AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response in DRC: WHO says 20,000 Ervebo doses are set for a research vaccination programme in Ituri, as the outbreak continues to spread across seven provinces; MSF warns it’s “far from over,” with cases moving into new, underprepared areas. Human Rights in Eastern Congo: Amnesty International accuses Rwanda-backed M23 of torture, summary killings and forced labor of artisanal miners at Rubaya and Lomera, documenting 18 miner deaths and alleged trafficking of gold and coltan into Rwanda. Kinshasa Sanitation: A presidential sanitation task force says it will deploy 7,500 waste bins across Kinshasa, with penalties for people caught dumping in public spaces. Sports & National Team: Congo’s Léopards begin assembling in Kinshasa for AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with eight players already arrived. Regional Diplomacy: UN and AU leaders call for stronger peace and financial reforms, reaffirming support for Togo-led mediation efforts in eastern DRC.

Ebola Response: Iqarus deployed a 19-person medical and operational team to run a dedicated quarantine, isolation and holding facility for suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, aiming to protect patients, health workers and communities while linking patients to definitive treatment sites. Ebola Vaccines in Ituri: DRC expanded Ebola vaccination to Ituri, with more than 3,700 people receiving Ervebo, and MSF launching a study in Bunia to test whether the vaccine can protect against the Bundibugyo strain driving the outbreak. M23 Abuses & Mining Trafficking: Amnesty International says Rwanda-backed M23 is smuggling coltan and gold out of eastern DRC and forcing tens of thousands to work in mines around Rubaya (North Kivu) and Lomera (South Kivu), documenting killings, torture, unlawful detention and forced labour that could amount to war crimes. Kinshasa Night Life & Power Cuts: A new documentary debut, set mostly in Kisenso, explores how Kinshasa residents cope with chronic electricity shortages through community faith and nighttime survival routines.

Ebola Response in Ituri: The DRC has expanded Ebola vaccination in Bunia, Ituri, starting a test rollout of Ervebo for about 20,000 frontline health workers in Ituri and North Kivu, with MSF, WHO and Africa CDC backing the study to see whether a Zaire-strain vaccine offers protection against the Bundibugyo virus driving the outbreak; officials report 7,541 confirmed cases and 3,639 deaths as the campaign is expected to run 6–9 months. Humanitarian Pressure in Eastern DRC: The UN says fighting has displaced over 70,000 people since mid-August into Walikale territory, straining basic services and making aid access harder. Sports & Kinshasa Spotlight: Zimbabwe will allow up to 30,000 fans at the National Sports Stadium for its Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against DR Congo, signaling a return of international football after a five-year gap. Public Health Access Gap: A deaf community advocacy report warns communication barriers are leaving many people with hearing impairment cut off from Ebola prevention information. Mobility & Travel Controls: The UK published a list of African countries whose citizens need an airport transit visa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ebola Response in Eastern DRC: Ebola vaccination has expanded to Ituri, with more than 3,700 people already receiving Ervebo and a new MSF-led BRAVO study starting in Bunia to test whether the Zaire-strain vaccine can protect against the Bundibugyo variant; health teams plan to vaccinate about 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu and follow them for up to a year as cases remain high. Humanitarian Crisis: The UN says fighting in eastern DRC has displaced over 70,000 people since mid-August, with arrivals in Walikale straining services and blocking aid access. Community Impact: UN Women reports women and girls are disproportionately affected by Ebola in DRC, with many serving as caregivers in facilities and at home, increasing exposure risk. Local Economy: In Bukavu, young entrepreneurs are building a local market for South Kivu coffee, helping producers sell beyond exports despite conflict disruptions. Weather Preparedness: WFP and METTELSAT signed an MoU to modernize Congo’s weather observation system, aiming for better early warning and resilience.

