AGP Executive Report

Ebola Crisis: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is worsening, with WHO officials saying suspected cases have topped 1,000 and the DRC is the epicentre, as WFP scales up food and frontline response amid conflict and displacement. US–Kenya Flashpoint: Two people were killed in Kenya during protests against a planned US Ebola quarantine facility for Americans, with President William Ruto defending the plan as part of preparedness. Climate Watch: The UN’s WMO says El Niño conditions are likely to develop before end of August, with drought expected in parts of West Africa and the Sahel while other regions face heavier rain—climate change could intensify impacts. Border Rules: South Africa’s SARS says about 39,000 foreign-registered vehicles have already been declared under a new online border system, tightening customs control. Regional Politics: Benin’s new president, Romuald Wadagni, makes Niger his first foreign stop, signalling a possible thaw after years of strained ties. Governance & Rights: Kenya’s National Prayer Breakfast calls for reconciliation as election rhetoric heats up, while rights groups warn of political repression and legal pressure in multiple countries.

Ebola Crisis in Central Africa: Congo’s outbreak is worsening, with at least 282 confirmed cases in eastern Ituri and more than 1,000 suspected, as medics struggle to trace contacts and recoveries offer rare hope. Regional Health Response: WHO and Africa CDC push for easier travel rules and community cooperation, while China pledges emergency medical support and expert teams for the DRC. Kenya Tensions: Kenya protests a planned U.S. quarantine centre as cases surge, arguing locals and Americans should be treated equally. Security and Rights in Nigeria: SERAP urges the UN Security Council to act over abductions and killings, while Lagos police detain a WAEC candidate and his father for days over alleged wire theft, sparking rights concerns. Trade and Mobility: The U.S. plans to cut visa processing hubs across Africa to 20 sites, reshaping access for travellers. Southern Africa Economy: AfDB reports Zimbabwe’s manufacturing is growing, but diversification remains limited. Sports Spotlight: Tanzania’s U17 coach says the team can beat Senegal to win the AFCON trophy.

Ebola Response in East Africa: EAC health ministers are holding an emergency virtual meeting to coordinate action as the Bundibugyo-strain outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda worsens, with cases and suspected deaths rising and no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Nigeria Security and Rights: A UN special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief is set to visit Nigeria to assess religious persecution, while the US and Nigeria-linked operations also keep spotlighting insecurity, including a reported US-Nigeria air strike killing ISWAP fighters in Borno. Ethiopia Vote: Ethiopia goes to the polls with Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party expected to win a landslide, despite criticism over authoritarian drift and ongoing conflict. Terror Leadership in Nigeria: Reports say an ISWAP commander is reluctant to take a top ISIS role after the killing of a senior leader in a Nigeria-US strike, hinting at internal disruption. Regional Economy and Jobs: EACOP construction is reported above 81% complete, with thousands of jobs and skills-building for Tanzanian youth. Industrial Shift in North Africa: Morocco overtakes South Africa as Africa’s most industrialised economy, driven by upgrades, export diversification and policy push. Blue Economy Deal: Nigeria and Liberia reaffirm maritime cooperation to boost safety, training and trade.

Ebola Response in East & Central Africa: Uganda says it will keep joint operations against ADF rebels in eastern DR Congo despite the Ebola outbreak, while WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus urges international help and “community ownership” as mistrust and misinformation slow containment; Regional Health Coordination: the East African Community will hold an emergency virtual meeting of health ministers and plans mobile labs, rapid-response experts, and risk communication to stop cross-border spread; Public Health Pressure & Travel Fallout: experts warn the outbreak could be prolonged and that security in eastern Congo hampers care, as countries tighten travel rules and Brazil monitors suspected cases; Frontline Reality: in Uganda’s border areas, health workers train for Ebola but stigma and fear still trigger panic, and aid cuts are blamed for weaker frontline response; Local Economy Watch: Ghana’s FMCG market posts 15% value growth in Q1 2026, signaling consumers are slowly returning to broader spending.

