AGP Executive Report

Ebola Crisis in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo says suspected Ebola cases have surged past 1,000 (1,077) since May 15, with 121 lab-confirmed infections and 17 deaths, as insecurity and displacement in eastern provinces keep response teams under pressure. Regional Risk for Burundi: Africa CDC warns that Burundi is among 10 countries at heightened risk, alongside Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Zambia and others, with WHO raising the alert to “very high” and neighbors tightening measures. Community Response Focus: UNICEF urges stronger community engagement to fight misinformation and protect children, stressing that contact tracing and early care are being hampered by fear and violence. Burundi-Tanzania Partnership: Burundi and Tanzania highlight deeper cooperation, including the $2.15bn Standard Gauge Railway linking Uvinza to Musongati to cut transport costs and boost regional trade. Diplomacy and Security: A Congolese defense official visited Bujumbura to reaffirm security cooperation with Burundi amid the wider eastern DRC crisis. Humanitarian and Rights: Swiss forced returns of Burundian asylum seekers face renewed criticism, with experts warning of risks of persecution and non-refoulement violations.

Ebola Surge in DRC: Africa CDC says suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda have passed 1,000, with 1,077 suspected cases and 246 probable deaths since the DRC outbreak was declared on May 15; the agency warns 11 countries—including Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania—are at high risk as surveillance, contact tracing and lab capacity struggle amid conflict and limited funding. Regional Border Pressure: WHO and partners urge neighbors to act fast, while Uganda reports linked cases and temporary border closures, and Rwanda tightens controls that are already hitting cross-border trade in North Kivu. Community Response Under Strain: UNICEF highlights that misinformation, fear and insecurity are undermining contact tracing and prevention, calling for stronger community engagement to protect children and families. Burundi-Specific Human Rights Concern: Swiss forced returns of Burundian asylum seekers are denounced by civil society and legal experts, who say risk assessments may be incomplete and could breach non-refoulement. EAC Connectivity Push: East African regulators are drafting harmonized mobile roaming rules to cut cross-border communication costs and boost regional trade and the digital economy. Trade Opportunity for Coffee: China will open its market to eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties starting July 20, with Burundi already among those with access.

Ebola Surge in DRC: The suspected Ebola caseload in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has crossed 1,000, reaching 1,077 suspected cases with 121 confirmed and 17 deaths, as health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu strain under insecurity and displacement. Regional Border Moves: Neighbours are tightening entry controls; Uganda temporarily closed its border with Congo, and Kenya approved a US quarantine facility for exposed Americans, sparking debate in Nairobi. Community Response: UNICEF is urging stronger community engagement to counter misinformation and improve prevention, warning that the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment. Burundi in the Risk List: Africa CDC flags Burundi among countries at heightened risk, while travel advisories abroad include Burundi among high-risk destinations. Humanitarian and Aid Pressure: Switzerland announced $3.8M emergency support for the DRC response, and the UN peacekeeping funding crisis hit a 25-year low, adding pressure to already stretched regional capacity. Trade Update: China will open its coffee market to eligible beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties starting July 20, 2026, including Burundi.

Ebola Surge in the Region: The DRC’s suspected Ebola cases have passed 1,000, reaching 1,077 suspected with 121 confirmed and 17 deaths, as the outbreak spreads across 13 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu; authorities have suspended social activities in Ituri, while WHO warns the conflict is turning the response into “catch-up” and urges an immediate ceasefire to allow safe humanitarian access. Burundi in the Risk List: Africa CDC flags Burundi among 10 countries at heightened risk, and multiple countries are issuing travel advisories and border measures that include Burundi, reflecting how quickly the outbreak is reshaping movement and planning across the Great Lakes. Security Cooperation, Border Focus: In Bujumbura, Burundi and the DRC reaffirmed defense cooperation after a visit by Congolese Deputy Prime Minister Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, with talks centered on border security and regional threats. Forced Returns Debate: Swiss deportations of Burundian asylum seekers are drawing fresh criticism, with experts and civil society warning that returns expose people to persecution and calling for a reassessment of asylum practices. Trade Boost for Coffee: China will open its coffee market to eligible beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties from July 20, 2026, with Burundi among those already cleared.