Ebola Response in Ituri: DR Congo expanded Ebola vaccination to Ituri, with MSF running the BRAVO study in Bunia to vaccinate about 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu and track whether Ervebo offers protection against the outbreak’s Bundibugyo strain. Ebola Update: The National Public Health Institute reported 7,541 confirmed cases, 3,639 deaths and 1,823 recoveries, with no new geographic hotspots in the past 24 hours, while WHO and MSF warn the crisis is still serious. Women and Girls Hit Hard: UN Women says women and girls make up a large share of Ebola patients and face higher risk because they do much of the caregiving at home and in communities. Eastern Congo Displacement: UN OCHA said escalating fighting in North and South Kivu has displaced over 70,000 people and is straining host communities and humanitarian access. Road Safety Tragedy: A truck accident in southeastern DR Congo killed at least 33 people and injured around 20, with investigations ongoing. Kinshasa Information War: A new report says actors used Anthropic’s Claude AI to generate pro-government narratives and influence content tied to the Rwanda-DRC conflict. Weather Early Warning: WFP and METTELSAT signed an MoU to modernize Congo’s meteorological observation system to improve early warning and resilience. Road to Peace Ends: Cyclist Miguel Masaïsaï, who rode “Pedals for Peace” from Goma toward Rabat, died in an accident near Ouesso.

Ebola Response in DRC: Doctors Without Borders warns the Ebola outbreak is not subsiding but shifting into provinces with weaker health capacity, even as some hotspots slow—South Ubangi is now affected and North Kivu accounts for nearly half of new cases, with test positivity rising. Eastern DRC Displacement: The UN says escalating fighting in North Kivu and South Kivu has displaced over 70,000 people since mid-August, overwhelming host communities and blocking humanitarian access. Goma School Year Disrupted: In Goma, students and teachers say the new school year has started amid crisis conditions, but attendance is low due to illness, shortages, and inability to pay fees. Students Demand Classes Resume: In Goma and Bukavu, student representatives ask authorities and partners to lift suspensions in 11 public higher education institutions and restart classes, exams, internships, and research. Kinshasa Protest Fallout: Opposition groups accuse the government of responsibility for a death after police dispersed a protest over proposed constitutional changes that could enable a third term. Labor Crackdown: Congo’s labor minister Ferdinand Massamba says he will sanction companies found violating work laws after inspections in Kinshasa.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is not “shrinking,” it’s shifting—slowing in Ituri but spreading to new provinces with weaker health capacity, including South Ubangi and a surge in North Kivu, where test positivity is rising; MSF warns that fewer admissions at some treatment centers is not proof the epidemic is under control. Ebola Numbers Still High: Africa CDC reports 7,404 confirmed cases and 3,577 deaths, with transmission across seven provinces and 62 health zones; some zones have gone weeks without new cases, but many remain active and bed occupancy is overstretched in parts of North Kivu. Humanitarian Support for Care: OCHA is backing response efforts, highlighting a “CUBE” Ebola treatment unit that can cut costs and let patients and families communicate while reducing staff exposure. Rights Watch in Kinshasa: The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) opened an investigation into incidents during the Sept. 15 C64 opposition march in Limete, after reports of machete- and stick-wielding men blocking protesters. Labor Crackdown: Employment Minister Ferdinand Massamba says inspections in Kinshasa found illegal work conditions, including expatriates, and he promises sanctions against companies violating labor law.

Ebola Update: WHO says DRC’s Ebola fight shows uneven progress: transmission is easing in Ituri, but North Kivu is worsening fast, and Africa CDC says the peak is not confirmed and control is not consistent; reported totals remain above 7,200 cases and 3,500 deaths across seven provinces. Political Tensions in Kinshasa: Opposition C64 says one supporter died during clashes around a September 15 anti-government rally against proposed constitutional changes that could enable President Tshisekedi’s third term; police used tear gas as demonstrators and pro-government groups fought. Human Rights & Press Freedom: CPJ urges DRC authorities to release journalist Trésor Muntu, detained in Likasi after sharing a post criticizing a politician, warning against criminal defamation used to intimidate media. Environment & Extractives: Greenpeace Africa and partners demand Tshisekedi halt expansion of oil, gas and mining in the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor ahead of UNGA climate events, citing overlaps that put protected areas at risk. Energy & Development: A separate report highlights how Nigeria’s electricity crisis persists despite official claims—an echo of the wider regional struggle for reliable power, including in DRC’s own energy plans.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still “serious” and the peak is not confirmed, Africa CDC says, even as transmission eases in Ituri and rises in North Kivu; authorities report 7,404 cases and 3,577 deaths, with North Kivu treatment capacity near saturation. Health System Strain: Medical teams in eastern DRC say they’re battling Ebola without approved treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, amid conflict, community hostility, and attacks on care facilities. Public Health Warnings: WHO calls the signs in Ituri encouraging but warns the crisis remains fragile, with cases doubling in parts of North Kivu and continued surveillance needed. Community Trust Efforts: An Ebola Treatment Center in Beni opened to motorcycle taxi drivers to dispel misinformation and reduce attacks driven by fear and mistrust. Ebola Response Funding: CEPI pledged $3.9 million to strengthen Bundibugyo outbreak intelligence and vaccine trial readiness in DRC and Uganda. Parallel Crisis: Eastern DRC is also seeing cholera spread, adding pressure to hospitals already overwhelmed by Ebola. Political Tension: Police used tear gas and arrested people as opposition C64 protested constitutional changes that could enable Tshisekedi’s third term. Press Freedom: A DRC journalist was detained and prosecuted for sharing an X post via WhatsApp, CPJ urging immediate release.

