AGP Executive Report

Ebola Emergency: UN Secretary-General António Guterres says the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has killed over 2,700 people and is adding about 500 new cases weekly, but the response is only 48% funded and could run out within weeks unless an extra $1.1bn is mobilized; insecurity, displacement, and attacks on health workers are slowing containment. Anglican Church in Burundi: The Archbishop of Canterbury visited Kenya and then Burundi, planting a tree in Nairobi and preaching at the installation of Eraste Bigirimana as the sixth Primate and Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Burundi in Bujumbura. Bujumbura Fire Aftermath: A major blaze destroyed two downtown shopping malls—Ndayizamba and Le Parisien—leaving merchants without goods and families without income, with a new fire reportedly breaking out amid the ruins. School Costs Rise in Gitega: As the school year nears, parents in Gitega report sharp increases in notebooks and uniforms, with some items now costing far more than last year. Regional Trade & Energy: East Africa’s oil rivalry heats up as plans for a major refinery in Lamu and a regional energy hub at Tanga compete for influence over where fuel is refined and distributed.

Ebola Emergency: UN Secretary-General António Guterres says the Ebola response in DRC is only 48% funded and could run out of money within weeks, warning “indifference” is worsening the crisis as deaths pass 2,700 and about 500 new cases are reported weekly. Regional Health Spillover: UN agencies report prevention work is already under way in neighbouring Burundi as the outbreak spreads across DRC provinces. Anglican Leadership: The Archbishop of Canterbury visited Kenya and Burundi, preaching at the installation of Burundi’s Anglican Primate in Bujumbura and calling for prayerful solidarity. Migration Pressure from France: France says development aid to Burundi, among other countries, will be linked to cooperation on stopping people-smuggling and accepting returns of irregular migrants to Mayotte. Bujumbura Fire Losses: Two downtown shopping malls—Ndayizamba and Le Parisien—were hit by a major blaze, leaving merchants with destroyed stock and mounting debts; a new fire later struck Kinindo market. Economy & Trade: East Africa’s oil rivalry heats up around Dangote’s proposed Lamu refinery and competing regional energy projects, while Rwanda pushes ahead with Rusizi Port near completion to boost Great Lakes trade.

Local Business & Safety: A major fire destroyed the Ndayizamba and Le Parisien shopping malls in downtown Bujumbura, leaving merchants with heavy losses and families facing debts, with a new blaze later reported in Kinindo market as investigations continue. Cost of Living & Education: In Gitega, school supplies and uniforms have jumped in price, turning the start of the school year into a luxury for many families. Regional Security: In eastern DRC’s Fizi, a drone strike allegedly linked to M23 hit Mwalu Hotel, with suspicions of an intelligence leak and named military figures raising questions. Justice & International Law: More than 130 rights groups urge action to defend the ICC as withdrawals spread and the U.S. campaign against the court intensifies. Migration Policy: France says development aid to Burundi and other countries will be tied to cooperation on stopping illegal migration to Mayotte, including returns and anti-smuggling efforts. Health: Tanzania’s urology camp (Sept 3–6) will offer specialist prostate and urinary care, including newer minimally invasive options. Youth & Governance: The African Union opened a four-day youth capacity-building programme on shared values, democratic governance, rights, peace and civic participation.

ICC Under Pressure: The International Criminal Court faces a fresh wave of hostility after the US moved against it over prosecutions of Israeli ministers, while other critics argue the court is a tool of “neocolonial repression,” with Burundi cited among African states that have already withdrawn. Migration & Aid Levers: France says it will tighten control around Mayotte and link about €300m in development aid to cooperation on illegal immigration, with criteria including action against traffickers, consular safe conducts, returns, and information-sharing—explicitly naming Burundi among targeted partners. Bujumbura Fire Disaster: Downtown Bujumbura was hit again as a new blaze ravaged part of the Kinindo market days after two major shopping malls burned, leaving traders with losses and prompting an investigation and talk of support measures. School Costs Bite in Gitega: As the school year nears, parents in Gitega report sharp price jumps for notebooks, uniforms, and supplies—turning back-to-school into a luxury for many families. Regional Security in Focus: Reports say Burundi and Uganda military officials met Israel to discuss possible troop deployment for a Gaza security force, with Burundi described as showing interest. Poverty Rankings: Global Finance’s 2026 GDP-PPP list puts Burundi at the very bottom globally, while Nigeria fell to 56th—highlighting how much of the world’s poorest countries are in Africa.

