AGP Executive Report

Bujumbura Crime Crackdown: Burundi National Police say they found three bodies on Mwezi Gisabo Boulevard and have arrested over 800 people since early August as they intensify searches in “high-risk” neighbourhoods. Regional Integration Through Sport: Tanzania’s Prime Minister’s office says school sports are key to East African integration as the 2026 FEASSA Games in Morogoro bring together thousands of students and officials from across the region, including Burundi. Lake Tanganyika Transport Boost: Tanzania’s Transport Minister Prof. Makame Mbarawa begins technical trials for the rehabilitated MV Liemba, a 111-year-old ship linking Tanzania, Burundi, Zambia and the DRC, with commercial service expected to resume on September 1. EAC AI Push: The EAC and Germany launch the second AI4EAC Challenge, targeting 20,000 people across partner states and adding an Ebola response track. Human Rights Spotlight: A CPJ appeal urges DRC authorities to restore internet and mobile services cut off in Fizi Territory for more than a month, disrupting local journalists’ work. Culture & Community: Congolese artist Freed Mushaga announces “SAMANA,” a cross-cultural collaboration with Burundian spoken-word singer Joy Slam, releasing September 4.

Crime Crackdown in Bujumbura: Burundi National Police say three bodies were found on Mwezi Gisabo Boulevard and report 800+ arrests since early August, as security operations target theft and people hiding in hard-to-reach areas. DRC Media Access Under Strain: In eastern South Kivu’s Fizi Territory, authorities have kept mobile and internet services cut for over a month, drawing calls from the Committee to Protect Journalists to restore communications for residents and journalists. Refugees and Funding Pressure: Uganda’s relief minister urges refugees to consider voluntary return to home countries as humanitarian funding drops, while Sudanese repatriations from Uganda continue. Regional Labour Migration: Tanzania took over chairmanship of an East and Horn of Africa labour mobility committee, aiming for safer, orderly migration across the region. EAC Tech Push: EAC and Germany launched the second AI4EAC Challenge, expanding to 20,000 participants and adding an Ebola response track. Health Systems Shift: A regional training in Dar es Salaam is equipping frontline mentors to better spot chronic disease risks alongside infectious threats.

Crime Crackdown in Bujumbura: Burundi National Police say they found three bodies on Mwezi Gisabo Boulevard and have arrested more than 800 people since early August, as security operations intensify in high-risk neighborhoods. Refugees and Aid Pressure: Uganda’s relief minister urges refugees to consider voluntary return as humanitarian funding declines, noting rising caseloads and limited budgets; meanwhile, 150 Sudanese refugees have been repatriated from Uganda as security improves. Digital and Health Capacity: EAC and Germany launched the second AI4EAC Challenge, aiming to reach 20,000 people and add an Ebola response track, while a regional training in Dar es Salaam strengthens frontline health workers’ ability to spot both infectious and chronic disease threats. Regional Trade and Transport: Tanzania’s MV Liemba is set to relaunch after a Sh34 billion overhaul, with commercial operations planned for September 1, and the EAC trade fair in Mwanza will bring eight countries together for business links. Burundi in the Spotlight: A Burundian Catholic sister calls for better care for abandoned elderly people, as Bujumbura also marks youth-focused progress through Africa’s youth charter push.

Crime Crackdown in Bujumbura: Burundi National Police say they found three bodies on Mwezi Gisabo Boulevard and report over 800 arrests since early August, as patrols target theft and people hiding in hard-to-reach areas. Refugees and Funding Pressure: Uganda’s relief minister urges refugees, including 17,458 Burundians, to consider voluntary return as humanitarian funding drops and Uganda hosts over 1.25 million refugees. Ebola Alarm in the DRC: Africa CDC warns the Ebola outbreak is accelerating, with 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths, urging stronger action as spread widens. Regional Trade Boost: Tanzania’s chamber says eight countries will take part in the EAC Trade Fair in Mwanza (Aug 28–Sep 6), including Burundi, aiming for new market links. Digital and Tech Policy Push: Burundi and partners discuss strengthening tech sector policy and digital freedom to drive innovation and jobs. Transport Connectivity: Tanzania’s shipping agency TASHICO says it is expanding routes that could link to Burundi and the wider region, building beyond passenger services. Business Recognition: Viettel tops the 2026 International Business Awards, winning 28 prizes, with most coming from overseas operations.