Ebola Update: The Democratic Republic of Congo says suspected Ebola cases have jumped to 1,077 (121 confirmed, 17 deaths) across 13 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, as authorities intensify screening and community awareness while suspending social activities in Ituri. Regional Risk for Burundi: Africa CDC warns that Burundi is among 10 countries at risk, and WHO says the outbreak is being worsened by insecurity and conflict, making humanitarian access and contact tracing harder. Border and Travel Measures: Uganda announced temporary border closures with Congo, while Russia and other countries stepped up entry health checks; in Burundi’s region, the message is clear—expect tighter movement controls as cases rise. Humanitarian Funding: The EU says humanitarian needs are at an all-time high and funding can reach fewer than half of people needing help, pushing reforms to deliver aid more efficiently. Local Burundi Justice/rights: Reports also highlight concerns over forced deportations from Switzerland and unanswered questions after a police-linked death and disappearance in Burunga.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern DRC: WHO chief Tedros warns the outbreak is colliding with conflict in Ituri, saying eastern DRC faces a “catastrophic collision” as fighting, displacement and attacks on health facilities block humanitarian access; with no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, WHO urges a ceasefire and safe access for medical teams. Regional Preparedness: Ethiopia says it has stepped up Ebola screening and surveillance at airports and land borders, while WHO and Africa CDC warn neighbouring countries to act immediately as suspected cases surge. Burundi Deportations from Switzerland: SOS Médias Burundi reports families in Bujumbura are receiving young people deported from Switzerland, with rights groups calling the forced returns risky and urging Swiss authorities to suspend the practice. Local Justice Concerns: In Burunga, a police officer’s death and the disappearance of a wounded young man after an operation linked to suspected fuel trafficking have sparked calls for clarification and an independent investigation. Diplomacy & Integration: Africa Day messages from AU leaders, including Burundi’s President Ndayishimiye, push unity, integration and reforms to global governance.

Ebola Alarm Escalates: The Ebola crisis in eastern DR Congo is driving a wave of emergency measures across the region and beyond. Ethiopia says it has found no suspected or confirmed cases yet, but is stepping up screening at land borders and airports, boosting lab capacity, and preparing health facilities as WHO and Africa CDC warn the outbreak is spreading fast and outpacing response efforts. Cross-Border Pressure: Neighbours are being urged to act immediately, while in Congo, attacks on Ebola treatment centres and patients fleeing have disrupted care. Travel Rules Tighten: The US is ramping up airport screening for travellers linked to DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, and even the DRC’s World Cup team is being told to stay in isolation for 21 days to enter the US. Burundi Under Scrutiny: Separately, Burundi is facing fresh controversy over forced deportations from Switzerland, with experts warning the returns could be risky.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: In eastern DR Congo, Ebola response is being hit by violence and chaos—police fired warning shots as patients fled attacks on treatment facilities, and relatives tried to reclaim bodies at Mongwalu, while the WHO and Africa CDC warn the outbreak is spreading faster than teams can respond, with 900+ suspected cases and 220 suspected deaths reported across the region. Border Screening Tightens: The US is ramping up Ebola checks at three airports for travelers from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, while Ethiopia is adding inspections and surveillance at entry points. Regional Trade Pressure: In Bukavu, traders say Rwanda’s border measures are already causing shortages and fear of famine. Kenya’s Energy Strain: Kenya Power says it must ration electricity when wind and solar output collapses, exposing how fragile supply remains. Africa Day Push: AU leaders used Africa Day to call for stronger unity and reforms to global governance. Tanzania Dealmaking: Tanzania touts economic diplomacy gains, including medical tourism and major infrastructure momentum.

Ebola Alarm Escalates: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says Congo’s neighbors face “especially high risk” and must act immediately as the outbreak spreads faster than response teams can keep up. He points to late detection, insecurity and distrust in eastern DRC, and the fact there are still no approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain. Numbers Rising: WHO and Africa CDC report over 900 suspected cases in DRC and 220 suspected deaths, with Uganda confirming new cases linked to travel from Congo; Africa CDC warns 10 countries are at high risk. Travel and Screening Tightened: Italy reported two suspected Ebola cases in Milan after travel from Uganda, while multiple countries and regions move to strengthen entry checks and self-monitoring rules. Regional Pressure Builds: Africa CDC and WHO urge a coordinated “one plan” response as insecurity and misinformation threaten contact tracing and care.

Ebola Escalation: The Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is worsening fast. WHO has raised the risk to “very high,” while DR Congo says deaths have climbed to 204 from 867 suspected cases. Uganda confirmed three more cases, bringing its total to five. Regional Alarm: Africa CDC says 10 countries are now at risk of spread—Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia—citing high mobility and insecurity. Human Cost: The Red Cross mourned three volunteers who died after handling bodies in Ituri, underscoring how dangerous response work has become. Cross-Border Response: Health ministers and partners are pushing a “one team, one plan, one budget” approach, while the U.S. backs the effort with $23 million and travel restrictions. Trade & Connectivity: Away from the outbreak, the EAC is meeting in Dar es Salaam to harmonize a mobile roaming framework to cut cross-border communication costs.