Ebola Response: WHO says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is showing “encouraging” signs in some areas, but Tedros warns it’s still growing and far from over, with North Kivu seeing weekly cases surge and vaccine and treatment trials accelerating. Vaccine Research Funding: CEPI has pledged $3.9 million for Bundibugyo Ebola research in the DRC, aiming to improve real-time tracking and support vaccine trial evidence. Public Health Pressure Beyond Ebola: Eastern DRC is also battling cholera, with Bukavu treatment centers reporting a steady influx of severe cases as the health system strains under multiple outbreaks. Constitutional Crisis: Police in Kinshasa used tear gas and warning shots to disperse C64 protests against constitutional changes that critics say could enable President Félix Tshisekedi’s third term. Regional Diplomacy: Rwanda and the DRC returned to Geneva for peace talks under a US-backed security mechanism to push implementation of the Washington Accords. Road Safety Tragedy: At least 33 people died after a truck plunged into a river in Alto Katanga, with officials warning the death toll could rise. Energy Access Investment: All On invested $5 million into Nigeria’s PowerGen to expand renewable mini-grids, targeting thousands of new electricity connections. Sports: Zimbabwe’s ZIFA urged fans to pack the National Sports Stadium for the Warriors’ key AFCON qualifier against the DRC on September 28.

Constitutional Crisis in Kinshasa: Opposition C64 protests against proposed changes that could let President Félix Tshisekedi seek a third term were met with tear gas and warning shots in Kinshasa and other cities, with clashes between protesters and pro-government supporters and dozens of arrests reported. Ebola Update from WHO: The WHO says the DRC’s Ebola fight shows “encouraging” signs in some areas, with transmission declining in Ituri, but warns the outbreak is still “far from over” and remains “uncontrolled” as cases surge in North Kivu and the epidemic’s path varies by province. Ebola Response Pressure: UN and WHO officials stress the need for sustained funding, more specialized medical teams, and continued vigilance, noting vaccine and treatment efforts are moving faster but the crisis remains deadly and massive. Energy and Climate Finance Angle: A new risk-management push highlights how hydropower-dependent utilities in eastern and southern Africa—including the DRC—need revenue protection tools like parametric insurance as climate shocks intensify.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed about 3,510 people and confirmed 7,258 cases since May 15, with transmission easing in Ituri but still rising in North Kivu—WHO and UN officials warn it’s too early to declare the peak over. Public Health Funding: The UN says the response is only about 49% funded, urging more international medical teams and resources as the virus remains in seven provinces and 62 health zones. Political Tension in Kinshasa: Police fired tear gas and arrested dozens during protests against constitutional changes that could allow President Félix Tshisekedi a third term, as opposition coalition C64 clashed with pro-government supporters. Eastern Congo Diplomacy: DRC and Rwanda are back in Geneva talks, but fighting and disputes over FDLR, Rwanda’s presence, and M23 control continue to complicate any peace deal. Critical Minerals Trade: Reuters reports Congo copper exports hit a record 1.72 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, with sales to the US and Europe doubling as Kinshasa pushes to diversify away from China. Conservation Deal: For the first time, a Congolese NGO (Strong Roots) will co-manage the Itombwe Nature Reserve in South Kivu under a 10-year partnership with ICCN, with communities at the center.