Transport & Regional Trade: Tanzania’s DMG has completed the TSh 34 billion overhaul of the 111-year-old MV Liemba and begun technical trials on Lake Tanganyika, with officials saying the ship should return to commercial service on September 1—an important link for Burundi, Zambia and the DRC. Digital Economy & Policy: CEPI and the Free Tech Institute discussed how Burundi and Cameroon can unlock tech growth, calling for stronger digital infrastructure, better financing access and clearer rules to support innovation and entrepreneurship. EAC Business & Integration: The 21st East African Community Trade Fair in Mwanza (Aug 28–Sep 6) will bring together eight countries, including Burundi, to help firms find new markets and distributors under a theme of peace and security for trade. Health Systems: Africa CDC warns Ebola in DR Congo has surged past 2,000 deaths, with transmission expanding faster than conventional response efforts. Humanitarian Pressure: Uganda’s relief minister urges refugees to consider voluntary return to home countries as funding declines, noting Burundi refugees have registered for return. Identity & Services: A focus on birth registration and biometrics highlights how Burundi and other countries can build trusted digital public infrastructure by binding identity data early to national ID systems. Youth & Governance: Burundi hosts a continental youth, peace and security dialogue marking 20 years of the African Youth Charter, pushing for real participation through laws, budgets and institutions.

Refugee Pressure in East Africa: Uganda’s relief minister Sam Engola says humanitarian funding is shrinking while the refugee population has surged to over 2 million, urging refugees—including 17,458 Burundians—to consider voluntary return to Burundi. Digital Identity in Burundi’s Region: A report on birth registration and biometrics highlights Rwanda and Thailand as models, while noting Burundi is cited as a reason for optimism as civil registration links into national ID systems. Tech Sector for Burundi: CEPI and the Free Tech Institute discussed how Burundi and Cameroon can strengthen innovation and digital transformation, pointing to gaps in infrastructure, financing, and policy frameworks. EAC Trade Push: The EAC Trade Fair in Mwanza (Aug 28–Sep 6) will bring eight countries and over 600 exhibitors, with Burundi among the participants, under a theme tying peace and security to trade and investment. Public Health Alarm: Africa CDC warns Ebola in DR Congo has surpassed 2,000 deaths as it spreads across more provinces, saying response efforts are being outpaced. Elder Care Call: A Burundian Catholic sister urges stronger support for abandoned older people, framing care for the elderly as a duty for society.

Digital Identity & Birth Registration: A new week of reporting highlights how biometric binding and foundational ID must be handled from the start to protect trust, reduce fraud, and avoid costly service delays—while Burundi is cited as a reason for optimism as birth registration links into national ID systems. Human Rights Leadership: Dr. Jim Chimezie Okolo has been confirmed as West Africa’s regional director for Inter-Governmental Affairs at IHRPS, pledging stronger human rights, peace and governance across the region. EAC Trade & AI Push: Burundi is among countries expected at the EAC Trade Fair in Mwanza (Aug 28–Sep 6), and the EAC and Germany launched AI4EAC to train 20,000 East Africans and fund AI solutions, including an Ebola-response track. Ebola Alarm in DRC: Africa CDC warns the DRC Ebola outbreak has surged past 2,000 deaths, with cases expanding faster than response efforts. Refugees & Voluntary Return: Uganda’s minister urged refugees—including Burundians—to consider voluntary return as humanitarian funding declines; 17,458 Burundian refugees have registered. China Zero-Tariff Boost: China’s zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries is already lifting exports, with fresh produce and processed goods appearing more on Chinese shelves. Burundi in the Spotlight: A Burundi-focused piece notes youth participation momentum around the 20-year African Youth Charter, alongside local reporting on care for abandoned elderly people.

