AGP Executive Report

Ebola Emergency: WHO reports 1,094 confirmed Ebola cases and 277 deaths in DR Congo, with 387 patients in treatment and 115 recovered, as experts warn the outbreak could become one of the worst ever unless testing, tracing, and funding ramp up fast. Regional Health Risk: Burundi, among other countries, is flagged as at high risk, while WHO and partners cite constraints like insecurity, displacement, and lack of a licensed strain-specific vaccine. Burundi-AU Diplomacy: President Évariste Ndayishimiye, now AU chair, congratulated Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed on election victory and stressed stronger AU cooperation. ICC Exit Shock: Niger has formally started its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, becoming the third country to leave after Burundi and the Philippines, accusing the court of “selective justice.” Africa-China Trade Boost: Ndayishimiye says Africa-China ties are a South-South model, pointing to China’s expanded zero-tariff policy for African products, including Burundi. Local Public Health Recognition: WHO validated Tunisia’s trachoma elimination, highlighting what sustained primary health care can achieve.

Ebola Response in the Great Lakes: DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi says he will soon visit Ituri, the epicenter of the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, as cases rise to 1,048 confirmed and 267 deaths, with leaders urging stronger regional cooperation and warning that border closures won’t stop the virus. Regional Health Warning: Africa CDC warns the outbreak could become the worst ever if testing, tracing, and response capacity don’t ramp up fast, noting missed early cases and ongoing hurdles to containment. Burundi Education Integrity: Burundi’s teachers’ union FENASEB alleges exam fraud, abuse, and grade manipulation in some schools, calling on authorities to act urgently to restore trust in the education system. Local Security Concerns: In Gitega, two separate hanging deaths have sparked renewed fears about insecurity, with police investigating and arrests reported. Governance and Public Trust: In Bujumbura, a controversy grows over plans to transfer Melchior Ndadaye’s remains to a Kiriri national memorial, with opposition parties demanding consultation. Humanitarian Pressure Across Borders: A Burundian refugee in Malawi was arrested for allegedly running a grocery business outside Dzaleka camp without authorization, as authorities tighten enforcement.

Ebola Emergency in the Great Lakes: Burundi hosted an AU high-level meeting on the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and Uganda, with leaders pushing to mobilize the full US$518m response plan after pledges reached US$910m; Africa CDC warned transmission is still accelerating, citing gaps in contact tracing, insecurity, and funding as deaths rise past 200 and cases climb toward 900. Burundi Politics & Heritage: A controversy is growing over a government plan to transfer the remains of former president Melchior Ndadaye to the Kiriri national memorial site, sparking demands for consultation and a national dialogue. Education Integrity: Burundi’s teachers’ union FENASEB alleges exam fraud, abuse, and grade manipulation in some schools, calling for stronger discipline and accountability. Local Crime Concerns: In Gitega, two separate hangings have been reported, prompting calls for independent investigation and renewed worries about insecurity. Governance & Resources: In Kayanza, MPs question how revenues from large-scale mineral exports were recorded and whether local communities benefited. Regional Diplomacy: Burundi reiterated its unwavering support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and the Sahara autonomy plan after talks with Morocco’s foreign minister. Public Health Milestone: WHO recognized Tunisia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. Healthcare Capacity: Merck Foundation marked World Health Day by highlighting scholarships that include Burundi among beneficiary countries.

Ebola Alert: Africa CDC warns the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo could become the worst ever, as cases surge and contact tracing struggles amid insecurity and funding gaps. Regional Health Pressure: WHO and UNHCR say the outbreak is spreading risk across borders, threatening over two million displaced people and refugees, while labs and response teams face shortages. Burundi’s Role in Response: President Évariste Ndayishimiye convened an emergency AU meeting that mobilised US$910m in pledges and pushed for the full US$518m plan to be released quickly. Burundi Politics & Memory: A government budget plan to transfer Melchior Ndadaye’s remains to a national memorial in Kiriri sparks controversy and demands for consultation. Education Integrity: FENASEB alleges exam fraud, abuse, and grade manipulation in some schools, calling for stronger discipline. Culture & Language: Burundi will host World Swahili Language Day and the East African Kiswahili Commission conference in early July, with a theme linking Kiswahili and AI. Trade & Connectivity: A report highlights Burundi among the world’s most expensive fixed broadband markets, pointing to infrastructure and competition challenges.

