AGP Executive Report

DR Congo Conflict & Rights: Human Rights Watch says Rwanda-backed M23 and Rwanda Defence Force carried out forced recruitment and abusive detention of thousands in eastern Congo, documenting killings, torture and child soldier use at training camps. Ebola Response & Protest Backlash: In Kenya, a protest against a US-backed Ebola quarantine centre in Nanyuki turned deadly, with witnesses reporting a man shot dead as WHO reports slow contact-tracing progress amid attacks on burial teams and treatment sites; Congo’s outbreak is reported at 550 cases and 101 deaths. Trade & Jobs: Nigeria’s Senate moves to halt textile imports, urging a full ban and more Bank of Industry funding while expanding cotton production to revive local factories and employment. Governance & Courts: South Africa’s Tshwane wins an electricity distribution battle against Eskom and Nersa over Mooikloof Mega City, potentially boosting metro revenue by R125m a month. World Cup Politics: The US denies entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, adding to visa restrictions and raising fears of more disruptions for African teams and officials. Public Health: Doctors Without Borders reports a cholera outbreak in Nigeria’s northeast Borno region with 74 deaths and 7,850 suspected cases. Regional Business: Borno traders urge PEBEC to rehabilitate key cross-border road corridors to revive trade.

Ebola Crisis: Congo’s Bundibugyo outbreak is worsening fast, with deaths now above 100 and cases over 550, as conflict and late detection slow testing and contact tracing. Kenya Protests: In Nanyuki, police fired tear gas and gunshots were reported as crowds clashed with authorities over a US-funded Ebola quarantine centre, despite court orders. Humanitarian Safety Net: Malawi’s Dzaleka camp families say WFP cash support has shrunk to about $7 a month, threatening food aid by end-June. Digital Sovereignty: Ghana’s Samuel Nartey George urged West Africa to build local cyber talent and protect digital infrastructure, warning ransomware and fraud are already hitting financial systems. Ethiopia Development: Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh inaugurated Woldia projects in Amhara, framing them as proof of Ethiopia’s steady transformation. Governance & Civic Space: Sierra Leone set June 30 for its 2026 presidential town hall in Makeni under “Year of Action.” Sports & Culture: Bafana Bafana return to the World Cup facing Mexico, while Tanzania’s Rayvanny is set to perform in Toronto for the 2026 celebrations.

Lagos Investment Push: Nigeria’s Invest Lagos 3.0 opened with Vice President Kashim Shettima pitching Lagos as Africa’s “business gateway,” urging private enterprise and reforms to drive the $1tn economy. Energy & Industry: Algeria kicked off a new section of the Nigeria–Europe Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, while Nigeria’s Transmission Company of Nigeria rejected claims of grid limits, saying the system can wheel far more power than currently delivered. Ebola & Public Health: With Ebola concerns linked to World Cup travel, US-led monitoring plans include airport screening and wastewater surveillance across host cities. Security & Schools: Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis hit Oyo State, where armed men abducted pupils and a teacher in coordinated school raids. Agriculture & Climate: Ghana’s cocoa farmers are already losing income as erratic rains and land degradation bite, with Proforest urging ecosystem restoration as economic policy. Football Spotlight: Algeria arrived in the US World Cup base city of Lawrence, and FIFA faced visa issues after a Somali referee was denied entry to the US. Business & Tech: Zimbabwe’s daily life is increasingly shaped by Chinese brands in phones, transport and autos, from buses to household appliances.

Ebola & US-Kenya Tensions: Protests in Nairobi erupted over a US-funded Ebola isolation ward for Americans, with critics warning Kenya could be exposed to risks the US won’t take at home, even as Kenya backs the plan. Wildlife & Land-Use Fight: Kenya’s Nairobi National Park faces fresh backlash after police moved in to disperse demonstrators opposing a proposed expansion that activists say would encroach on protected habitat. Ghana Football Identity: FIFA confirmed Ghana’s Black Stars won’t wear their new white home kit in Group L matches, forcing alternative colours for all three games. Public Health Watch: Health experts say the World Cup’s mass travel and crowds create conditions for infectious diseases to spread, while US/Canada teams plan wastewater screening for outbreaks. Ghana Waste Management: Stakeholders in Accra called for engineered waste treatment instead of landfill dependence, warning funding gaps could derail Greater Accra’s sanitation push. Insurance Scam Exposed: A South African Sassa-linked funeral policy agent described being recruited to target pensioners and push covers “at whatever cost,” including lying to beneficiaries. Transport & Industry: Egypt marked Nissan’s first Magnite production line, with plans for trials and future exports.