Digital Economy & Policy: CEPI and Burundi’s Free Tech Institute discussed how weak digital infrastructure, limited financing and policy gaps are holding back tech growth in Burundi and Cameroon, urging stronger digital rules and investment in skills and entrepreneurship. EAC Trade & Business: Eight countries are set for the 21st EAC Trade Fair in Mwanza (Aug 28–Sep 6), with Burundi among the African participants, under the theme “Peace and Security as a Catalyst for Trade and Investment.” Public Health: Africa CDC warned that Ebola in DR Congo has surged past 2,000 deaths, with the outbreak spreading faster than conventional response efforts. Refugees & Humanitarian Funding: Uganda’s relief minister urged refugees—including 17,458 Burundians registered for voluntary return—to go back home as humanitarian budgets shrink. Youth & Governance: Burundi is pushing the African Youth Charter’s 20-year agenda at a youth, peace and security dialogue, focusing on turning youth promises into real decision-making power. EAC AI Push: The EAC and Germany launched AI4EAC, aiming to train 20,000 people and add an Ebola-response AI track. Transport & Regional Trade: Security fears are disrupting trucking on the Northern Corridor toward eastern DRC, with drivers urged to avoid the Beni-Kisangani route.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: Africa CDC warns the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is accelerating fast, with deaths now above 2,000 and spread widening to dozens of health zones across multiple provinces. Regional Health & Tech: The East African Community and Germany launch an AI innovation push to help young people build tools for Ebola detection, preparedness and response as cases rise. Burundi & Youth Governance: Burundi hosts a high-level youth, peace and security dialogue marking 20 years of the African Youth Charter, with calls to turn youth promises into real influence through laws, budgets and institutions. Refugees & Aid Pressure: Uganda urges refugees to return home as humanitarian funding declines, citing overcrowding and shrinking budgets, including reports of voluntary returns to Burundi. Trade & Connectivity: Kenya and Tanzania renew efforts to link their rail projects with landlocked neighbours, including Burundi, as they seek new funding and stronger regional routes. EAC Digital Foundations: Birth registration is highlighted as a key layer for digital public infrastructure, with Rwanda cited for integrating civil registration with national ID systems. Transport Security: Truckers in East Africa are grounding vehicles bound for eastern DRC after killings on the Northern Corridor route, threatening cargo flows. Business Watch: Burundi-linked regional logistics gets a boost as Tanzania’s shipping agency signals plans to reopen routes to Burundi and beyond.

Ebola Alert in the Region: Africa CDC warns the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is accelerating fast, with deaths now above 2,000 and cases spreading across more health zones and provinces than before. Burundi Humanitarian Push: Uganda’s government urges refugees to return to Burundi as humanitarian funding drops, citing voluntary repatriation registrations and growing pressure on budgets. Youth and Governance in Focus: Burundi hosts a high-level youth, peace and security dialogue marking 20 years of the African Youth Charter, with calls for real youth participation in laws, budgets, and decision-making. EAC and AI for Public Health: The EAC and Germany launch an AI innovation challenge to help young innovators build tools for Ebola detection, preparedness, and response across East Africa. Regional Trade and Security: Kenyan truckers say killings on the Beni-Kisangani route are forcing drivers to halt travel, threatening cargo flows through the Northern Corridor. Burundi Care for the Elderly: A Burundian Catholic sister calls elderly support a “duty” for society, urging more help for institutions caring for abandoned older people. Transport Links for Burundi: Kenya and Tanzania renew efforts to extend rail links toward landlocked neighbours including Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi to boost regional connectivity.

FNL Rebels Return to Armed Politics: Burundi’s FNL-Ubugabo Burihabwa resurfaced with new social-media videos and a statement calling for force to remove President Évariste Ndayishimiye and the CNDD-FDD, urging opposition unity and targeting “liberation” of the country. Youth, Peace and Water Talks in Bujumbura: The AU Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security and Women, Peace and Security opened in Bujumbura, with leaders stressing water governance as key to conflict prevention and inclusive leadership. Regional Security Hits Trade Routes: Kenyan truckers say killings of drivers in eastern DR Congo have pushed many to park and avoid the Beni-Kisangani route, threatening cargo flows through the Northern Corridor. Justice and Finance Case: Namibia’s acting prosecutor general secured an order freezing N$3.5m in accounts linked to a Burundian national accused of drug dealing, money laundering and tax evasion. EAC and Germany Back AI for Ebola: The EAC launched an AI innovation challenge for young people to build tools for Ebola detection, preparedness and response as cases rise in the region. Clean Water Drive in Bujumbura: CRDB Bank Burundi’s marathon raised support for communities facing clean water shortages, with the First Lady praising sport-linked social responsibility.

FIFA Politics in Focus: African football associations are staying mostly quiet as CAF backs Gianni Infantino, but analysts warn Africa’s 54 members may not vote as one, given past broken ranks. Youth, Peace and Water in Burundi: In Bujumbura, Burundi hosted the AU Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security and Women, Peace and Security, with leaders stressing water governance as key to lasting peace and inclusive leadership. Burundi Security Alarm: Burundi’s FNL rebels have resurfaced with calls for armed struggle against President Évariste Ndayishimiye, after new social media videos and a statement attributed to Maj. Gen. Aloys Nzabampema. DR Congo Ebola Escalates: Ebola in eastern DRC has surpassed 2,000 deaths and 4,381 confirmed cases, prompting calls for urgent scale-up of response and frontline capacity. Regional Trade Pressure: Kenyan truckers are grounding cargo to the DRC over killings and insecurity along the Beni-Kisangani route, threatening Northern Corridor flows. Energy and Jobs Angle: Burundi’s CRDB Bank Burundi marathon raised support for clean, safe water, linking sport with community development.