Ebola Crisis in the Region: WHO says DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 956 with 247 deaths, as Africa CDC warns the outbreak could become the worst ever without faster action; UNHCR adds that fighting and fear are pushing Ebola risk into cross-border displacement, threatening more than two million people. Burundi’s Diplomacy on Morocco: Burundi’s foreign minister met Morocco’s Nasser Bourita and reiterated support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and the autonomy plan, welcoming UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Education Under Scrutiny: FENASEB warns of exam fraud, alleged sexual abuse, and grade manipulation in some schools, urging authorities to act before the school year ends. Local Security Concerns: Gitega reports two hangings in one day, with police investigating and arrests made, reigniting worries about insecurity. Governance and Pressure Claims: In Muyinga, a presidential prayer drew backlash over alleged forced contributions and mobilization. Regional Language Push: Burundi will host World Swahili Day and the East African Kiswahili Commission conference in July, with AI shaping the agenda. Internet Costs: A global pricing survey ranks Burundi among the world’s most expensive fixed broadband markets.

Ebola Response in Focus: Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye chaired an AU emergency push on the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, mobilising US$910m in pledges and urging partners to release the US$518m needed for the next phase as DRC cases rise and contact-tracing gaps worry health experts. Public Health Alarm: WHO reports Ebola in DRC has climbed to 247 deaths and 956 confirmed cases, with the outbreak spreading across eastern provinces and into Uganda, where response teams face insecurity and limited testing supplies. Education Integrity: FENASEB warns of exam fraud, abuse, and grade manipulation in some schools, calling on authorities to punish misconduct and restore trust before the school year ends. Local Safety Concerns: In Gitega, two people were found hanged in separate incidents, prompting calls for independent investigations. Governance & Heritage: A budget-backed plan to transfer Melchior Ndadaye’s remains to a Kiriri memorial is sparking political backlash over consultation. Regional Culture & Tech: Burundi will host World Swahili Day and the KAKAMA conference (July 5–7), with a theme linking Kiswahili, multilingualism, and AI. Connectivity & Cost: New pricing data put Burundi among the world’s most expensive fixed broadband markets, highlighting infrastructure and competition challenges.

World Refugee Day: A “Shall We Walk?” festival in eastern Seoul put refugees at the center, with performances including Burundian drumming and other African and regional music and dance, aiming to cut prejudice through shared experience. Swahili & Tech: Burundi will host the East African Kiswahili Commission (KAKAMA) conference and World Swahili Language Day celebrations from July 5–7, with a theme linking Kiswahili, multilingualism and artificial intelligence. Burundi Politics & Memory: A budget plan to move the remains of former President Melchior Ndadaye to the Kiriri national memorial has sparked backlash from Sahwanya-Frodebu, which demands consultation and dialogue. Mining Accountability: In Kayanza, MPs questioned how revenues from exporting over 1,600 tons of minerals are recorded and why local communities have not seen clear benefits. Education Integrity: FENASEB warned of exam fraud, abuse, and grade irregularities in some schools, calling for stronger discipline and restoring trust. Crime Concerns: In Gitega, two people were found hanged in separate incidents, prompting calls for independent investigation. Public Pressure in Faith Events: In Muyinga, a presidential prayer event is being criticized over alleged forced contributions and mobilization amid economic hardship. Ebola Regional Alert: Burundi’s AU chair Évariste Ndayishimiye helped mobilize pledges for the DRC/Uganda Ebola response as cases and deaths rise, while Africa CDC and WHO warn of tracing and funding gaps.

Burundi Politics: The government’s plan to move historical remains to a new Kiriri national memorial has sparked fresh backlash, with the Sahwanya-Frodebu party accusing authorities of acting without consultation over the planned transfer of former President Melchior Ndadaye’s remains. Education Accountability: FENASEB warns of fraud, abuse, and grade irregularities in some schools, calling for stronger discipline as the school year winds down. Public Safety: In Gitega, two people were found hanged in separate incidents, prompting calls for an independent investigation. Local Economy & Mining: MPs in Kayanza question how revenues from exporting over 1,600 tons of cassiterite and coltan are recorded and used, citing weak transparency and limited local benefits. Ebola Regional Crisis: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has climbed to 247 deaths as cases rise, with UN and Africa CDC officials warning response gaps and the risk of wider spread. Governance & Community Pressure: A presidential prayer in Muyinga is drawing anger over alleged forced mobilization and extortion-like contributions from citizens and public workers.