Market Fire Aftermath: Downtown Bujumbura was hit again as a new blaze ravaged the Kinindo market days after the Ndayizamba and Le Parisien shopping malls burned, leaving traders with losses and prompting an investigation and calls for stronger fire prevention. Local Cost of Living: In Gitega, back-to-school is becoming a luxury as notebook and uniform prices jump sharply, with some items scarce just as families also face the planting season. Security in the Region: In eastern DRC’s Fizi, a drone strike attributed to M23 hit the Mwalu Hotel, with suspicions of an intelligence leak and named FARDC and Burundian officials reportedly present before the attack. Health and Preparedness: WHO updated Ebola guidance as the outbreak in DRC spreads faster than before, with Burundi and other neighbors assessed at high risk. Regional Integration: The EAC moved toward implementation of a cross-border payment system, aiming to make intra-regional trade easier and expand access to financial services. International Diplomacy: Uganda and Burundi military officials met in Israel to discuss possible troop deployment for a Gaza security force.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission says 79 cybercrime suspects arrested in Lusaka were running an illegal digital lab targeting government systems, including the Electoral Commission of Zambia. Poverty Watch: Global Finance’s 2026 GDP-PPP ranking puts Burundi at the very bottom worldwide (about $994 per person), while Nigeria drops 12 places to 56th, underscoring worsening living standards across Africa. Ebola Update: WHO updated temporary recommendations as the DRC Ebola outbreak keeps spreading fast, with Burundi and other neighbours assessed as “high risk” and the DRC reporting thousands of confirmed cases and deaths. Regional Health Support: WHO says several African countries, including Burundi, reached major disease-elimination milestones despite deep cuts to global health funding. Gaza Security Talks: Uganda and Burundi military officials met in Israel to discuss joining a proposed international stabilization force for Gaza; Uganda has approved about 1,200 troops, while Burundi is still considering its role. EAC Integration: The East African Community moves toward a regional cross-border payment system, aiming to boost trade and access to financial services. First Lady Recognition: Merck Foundation congratulates Burundi’s First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye and Fondation Bonne Action Umugiraneza after winning the 2026 UN Population Award.

Global Poverty Watch: Burundi has been ranked the world’s poorest country in a 2026 GDP-per-capita (PPP) list by Global Finance, with just $994.23 per person, while Nigeria fell to 56th ($9,532.92) and nine of the 10 lowest-ranked countries are in Africa. Regional Health Security: WHO says Africa has still notched major health gains despite deep funding cuts, naming Burundi among countries reaching disease-elimination milestones, as WHO also updated Ebola guidance for the DRC after the outbreak’s rapid spread. Ebola Alert for Neighbours: WHO and Africa CDC warn that the DRC Ebola situation remains a fast-moving threat, with Burundi assessed as “high risk” and the outbreak surpassing 5,500 confirmed cases. Gaza Diplomacy: Uganda and Burundi military officials met in Israel to discuss joining a US-backed international stabilization force for Gaza; Uganda has approved about 1,200 troops, while Burundi’s participation is still under consideration. First Lady Recognition: Merck Foundation congratulated Burundi’s First Lady, Angeline Ndayishimiye, and Fondation Bonne Action Umugiraneza after the foundation won a 2026 UN Population Award.

Ebola Watch: Africa CDC says the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is spreading fast, with confirmed cases now above 5,500 and deaths at 2,642, as the virus expands from a few health zones to dozens across the country. Gaza Security Talks: Uganda and Burundi military officials met Israel to discuss joining a proposed international stabilization force for Gaza under the U.S. “Board of Peace”; Uganda has approved about 1,200 troops, while Burundi is still considering its role. Rwanda-Burundi Tensions: President Paul Kagame rejects Burundi President Ndayishimiye’s claim that Rwanda failed to honour commitments, pointing to past assurances and denying any unmet obligations. Local Tragedy at Musenyi: A young refugee, Jibu Ushindi, died after going to feed goats and then bathing in a river near the Musenyi camp; residents demand clarity on the circumstances. Travel Advisory: The UK Foreign Office issued “do not travel” warnings for 36 countries, citing risks including conflict and disease. Poverty Snapshot: A new GDP per-capita ranking places Burundi among the world’s poorest, with PPP per person around $994.

