World Cup Milestone: The Leopards reached the Round of 32 for the first time in 52 years after a 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan, with Yoane Wissa scoring twice; they now face England in Atlanta. DRC vs Rwanda in Court: Kinshasa has filed a landmark case at the International Court of Justice accusing Rwanda of decades of genocide and human-rights abuses in eastern DRC, seeking accountability and reparations. Eastern DRC Peace Pressure: Pakistan urged parties to fully implement UN Security Council resolution 2773 and create conditions for a credible, verifiable ceasefire, citing M23 advances, drones, and worsening humanitarian conditions. Regional Security Agenda: Leaders are set to meet at an extraordinary SADC summit today, with eastern DRC security and peacekeeping expected to dominate talks.

World Cup Knockout Dream: DR Congo’s Leopards stunned Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta to reach the Round of 32 for the first time in 52 years, with Yoane Wissa scoring twice and dedicating the win to war victims back home; they’ll face England after England topped Group L by beating Panama 2-0, setting up a high-profile clash in Atlanta. Ebola Crisis at Home: The same week’s football joy is shadowed by DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak, with reports highlighting how insecurity and displacement in eastern Congo are blocking access to camps, slowing case detection and contact tracing as deaths and cases keep rising. International Pressure on Rwanda: Congo also escalated its legal fight with Rwanda at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of responsibility for decades of violence in eastern DR Congo and alleging abuses including massacres, torture, and sexual violence. Diaspora Celebrations & Travel: Congolese communities abroad celebrated the knockout qualification, while Air Congo announced new Brussels–Kinshasa flights starting July 1, adding competition to the route.

World Cup Knockout Berth: DR Congo stunned Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta with a second-half comeback, ending a 52-year wait and booking a Round of 32 clash with England; Match Turning Points: Yoane Wissa equalized from the spot after a penalty, Fiston Mayele made it 2-1, and Wissa struck again in stoppage time; IMF Support: The IMF approved a new $350 million disbursement for Congo to back economic reforms, climate resilience, social protection, and foreign reserves; Ebola Response: WHO and partners continue to raise alarms as Congo’s Ebola outbreak worsens, with the response pushed to the highest level and cases climbing past 1,200; Mining Safety Debate: A Glencore-linked tragedy at a Congo copper operation, where at least 43 “illegal miners” died, reignited calls for stricter oversight of mining and worker safety; Regional Security & Rights: Congo’s legal push against Rwanda at the ICJ and ongoing conflict-related rights concerns remain in focus as the country navigates health and economic pressures.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is worsening, with confirmed cases rising to 1,203 and deaths to 304, as the U.S. CDC activates its highest response level and ships experimental treatments to DRC and Uganda; Africa CDC says the regional funding need has tripled to $1.4 billion. Health Measures & Travel Rules: India has rolled out Air Suvidha 2.0, requiring international arrivals to submit an upgraded health declaration form ahead of entry, while Saudi Arabia has suspended travel and visa access for citizens from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. World Cup Pressure on Kinshasa: President Félix Tshisekedi urged the Leopards to treat their must-win match against Uzbekistan in Atlanta as “a moment of national unity,” as DR Congo fights to stay in the tournament. Great Lakes Diplomacy: DR Congo has filed a new lawsuit at the ICJ against Rwanda, alleging treaty violations and atrocities tied to support for M23. IMF Support: The IMF approved about $348.5 million for DRC under its ECF and RSF reviews.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: The U.S. CDC activated its highest Level 1 response to the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, saying the risk to the U.S. remains low while it ships experimental treatments and boosts staffing. Outbreak Numbers: DR Congo reported 1,203 confirmed cases and 321 deaths, with 148 recoveries; health officials warn contact tracing and treatment capacity are still lagging. Response Gaps: Africa CDC says contact tracing is dangerously behind (tracking only about 30% of contacts vs. the 80% needed), while insecurity, mistrust, medicine shortages, and community resistance to post-mortems slow containment. Cross-Border Pressure: Uganda has recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. International Spread Alarm: France confirmed its first Ebola case in a doctor returning from Congo, prompting 21-day travel quarantine rules for contacts. Conflict & Minerals: The U.S. also sanctioned a Rwandan gold refinery and executives over alleged DRC-linked gold smuggling tied to M23 rebels, as DR Congo pursues Rwanda at the ICJ over decades of violence.

ICJ Push Against Rwanda: DR Congo has filed a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Rwanda of breaching international laws over decades of alleged abuses in the east, including massacres, torture, sexual violence and forced displacement, and is asking the court to order Rwanda to stop and pay reparations. Ebola Emergency Deepens: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 1,100 confirmed cases and 300 deaths, with health authorities warning it has not peaked and could spread further across borders; the UN is also releasing emergency funds to boost preparedness in neighboring countries. US Steps Up for Ebola: The United States says it will send experimental Ebola treatment doses to DRC and Uganda and pre-position diagnostic tests as the outbreak worsens. Cross-Border Health Risk: WHO and partners warn the risk of spillover remains high, while France confirmed a first imported Ebola case linked to a doctor returning from Congo. Eastern Congo Rights Alarm: Amnesty International urges Kinshasa to end support for an armed group it says has committed abuses that may amount to war crimes. Regional Context: Separate reporting highlights rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa ahead of anti-immigrant protests, with migrants seeking to leave before June 30.

Ebola Surge in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo says Ebola deaths have passed 300, with 304 fatalities reported among 1,155 confirmed cases as health capacity strains and Africa CDC warns beds are nearly full. New Treatments Next Week: WHO says trials for two potential therapies—MBP134 and remdesivir—are set to start next week in Ituri, targeting the rare Bundibugyo strain. Cross-Border Alarm: France confirmed its first Ebola case on the mainland in a doctor returning from DRC, prompting tighter travel rules; DRC also ordered 21-day active monitoring/quarantine for people returning from affected areas. Regional Spread Risk: WHO-linked modelling estimates a 70% chance of Ebola reaching South Sudan, after transmission has already been reported in Uganda. Funding Pressure: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says the response needs $1.4 billion, warning the outbreak is still outpacing action. Politics at Home: President Félix Tshisekedi’s push to pass a law enabling constitutional change for a possible third term is moving through parliament, setting up potential street protests.

Ebola Response in DRC: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC keeps accelerating, with 1,118 confirmed cases and 291 deaths reported, as WHO warns the crisis is moving faster than response efforts can keep up. France-Linked Spread Risk: France confirmed its first imported case in a doctor returning from the DRC, prompting heightened contact tracing and isolation measures. DRC Tightens Travel Controls: In response, DRC ordered a 21-day quarantine for people returning from Ebola-affected areas and tightened travel permissions and health declarations at borders. New Treatments Trialed: WHO announced two experimental Ebola treatment trials in DRC starting next week, with antivirals aimed at reducing deaths for the rare Bundibugyo strain. Vaccine Manufacturing Push: UNICEF and Gavi launched an expression of interest to gather plans from vaccine developers to speed up future Bundibugyo vaccine access. Funding Pressure: The Africa CDC says Ebola response funding needs to jump to $1.4 billion, while the U.S. is seeking $1.4 billion from Congress for humanitarian response, quarantine support, and health security. Preparedness at Borders: India rolled out Air Suvidha 2.0 for mandatory health self-declarations from travelers arriving from Ebola-affected areas.