Local Industry Push: Burundi’s Minister of State for Industry David Bahati toured factories, highlighting local sourcing, jobs and exports, while warning that at least one pioneering herbal jelly producer faces near-bankruptcy. Water for All: CRDB Bank Burundi’s annual marathon in Bujumbura raised support for clean, safe water, with the First Lady backing the sport-for-social-impact drive. Youth, Peace & Water: The AU youth and women peace dialogue opened in Bujumbura, with President Ndayishimiye stressing responsible water management as key to lasting peace. Security Alarm: Burundi’s FNL rebels resurfaced with calls for armed struggle against President Ndayishimiye, after videos circulated online. Health Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding success is being used as a test case for maternal health investment as WHO/UNICEF press what works. Ebola Update (Region): DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 2,000 deaths, prompting calls for faster scale-up. Climate Watch: Africa braces for a possible “super” El Niño, raising fears for floods, food security and livelihoods.

Ebola Response in the Region: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 2,000 deaths and 4,000+ confirmed cases, with WHO warning it’s the fastest-growing outbreak on record and calling for urgent scale-up of treatment capacity. EAC Innovation for Health: As cases rise, the East African Community is launching an AI and youth innovation programme in Arusha to develop tools for Ebola detection, preparedness and response, aiming to build skills and jobs. Burundi Security and Politics: Burundi’s FNL rebels have resurfaced with videos and a statement calling for armed struggle to remove President Évariste Ndayishimiye, though the videos’ authenticity and location weren’t independently verified. Water and Community Action: In Bujumbura, CRDB Bank Burundi’s marathon backed clean and safe water access, with the First Lady praising sport-linked social responsibility. Youth and Peacebuilding: The AU’s youth, peace and security dialogue opened in Bujumbura, stressing water management and inclusive leadership to prevent conflict. Regional Mobility Rules: Malawi updated visa requirements for 160 countries, while the US clarified that routine visa processing shifts won’t close its Abuja embassy.

Security & Politics: Burundi’s FNL rebels have resurfaced with videos and a statement calling for armed struggle to remove President Évariste Ndayishimiye, with the group accusing the government of authoritarian rule. Youth, Peace & Water: In Bujumbura, an AU dialogue on youth and women in peacebuilding urged stronger water management and inclusive leadership to prevent conflict and sustain development. Community & Health: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding success is being highlighted as a test case for how health systems, workplace support and public investment can improve maternal and child outcomes. Business & Social Responsibility: CRDB Bank Burundi used its annual marathon to push “water for all,” with the First Lady praising sport-linked community support. Regional Trade: Dar es Salaam port transit cargo rose 17% in 2025/26, driven mainly by higher shipments to the DRC, while Burundi-bound cargo fell slightly. Governance & Borders: Burundi authorities warn that erosion and human activity along the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers could gradually shift natural borders with Rwanda and the DRC. Local Justice: Gitega province reports more deaths in ten days, with residents demanding clearer investigations into suspected suicides and possible foul play.

UN Leadership: António Guterres will step down as UN secretary-general at year’s end, with expectations that the next leader could come from Latin America or Africa and rumours pointing to two women frontrunners. Youth & Women Peace Agenda: Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye opened the AU dialogue in Bujumbura on youth and women’s roles in peacebuilding, linking sustainable water management to lasting stability. Clean Water Through Sport: CRDB Bank Burundi’s marathon in Bujumbura drew hundreds of runners and supporters, with the First Lady backing the push for safer, cleaner water access. Malawi Visa Rules: Malawi updated entry requirements for travellers from 160 countries, keeping visa-free access for some (including the US) while requiring advance visas for others such as Burundi. Health for Mobile People: A new report highlights how migrants across Africa struggle to get continuous healthcare because records and systems don’t follow them. Regional Trade & Ports: Dar es Salaam port transit cargo rose 17% in 2025/26, led by shipments to the DRC, while Burundi-bound transit fell slightly. Local Security & Justice: In Gitega, residents are questioning deaths reported over ten days, with calls for independent investigations. Borders Under Pressure: Burundi authorities warn that erosion and riverbank activity along the Rusizi and Ruhwa could gradually shift borders with Rwanda and the DRC.