Gaza Peacekeeping Talks: Uganda and Burundi military officials have visited Israel to discuss joining a proposed international stabilization force for Gaza under US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace,” with Uganda already approved for about 1,200 troops while Burundi is still considering its role and troop size. UN Human Rights Pressure: UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese urged an international protection force for the occupied West Bank and Gaza, citing urgent duties under the ICJ ruling as Security Council action remains blocked. Burundi Economy at Home: A major fire destroyed two downtown Bujumbura shopping malls, leaving merchants with heavy losses and disrupting local commerce. Regional Health Security: ECSA Health Community launched a six-month Ebola preparedness push along DRC border trade and migration corridors, targeting 33 entry points to speed detection and reporting. Public Health Milestone: Uganda and four other African countries were cleared of recent polio outbreaks after assessments found transmission of polio type 2 had stopped. Energy & Trade Links: Tanzania inaugurated the Julius Nyerere hydropower project, boosting regional electricity supply potential for cross-border power trade.

Gaza Security Talks: Uganda and Burundi military officials met in Israel to discuss sending troops to Gaza under a US-backed “Board of Peace” ceasefire plan, with Uganda said to be finalising details after parliamentary approval and Burundi still assessing participation. Election Pressure on Business: Ahead of Burundi’s August 2027 polls, private sector voices warn political tension could deter investment and hit tourism, transport, services and trade. Bujumbura Fire: A major fire swept through two downtown shopping malls, the Ndayizamba mall and Le Parisien, leaving merchants with heavy losses and forcing temporary closures nearby. Water Crisis: Residents across Bujumbura say drinking water shortages are worsening, with long queues at Regideso points and costly water transport. University Support: Burundi plans to relaunch university catering for about 4,000 students at the University of Burundi from 2 September, after years of students self-funding meals and housing. Ebola Preparedness: ECSA-HC launched a six-month regional Ebola response along DRC-linked trade and migration corridors, including Burundi, to strengthen border screening and rapid isolation. Arms Trafficking Case: Burundi’s Attorney General opened legal proceedings over alleged illicit arms trafficking using forged documents, with arrests reported but details still limited.

Oil & Investment: Aliko Dangote has offered East African countries a combined 30% equity stake in his planned 700,000-bpd Lamu refinery, with Kenya expected to take 10% (about $500m) and Ethiopia and Rwanda showing interest, while the project is estimated at $16–17bn for the refinery and up to $20bn with ports and petrochemicals. Ebola Preparedness: The ECSA Health Community launched a six-month emergency push along DRC border points of entry and trade/migration corridors, including Burundi, to speed up detection, isolation and reporting of suspected Ebola cases. UN Leadership Watch: A new UN secretary-general selection process is underway, with a second straw poll pointing to Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett as narrowly ahead, as candidates vie for Security Council support. Bujumbura Daily Life: A major fire gutted two downtown shopping malls, while residents in multiple neighborhoods continue to struggle with drinking water shortages; separately, the University of Burundi plans to relaunch student catering with over 11bn Burundian francs. Elections in the Making: CENI mapped Gitega province for the 2027 presidential election, setting registration centers and polling stations by district.

Bujumbura Fire Disaster: A violent fire tore through two downtown shopping malls—Ndayizamba and Le Parisien—starting around 6:00 a.m., forcing closures and leaving merchants with major losses. Water Crisis in the City: Residents across Bujumbura say drinking water deliveries remain unreliable, with long queues at Regideso points and costly water transport in neighborhoods like Musaga, Kanyosha and Gasekebuye. University of Burundi Food Restart: The government plans to relaunch meals for about 4,000 students from 2 September, allocating over 11 billion Burundian francs after years without catering. Health Security for Ebola: ECSA-HC launched a six-month emergency push at 33 border points along DRC-linked trade and migration corridors, including Burundi, to speed detection, isolation and reporting. Elections Planning in Gitega: CENI presented the 2027 electoral map for Gitega province, detailing registration centers and polling stations ahead of the presidential vote. Arms Trafficking Case: Burundi’s Attorney General opened proceedings over alleged illicit arms trafficking using forged documents, with arrests already reported. UN Secretary-General Race: A new straw poll for the next UN chief is underway, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett reported narrowly ahead so far.