Ebola Response in the Region: Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye chaired an AU emergency push on the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, mobilising US$910m in pledges and urging rapid release of the US$518m plan as cases in eastern DRC and Uganda keep rising, with Africa CDC warning that missed contacts and funding gaps could let transmission continue. Water and Sanitation: Burundi launched a US$90m clean-water and sanitation project near Lake Tanganyika, targeting 615,000 people and calling for protection of the lake from pollution. Burundi–Morocco Diplomacy: Burundi reiterated its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and Sahara autonomy plan, backing UN efforts and welcoming UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Regional Integration and Language: The EAC announced World Kiswahili Language Day celebrations in Bujumbura, with delegates from member states meeting July 5–7 to discuss Kiswahili’s role in trade, education and integration. EAC Political Federation Consultations: EAC citizen consultations on drafting the bloc’s Political Federation constitution are underway, including in Rwanda after earlier rounds in Burundi, Kenya and Uganda. Sports and Identity: A Burundian-born story is spotlighted as Australia’s Nestory Irankunda—born in a Tanzanian refugee camp to Burundian parents—scores at the World Cup, underscoring refugee resilience and regional ties.

Burundi-Morocco Diplomacy: Burundi reiterated its “unwavering support” for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, backing Morocco’s autonomy plan and UN efforts after talks between Édouard Bizimana and Nasser Bourita. Ebola Response: AU leaders, chaired by Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, mobilised US$910m in pledges for the Bundibugyo Ebola response in DRC and Uganda, but Africa CDC warns key gaps remain as deaths top 200 and contact tracing capacity and funding fall short. Public Health Pressure: WHO says the DRC-Uganda outbreak has reached 896 confirmed cases and 232 deaths, with no approved vaccine for this strain, while UN agencies push cross-border preparedness without blanket travel bans. Water for Bujumbura: Burundi launched a US$90m World Bank-backed water and sanitation project near Lake Tanganyika, targeting 615,000 people with improved services from 2028. Regional Integration: The East African Community began citizen consultations in Rwanda for a draft constitution toward an EAC Political Federation, following similar exercises in Burundi, Kenya and Uganda. Climate Watch: East Africa faces renewed El Niño risks, with experts warning of floods, disease outbreaks and displacement if preparedness is weak.

Ebola Update: Africa CDC says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda is still far from controlled, with deaths now above 200 and only about 12% of expected contacts actively followed—missed contacts are keeping transmission alive. Frontline Health Funding: A Burundi-led AU high-level emergency meeting mobilised pledges of $910m, including $80m from African states, and urged rapid release of the $518m joint response plan. Burundi Water Security: Burundi launched a $90m clean water and sanitation project near Lake Tanganyika, targeting about 615,000 people from 2028 and stressing lake protection to cut disease risk. Midwives Blocked: Visa refusals at an International Confederation of Midwives congress in Lisbon barred key African and Asian midwives, raising alarm over preventable mother-and-baby deaths. Regional Integration: The EAC began citizen consultations in Rwanda for drafting a new EAC Political Federation constitution. Connectivity Boost: Seacom launched a high-capacity Nairobi–Kampala network route, scaling capacity up to 30Tbps to support East Africa’s growing digital economy. Diplomacy: Former Nigeria INEC chair Mahmood Yakubu officially resumed as ambassador to Qatar, welcomed by Qatari officials and 13 African ambassadors.

Clean Water Push: Burundi has launched a $90m water and sanitation project near Lake Tanganyika, backed by the World Bank and the government, aiming to serve about 615,000 people from 2028 with new pumping and treatment capacity. Ebola Alarm in the Great Lakes: Africa CDC says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda is still out of control, warning that missed contacts are sustaining transmission and that the crisis could become the “worst ever” without faster containment. AU-Led Response Coordination: President Évariste Ndayishimiye chaired a virtual AU summit calling for science-led action over blanket border closures, while SADC and other partners pledged support to strengthen surveillance, response systems, and preparedness. Regional Health Funding: Zimbabwe pledged $1m to Africa CDC for immediate containment and preparedness, as other international commitments continue to flow into the response. Energy Upgrade: Burundi inaugurated the Mulembwe Hydropower Plant, adding 17MW to the national grid after nearly 12 years of work. EAC Political Federation Consultations: The East African Community began citizen consultations in Rwanda for a new Community Constitution tied to the proposed EAC Political Federation. Digital Connectivity: Seacom launched a high-capacity Nairobi–Kampala terrestrial network route to ease capacity constraints and boost cross-border connectivity.