Ebola Crisis in Central Africa: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus arrived in Bunia, eastern DR Congo, as confirmed cases nearly doubled in days and the outbreak—linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain—spreads across three provinces and into neighbouring Uganda; he urged more international support and “community ownership,” amid warnings the true scale is far wider and mistrust is complicating response. Ghana Preparedness: Ghana will run Ebola simulation drills next week to test detection, isolation and treatment readiness, stressing no cases have been recorded locally. Human Rights & Deportations: The US sent another group of West Africans to Ghana under its immigration crackdown, while a lawsuit in Texas challenges “dire” conditions at ICE’s Camp East Montana. Security & Drugs: Niger seized a record 278kg cocaine shipment in Zinder, tracing it through Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria en route to Libya. Regional Politics: South Africa’s Ramaphosa hosts Kenya’s Ruto for a state visit and business forum on June 4. Sports: Nigeria beat Jamaica 3-0 to win the Unity Cup final in London.

Ebola Preparedness in the Horn: IGAD urged urgent, coordinated regional action as the DRC and Uganda outbreak evolves, calling for stronger cross-border surveillance and harmonized response, warning diseases don’t respect borders. Kenya-US Ebola Clash: Kenya’s High Court temporarily halted a US-linked Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, triggering outrage and a legal fight; the US says it’s consulting Kenyan authorities to resolve objections. Ebola Strain Update: WHO advisory groups are pushing potential vaccines and therapies for the Bundibugyo strain, but only for clinical trials as responders “go back to basics.” Security Pressure in Mali: JNIM attacks are increasingly targeting routes into Bamako, using fires and disruption to squeeze the capital’s transport and economy. Southern Africa Road Crisis: Zimbabwe residents are calling the Harare–Chirundu highway a “death trap,” citing potholes, poor markings, and freight delays. Benin Anti-Fake Money Crackdown: Parliament toughened laws against counterfeit CFA notes, with long prison terms for falsification and refusal of legal tender. Regional Diplomacy: Kenya and South Africa set a June 3–5 state visit and talks to unblock agricultural trade barriers. Geopolitics & Tech: The EU moves to reduce reliance on US digital firms and chips, aiming for “tech sovereignty.” Rwanda-Russia Nuclear Deal: Rwanda signed a nuclear cooperation MoU with Russia, signaling shifting partnerships and a push for nuclear medicine and research capacity.

Ebola Response in Focus: WHO is prioritising two vaccine candidates and several trial treatments for the Bundibugyo Ebola strain as cases spread across DR Congo and into Uganda, with no licensed options yet. Kenya Quarantine Fight: The U.S. pledged $13.5m to back Kenya’s planned Ebola quarantine facility, even as Kenyan courts temporarily blocked the plan amid public backlash from health workers and activists. Public Health Pressure: CDC has ramped up Ebola screening at major U.S. airports, while WHO warns the outbreak could worsen before it improves. Tragedy in Kenya: Police arrested eight female students over a deadly dormitory fire at a girls’ school that killed 16 and injured dozens, with questions over locked exit doors and delayed accountability. Ghana Rights Crackdown: Ghana’s parliament approved a bill criminalising the “promotion” of LGBTQ activity, with up to 10-year prison terms, drawing condemnation from human rights groups. Food Security Alarm: UN agencies warn more than 7 million people in South Sudan need urgent food aid as the risk of famine grows. Environment & Health: Ghanaian experts say burning crop waste is driving dangerous air pollution, worsening illnesses and climate impacts. Sports Youth Spotlight: Tanzania’s Serengeti Boys reached the U-17 AFCON final after a penalty win over Egypt, setting up a title clash with Senegal.

Ebola Crisis in Central Africa: WHO chief Tedros says the DR Congo outbreak “can be stopped” as suspected cases top 1,000 and Africa CDC warns more countries are at risk, with displacement camps in Ituri fearing a “catastrophic collision of disease and conflict.” Gender and Health Data: A new Congo report warns women face a higher Ebola toll, but gender-blind data could hide the real impact on women and shape weaker response plans. Kenya–US Ebola Quarantine Fight: Kenya’s courts temporarily halted a US-backed plan to quarantine Americans exposed to Ebola, citing secrecy and constitutional concerns, while Kenya says it has screened tens of thousands of travellers with no confirmed cases. Regional Security and Politics: Chad faces further democratic backsliding as opposition leaders receive long jail terms. Trade and Transport: Nigeria’s East–Southern Africa air cargo corridor under AfCFTA cuts shipping costs by up to 75%, boosting exporters. Economy and Society: South Africa tackles xenophobia as threats target foreign nationals, while Namibia’s “red line” fence shows how colonial borders still shape inequality.