Constitutional Crisis in Kinshasa: Police fired tear gas and arrested activists as hundreds protested the C64 coalition’s pushback against proposed constitutional changes that critics say could enable President Félix Tshisekedi’s third term; clashes also erupted with pro-government supporters, with protests disrupted in Lubumbashi and Uvira. Ebola Update: UN and WHO officials say there are early signs of slowing in parts of Ituri, but the outbreak remains “deadly and massive” and it’s too soon to declare the peak over; cases are reported across seven provinces, with North Kivu still seeing rising numbers. Kinshasa Budget Move: Prime Minister Judith Suminwa submitted the 2027 budget bill to the National Assembly, proposing 56.929 trillion FC as an “action and sovereignty” plan covering security, roads, airports, universities, and revenue mobilization. US Minerals Push: Cabinet minutes say DRC approved a “DRC-USA Task Force” to speed up the strategic minerals partnership with Washington, aiming to translate commitments into concrete results for copper and cobalt. Lobito Corridor Boost: The Lobito rail route is set to ramp up cargo volumes toward 800,000 tons in 2027 as US-backed infrastructure expands for critical minerals. Bukavu Fire Aftermath: Funerals continued in Bukavu for victims of the school fire, with reports of dozens of children killed and injured, as civil society calls the situation a humanitarian catastrophe.

Eastern DRC Mourning: Hundreds gathered in Bukavu for mass funerals of children killed in a school fire and stampede that followed as pupils tried to escape flames spreading from a nearby house; local authorities say at least 27 students died and dozens were injured, with the cause still unknown amid tightly packed wooden housing. Ebola Update: DRC officials say the Ebola outbreak has reached its peak, pointing to slowing infections and fewer health zones reporting new cases, even as the response remains under pressure. Public Health Gaps: WHO data highlights how many people still rely on healthcare facilities without clean water, sanitation, or hygiene—an issue that worsens infection control risks during outbreaks like Ebola. Regional Diplomacy: DRC and Rwanda are set to reconvene in Geneva to review security commitments under the 2025 Washington Accords as fighting continues in the east. Health Threat Watch: WHO reports mpox remains a moderate global risk, with Africa accounting for about 75% of cases reported in July, including high numbers in DRC.

Bukavu Fire Aftermath: Families in Bukavu laid to rest 26 children and other victims killed in a deadly school fire and stampede, with mourners calling for safer city planning and faster emergency response as UNICEF says at least 26 children died and 25 were injured. Ebola Update: The DRC reported Ebola cases rising to about 7,200 with thousands of deaths, while officials say surveillance remains heightened in Ituri and North Kivu and the response continues amid fears of spread. Natural Resources & Inclusion: In Kinshasa, MONUSCO and UN Women convened women and youth groups to push gender-responsive natural resource governance, linking resources to peace and prosperity rather than conflict. Critical Minerals Deal: Almonty Industries signed a tungsten venture with Rwanda, a move tied to Western efforts to build mineral supply chains outside China—highlighting the region’s growing role in strategic metals. Kinshasa Sanitation Crackdown: Reports say “builders” drawn from former gang members were deployed under the National Service to clear rubbish in Kinshasa, praised by some but accused of abuse. Finance Reform: The DRC’s new stock market law aims to pave the way for a Kinshasa Stock Exchange, offering a new path for Congolese savings to become investment. Politics & Parliament: The National Assembly opens its September session amid opposition tensions, with the 2027 budget law expected to be a key focus.

Ebola Update: DR Congo says its worst-ever Ebola outbreak is “under control” and that the peak was reached in early August, but confirmed cases have now passed 7,000 and the virus has spread to a seventh province, with officials warning of flare-ups and the need for strict contact tracing. Ebola in Displacement Camps: Three Ebola cases were confirmed in Ituri’s Savo displaced persons camp, home to about 70,000 people in precarious conditions, raising fears of faster spread where sanitation is poor. Public Health Pressure: The government reports 7,022 cases and about 3,400 deaths, while health teams continue vaccination and tracing amid concerns that some areas may be reaching peaks at different times. Security & Civilians: A blast in Rutshuru, North Kivu killed seven civilians and injured three, with local authorities blaming an explosive device found by a child. Local Governance & Protest: Opposition C64 maintains a Sept. 15 march in Kinshasa, urging lawmakers to “listen to reason” ahead of the parliamentary opening. Urban Life: In Kinshasa, former gang members in a paramilitary “builders” cleanup force are clearing rubbish—while videos and residents’ accounts allege beatings and abuse. Education Tragedy: In Bukavu, a school fire and stampede killed at least 26 children, with UNICEF reporting injuries and officials citing multiple fire points.