EAC Political Federation Talks: The East African Community has started citizen consultations in Rwanda to shape the draft Constitution for the proposed EAC Political Federation, with similar exercises already held in Uganda, Kenya and Burundi. Ebola Response Pressure: Burundi’s AU chair Évariste Ndayishimiye led a virtual push for a $518m Ebola plan as Africa CDC warns the DRC outbreak could become the “worst ever,” with cases above 800 and deaths nearing 200; SADC backed continental efforts, while South Africa raised its pledge to $13.5m and the EU announced Ksh74.1bn support. International Aid Moves: India pledged $10m for Ebola preparedness and response, and the US said it has provided $375m (about Sh48bn) plus called for more contributions. Burundi Energy Boost: Burundi inaugurated the Mulembwe Hydropower Plant, adding 17MW to the national grid after nearly 12 years. Local Economy Signal: Six African currencies, including Burundi’s, remain among the weakest versus the US dollar, reflecting import dependence and economic fragility. Hope and Faith: Pope Leo XIV urged Burundians to hold onto hope and reconciliation amid hardship.

Ebola Response at AU Summit: Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye urged the world to follow science, warning against travel bans and border closures as Ebola in DR Congo and Uganda worsens; Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya said the outbreak could become the “worst ever” if action is not fast, with cases in Congo topping 800 and deaths rising. Funding Push: A $518m Africa-led plan faces a shortfall, while South Africa raised its pledge to US$13.5m and India added US$10m, delivering 45 tonnes of medical supplies; Zimbabwe also pledged US$1m to Africa CDC. Burundi Energy Milestone: Burundi inaugurated the Mulembwe Hydropower Plant, adding 17MW to the national grid after nearly 12 years. Anti-Corruption Drive: Kenya’s EACC launched Africa’s first anti-corruption research centre in Nairobi, calling for cross-border action against illicit financial flows. Justice for Displaced People: Chief Justice Mumba Malila reaffirmed strengthened access to justice for refugees through training in refugee law. Electricity for Growth: World Bank and AfDB said Mission 300 has connected over 50m people to power across 40 countries.

Ebola Response in Burundi: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warned that the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak could become the worst on record as cases top 800 and tens of thousands of exposed contacts remain untraced; the AU is pushing a $518m plan via a virtual summit chaired by Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye, with South Africa raising its pledge to US$13.5m and India adding US$10m plus medical supplies. Security and Health Access: Reuters reports armed attackers in eastern DRC removed a woman and child from an Ebola clinic, underlining how insecurity and distrust are disrupting containment. Energy for Burundi: Burundi inaugurated the Mulembwe Hydropower Plant, adding 17MW to the national grid after nearly 12 years, with local jobs and skills training during construction. Displacement and Aid Cuts: A World Vision/WFP study for World Refugee Day says households facing assistance cuts are far more likely to pull children from school, push child marriage, and drive hunger. Migration Pressure in South Africa: As a 30 June deadline nears, BBC describes intimidation of undocumented migrants in Durban, including attacks on families.

Ebola Response Summit: African leaders, convened by Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye, pushed a $518M plan to stop the Ebola outbreak in East Africa, warning Congo’s situation could become the worst ever if funding and cross-border coordination don’t improve fast. Funding Pressure: A US official told the virtual meeting Washington has already committed over $700M and urged more contributions, while Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya said only a fraction of the $518M target has arrived. DR Congo Security Threats: In eastern DRC, armed attackers reportedly removed a woman and her daughter from a health centre near Butembo, with the child testing positive—highlighting how insecurity and distrust are disrupting containment. International Support: India pledged USD 10M for preparedness and response, and China’s vice premier said China has sent emergency aid and medical experts to the DRC. Local Context (Burundi): Burundi hosted the AU-led push, with AU Commission chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf briefing Ndayishimiye on continental priorities ahead of the summit.