Ebola Surge in Congo: Confirmed Ebola cases in DR Congo have now passed 100, with the outbreak active in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, while suspected cases top 900 and deaths are rising—WHO says at least seven deaths are confirmed. Uganda Adds New Cases: Uganda reported three more Ebola cases, bringing its confirmed total to five. Regional Alarm: Africa CDC warns 10 countries—including Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Zambia—are at high risk as “high mobility and insecurity” fuel spread. Frontline Pressure: Congo has suspended social activities in Ituri, and attacks on Ebola facilities have intensified, while three Red Cross volunteers have died after suspected exposure while handling bodies. Nigeria Readiness: Nigeria’s health agency has placed the country on high risk of Ebola importation and says its emergency operations centre is on alert.

Ebola Alarm Escalates: Africa CDC says 10 countries are now at high risk of Ebola spreading from the DRC and Uganda—naming South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia, Central African Republic, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Angola, Republic of the Congo, and Burundi—warning that “high mobility and insecurity” are driving the danger. Death Toll Rises in DRC: The DRC updated fatalities to 204, as Uganda confirmed three new cases, bringing its total to five. Human Cost Mounts: The Red Cross mourned three volunteers who died after suspected Ebola exposure while handling bodies in eastern DRC. Regional Response Tightens: ECSA-HC is stepping up joint border preparedness, while countries outside the region are also moving—travel screening and entry curbs have been reported from the US and Gulf states. Local Pressure in Burundi: Amid the health scare, Burundi also faces strain at home, with prisons running far beyond capacity and officials urging action.

Ebola Escalation: The DRC’s Ebola death toll has jumped to 204, with 867 suspected cases reported, as Uganda confirmed three new infections (bringing its total to five) and the Red Cross said three volunteers died in the neighboring country. The WHO has declared the outbreak an international emergency, while the Africa CDC warns 10 more African countries are at risk—including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia—citing “high mobility and insecurity” across the region. Cross-Border Pressure: Health agencies are urging faster detection and better coordination, as response teams struggle with late confirmation and overlapping illnesses. Regional Precaution Moves: Pakistan has intensified airport screening, and the US has expanded Ebola-related entry restrictions, including a temporary ban on green-card holders who recently traveled to DRC, Uganda or South Sudan. Burundi Watch: Locally, authorities are also grappling with prison overcrowding—with justice officials warning facilities are far beyond capacity—while health surveillance remains a key concern as the Great Lakes region stays on alert.

Ebola Alarm Spikes Across Borders: Uganda confirmed three new Ebola cases as the WHO declared the outbreak an international emergency, while the AU warned 10 countries are now at risk—naming Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and others—amid fears the virus could spread further from eastern DR Congo. Health Funding & Travel Tightening: The World Bank is mobilising staff and a financing package for DR Congo, and countries are tightening entry rules; even a passenger on an Air France flight from DR Congo was denied entry by the US and forced to divert. Regional Pressure Points: Tanzania urged stronger cooperation to protect Lake Victoria, while East Africa faces added strain from uneven fuel costs and logistics disruptions. Local Humanitarian Fallout: In South Africa’s Durban, anti-migrant violence pushed hundreds of foreigners into church shelters, showing how fast fear can become a crisis.

Ebola Response Ramps Up: The World Bank says it has sent staff and resources to eastern DR Congo and is building a faster financing package as the outbreak worsens, with Burundi and South Sudan flagged for weak response systems and Uganda facing funding gaps. Cross-Border Alarm: WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with hundreds of suspected cases and deaths reported in DR Congo and imported cases in Uganda, while countries across the region tighten entry checks. Travel Disruption: The US blocked an Air France passenger from DR Congo, forcing a diversion to Canada, and Saudi Arabia says it is monitoring Ebola and hantavirus risks for pilgrims. Local Watch: Burundi’s surveillance is being stepped up after the DR Congo outbreak. Other News: Mpulungu Port in Zambia is set for an upgrade to boost Great Lakes trade, while South Africa’s Durban sees hundreds of foreign nationals sheltering amid anti-migrant pressure.

Ebola Alarm Escalates: The DRC’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak is worsening, with WHO warning of “scale and speed” as cases and suspected deaths climb and a Bundibugyo-strain vaccine is still months away; Saudi Arabia says it has no cases at home but is tightening screening for arrivals ahead of Hajj, while the US blocked a Congo passenger and forced an Air France flight diversion. Cross-Border Pressure: Neighbours are reinforcing readiness, and Russia says it will help DRC and Uganda contain the outbreak quickly. Migration Tensions in South Africa: In Durban, hundreds of legally documented immigrants remain displaced after anti-migrant mobs and police actions, with around 150 still camped outside Home Affairs. Trade & Infrastructure Push: Zambia and Burundi are moving to upgrade Mpulungu Port and explore a rail link, while Tanzania unveils a near $985m works budget and Maersk raises peak surcharges to East Africa. Lake Victoria Watch: The EAC released its first Lake Victoria Basin report, flagging pollution and planning gaps as the lake’s condition deteriorates.