Ebola Crisis Escalates Across Central Africa: The WHO chief landed in DR Congo saying the outbreak “can be stopped,” as cases and suspected deaths climb and the true spread may be wider than reported. Cross-Border Containment: Uganda shut its border with DR Congo over the rare Bundibugyo strain, while Africa CDC warns the outbreak could reach up to 12 countries. Kenya Quarantine Plan Sparks Backlash: Kenya approved a US quarantine facility for Americans exposed to Ebola, but Kenyan doctors and the Law Society of Kenya say it risks importing the virus and complicates response capacity. Travel Restrictions Spread: The US added JFK to Ebola-screening airports, and DR Congo asked FIFA for refunds after Ebola travel curbs blocked fans. Regional Energy Push: East Africa regulators move to harmonize electricity and petroleum tariffs to stabilize prices and build a shared energy market. Critical Minerals Spotlight: Tanzania is emerging as a frontrunner in the race to process critical minerals locally, aiming to reduce Africa’s reliance on overseas processing. Kenya School Fire: A dormitory fire at a girls’ boarding school in central Kenya killed at least 16 students, with scores injured.

Ebola Shockwave Across Central Africa: WHO has declared the DRC Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency, with Uganda also reporting cases and fears it could become the worst on record as travel bans and screening tighten. Kenya Quarantine Plan: The US says Americans exposed to Ebola abroad will be sent to a new Kenya facility, while JFK is set to accept arrivals from Ebola-affected countries. Regional Food Security Push: SADC is moving to tighten regional food security as cyclones Idai, Freddy and Gezani keep battering agriculture and livelihoods, with calls for stronger adaptation and recovery. Livestock Health Court Win: South African livestock owners won a court right to privately procure and administer FMD vaccines, challenging state control and aiming to protect the beef sector. Kenya School Fire: A girls’ dormitory fire in Nakuru County killed 16 students and injured 79, with authorities investigating whether fire safety rules were followed. Ghana Repatriation After Xenophobia: Ghana launched overnight repatriation flights from Johannesburg after xenophobic violence, with the first group of returnees arriving in Accra. Water Pact in Southern Africa: South Africa and Botswana are set to sign an agreement to protect water quality and curb aquatic invasive species in the Upper Limpopo River Basin.

Ebola Response Shock: The US says it will send Americans exposed to Ebola abroad to a new quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya, with talks ongoing with Nairobi over location and approvals, as Washington also ramps up airport screening and quarantine measures. Border Crackdowns: Uganda has closed its border with DR Congo with immediate effect to curb the Bundibugyo strain, allowing only tightly screened exceptions and imposing 21-day self-isolation for arrivals. Outbreak Pressure in Congo: WHO says the DRC outbreak is worsening, with hundreds of suspected cases and a “very high” risk assessment inside the country, while delays and insecurity hamper contact tracing. Regional Banking Leadership: Uganda’s Herman Kasekende steps down as CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Tanzania, ending a long East Africa career. Food and Climate Risks: El Niño forecasts raise fears of higher global food prices and inflation, adding strain to already fragile economies. Africa Growth Outlook: AfDB projects Africa’s 2026 growth at 4.2%, with a rebound expected in 2027.

Ebola Alarm: Liberia is on edge after a viral audio message claimed suspected Ebola patients entered the country, but health authorities insist there are no confirmed, probable or suspected cases—while the wider DRC outbreak keeps driving travel and screening measures across borders. Health & Aviation: ICAO is urging airlines to stick to COVID-style protocols as the Bundibugyo strain spreads faster than response teams can contain it. Capital & Growth: Vietnam’s Pharmacity secured growth funding from LeapFrog to expand its pharmacy network across smaller cities. Africa Business: Absa appoints ex-Standard Bank executive Leon Barnard to lead pan-African business banking. Energy Transition: Algeria signals a shift beyond oil with a push toward renewables and green hydrogen. Tech & Trade: Nigeria’s data sovereignty debate heats up as a new Lagos data centre pitches hyperscale, AI-ready local hosting. Sports: Nigeria beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the Unity Cup opener as Azeez scored twice.