Ebola Preparedness: ECSA-HC launched a six-month emergency push to stop Ebola spreading from the DRC through 33 border entry points and 16 trade/migration corridors, including routes into Burundi, with frontline teams trained for early detection, safe isolation and rapid reporting. Bujumbura Fire: A major blaze swept through two downtown shopping malls, starting at the Ndayizamba mall before spreading to Le Parisien, leaving merchants with heavy losses and forcing nearby businesses and the Bujumbura Credit Bank to close temporarily. Water Crisis: Residents across Bujumbura say drinking water shortages are dragging on, with long queues at Regideso points, costly water transport, and families spending significant daily sums just to cope. University Support: Burundi plans to relaunch student catering from 2 September, with over 11 billion Burundian francs earmarked to feed about 4,000 University of Burundi students after years of suspension. Electoral Groundwork: CENI presented Gitega’s electoral map for the 2027 presidential election, detailing registration centers and polling stations district by district. Arms Trafficking Case: Burundi’s Attorney General opened proceedings over alleged illicit arms trafficking using forged documents, with arrests already made and more details still pending. China-Africa Media: China and African partners adopted a joint declaration at the 7th Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation in Beijing, aiming to deepen cooperation in radio, TV, film and AI-driven audio-visual innovation. UN Secretary-General Race: A new round of informal polling keeps the UN leadership race active, with multiple candidates now competing to replace Antonio Guterres.

Bujumbura Fire Disaster: A violent blaze swept through two downtown shopping malls—Ndayizamba and Le Parisien—starting around 6:00 a.m., with thick smoke, a security perimeter, and major losses for merchants as fire trucks struggled to access the arcades. Water Crisis in the Capital: Residents across Bujumbura say drinking water deliveries remain erratic, forcing long waits at Regideso points and costly water transport, with some paying far more than usual for basic supplies. University of Burundi Food Support: The government plans to restart meals for about 4,000 students from 2 September after years of suspension, allocating over 11 billion Burundian francs to cover campuses in Bujumbura and Gitega. Gitega Election Groundwork: CENI presented Gitega’s electoral map for 2027, outlining registration centers and polling stations across nine districts as the commission prepares the vote. Ebola Border Preparedness: ECSA-HC launched a six-month emergency plan at 33 DRC border entry points, including Burundi, to strengthen surveillance, isolation, lab transport, and cross-border notification. Arms Trafficking Case: Burundi’s Attorney General opened proceedings over alleged illicit arms trafficking using forged documents, with arrests already made and weapons seized, though details remain limited. Public Health Milestone: WHO confirmed polio type 2 transmission has stopped in Burundi and four other African countries after assessments and targeted vaccination efforts.

Ebola Preparedness: ECSA-HC launched a six-month emergency plan at 33 border entry points along the DRC frontier, targeting high-risk corridors and equipping border teams with digital surveillance, isolation protocols, and lab transport to stop Ebola spread. Arms Trafficking Probe: Burundi’s Attorney General opened legal proceedings over alleged illicit arms trafficking using forged documents; two men were arrested (including South African Wayne Patrick Du Toit and Burundian Eddie Muco) and authorities say weapons were seized, though details remain scarce. Water Crisis in Bujumbura: Residents across Bujumbura report weeks without reliable water deliveries, long queues at Regideso points, and rising costs for water transport and sales. University Support: The government will relaunch meals for about 4,000 University of Burundi students from 2 September, after years of students self-funding housing and food. Health & Hygiene in Bugendana: Butchers at the Bitare slaughterhouse in Gitega say they’ve lacked safe drinking water for over a year and face poor sanitation, raising disease risks. 2027 Election Planning: CENI presented Gitega’s electoral map ahead of the 2027 presidential vote, outlining registration centers and polling stations by district. Missing Persons Case: Families in northern Burundi report two men missing since 12 August, alleging interception near Bujumbura’s presidential area, with no official update yet. UN Leadership Race: The Security Council is set for another straw poll on candidates to replace António Guterres, with eight contenders named.

Aid and Food Security: DP World and the UN World Food Programme delivered 5,000 tonnes of rice to Burundi, DR Congo and Rwanda, moving it from India to Dar es Salaam then overland to humanitarian sites, aiming to feed over 14,200 people for a month amid rising hunger pressures. Health: WHO says polio type 2 transmission has been stopped in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo and Uganda after assessments and targeted vaccination and surveillance. Water and Diplomacy: Egypt warned it will not allow new Ethiopian dams on the Nile, saying it has the right to defend water security, as Nile tensions continue. Regional Trade and Transport: The World Bank signaled possible support for a second phase of Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port upgrade and urged corridor investment that could extend rail connectivity to Burundi. Workplace Rights: Burundi’s employers’ association calls for confidential reporting mechanisms to tackle workplace violence and harassment, urging implementation of ILO Convention 190. Local Health Crisis: Bubanza residents report worsening drinking-water shortages as cholera concerns grow, with REGIDESO struggling to supply all neighborhoods.