Ebola Emergency: The Congo–Uganda Ebola outbreak is accelerating into bigger population hubs, with the International Rescue Committee warning response teams are being overtaken as cases climb past 900 suspected and deaths rise above 220—while the hunt for treatments ramps up, including an NHS-style drugs trial model for central Africa. World Cup Fallout: The U.S. says DRC’s World Cup squad must stay isolated for 21 days before entering the country, and DRC’s federation is now asking FIFA for ticket refunds for fans blocked by Ebola rules. Travel Crackdown: Canada has tightened entry for travellers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, pausing new immigration documents and adding health assessments for arrivals. Public Health at Airports: CDC enhanced Ebola screening now includes Atlanta, joining Dulles, as more countries activate port-of-entry checks. Other Big Story: In football, Cameroon U17 Lions sealed AFCON quarter-final and World Cup tickets with a narrow win over DR Congo. Climate Watch: Europe’s record-breaking May heatwave continues under a “heat dome,” pushing fresh warnings and record temperatures.

Ebola Crisis Hits Breaking Point in DRC: Doctors in eastern DR Congo are now facing a double blow—shortages and attacks on Ebola treatment sites—after crowds tried to reclaim bodies at Mongwalu, with unrest spilling into Sunday and earlier incidents in Ituri where patients fled when facilities were targeted. Public Health Under Strain: WHO and Africa CDC warn the outbreak is outpacing response as suspected cases surge past 900 and neighbouring countries tighten screening. Regional Mobility Moves On: Ghana announced visa-free entry for all African passport holders plus a new e-visa platform, while Congo’s president says visa-free entry for Africans starts in 2027. Economy Watch: South Africa’s Quantum Foods reports a rebound in 2026 first-half earnings as poultry demand improves and feed costs ease. Climate Pressure: A heat dome is driving record late-May temperatures across Western Europe, with health alerts and deaths linked.

Ebola Emergency: Africa CDC and WHO warn the DRC-Uganda Ebola surge is “too much,” with 900+ suspected cases and 220+ suspected deaths, and 11 more countries now at high risk as attacks on treatment sites keep response teams scrambling. Public Health Pressure: WHO says the epidemic is outpacing containment, while countries tighten entry screening and travellers face new monitoring rules. Senegal Power Shift: Senegal’s president named economist Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo as prime minister after sacking Ousmane Sonko, deepening a political crisis that opposition brands as a coup attempt. Ghana Aviation Upgrade: Ghana’s airport security will drop shoe-and-belt removal from August, as the country rolls out e-visa tech and new screening equipment. West Africa Politics & Trade: Ghana rejects blanket mining nationalisation, promising case-by-case decisions; Congo scraps visas for Africans to boost intra-regional movement. Security & Diplomacy: Nigeria says it deployed troops to Benin for election stability, while US-Nigeria strike reports keep the counterterrorism spotlight on the region.

Ebola Surge in Congo: WHO says suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo have topped 900, with 101 confirmed, as insecurity in Ituri makes tracing and care harder and the alert level raised to “very high.” Cross-Border Lockdown: Neighbours are rolling out Covid-style checks and heightened vigilance; Nigeria’s NCDC keeps importation risk high and Lagos activates surveillance, while Uganda reports new cases. Travel Disruptions: Antigua and Barbuda cancels the inaugural Air Peace flight from Nigeria over Ebola concerns, rerouting passengers via Barbados, and other countries tighten screening at airports. Misinformation Warning: An editorial calls out the danger of Ebola rumours spreading faster than facts. Regional Pressure Beyond Health: SIPRI warns global peacekeeping is shrinking to a 25-year low as funding and geopolitics bite—raising the stakes for fragile response capacity.