Ebola Update (DR Congo): Congo’s Ebola outbreak surged, with lab-confirmed cases rising to 452 and confirmed deaths reaching 82 as health workers expand testing in Mongbwalu, raising fears the epidemic could be among the largest ever. Health Workers’ Strain: In Mongbwalu, frontline doctors say pay and support are inadequate while late-night case notifications keep coming. World Cup Health Risk: With the Bundibugyo outbreak ongoing, DR Congo’s final warm-up against Chile is set behind closed doors, and experts warn the World Cup could still create conditions for infectious diseases to spread. Lagos Investment Push: Lagos State and partners kick off Invest Lagos Summit 3.0 in Lagos on June 8-9, pitching the city as Africa’s “global gateway” for tech, energy, infrastructure and investment. Consumer Scam (South Africa): Elderly South Africans report being tricked into funeral policy sign-ups after handing over IDs for “free” food parcels, with grant deductions already lodged in dozens of disputes. City Clean-Up (Ghana): Kumasi’s mayor orders joint sweeps starting July, with sanitation offenders arrested and taken straight to court to curb flooding-linked waste problems.

Catholic Spotlight: Pope Leo XIV drew about 1.2 million people to an open-air Mass in Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles, urging faith to show up in daily life through help for the poor and warning against political polarization. Mozambique Security: Mozambique’s Catholic Church says Bishop Osório Citora Afonso, appointed by Pope Leo, was shot dead at home in Quelimane, with authorities calling the circumstances “mysterious.” Ebola Preparedness (Kenya): Health CS Aden Duale says Kenya remains Ebola-free after testing 67 people, while screening 88,000 travellers and expanding isolation capacity at referral hospitals. Healthcare Accountability (Kenya): A viral Garissa hospital encounter has reignited debate over the Social Health Authority’s effectiveness, with an EALA MP questioning whether enrolled patients are actually receiving care. Boko Haram Hostage Releases (Nigeria): Hundreds of women and children kidnapped from Borno were freed, with the military citing an intelligence-led rescue and local leaders saying mediation helped. Intercommunal Violence (Chad): A land and farm dispute between herders and farmers in southwestern Chad left 11 dead and homes burned. World Cup Build-up: Senegal’s World Cup outlook highlights a younger squad under coach Pape Thiaw, while South Africa’s “Mama Joy” says she’ll attend all Bafana Bafana matches live.

Family Planning Crisis: Kenya women are still waiting for contraceptives after a USAID shipment of $9.7m worth of supplies was stranded in Belgium when the Trump administration dismantled the aid agency, leaving implants and pills to expire box-by-box. Ebola Response: WHO and partners unveiled a $518m Ebola plan as Uganda’s death toll rises and cases surge in DRC, while Kenya faces court-ordered delays and local protests over a planned quarantine facility. Humanitarian Aid: Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid Al Adha campaign hit 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries in Asia and Africa, delivering meat and support through local partners. Climate & Health: A new study warns more than two billion people live in “cooling poverty,” lacking safe, affordable ways to beat dangerous heat. Governance & Security: Ethiopia’s Tigray region accuses federal forces of a deadly drone strike, as tensions simmer after an unfully implemented peace deal. Sports & Spotlight: Zimbabwe’s Econet Victoria Falls Marathon confirms 5,000+ runners for July 5, boosting tourism and global visibility.

Wildlife Crime Crackdown (Mozambique): Mozambique mourns Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of Quelimane, found shot dead at his residence on June 6, with authorities still hunting for the killer. Terrorism Disruption (Nigeria): DSS operatives in Borno arrested three suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers near Mainok village, seizing medications and other items meant for terrorist enclaves. Ebola Preparedness (Kenya): Kenya moves to strengthen Ebola readiness with plans for two Ebola quarantine centres in Kakamega as cases and fears rise across the region. Skills Funding Shock (South Africa): About 800 South Africans face an uncertain future after the National Skills Fund suspended a R354m internship programme mid-way over alleged contractual non-compliance. Energy & Trade (Nigeria/Algeria/Niger): Algeria has started work on the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline linking Nigeria through Niger to Algeria’s export hubs, aiming to supply up to 30 bcm annually to Europe. Urban Investment Push (Nigeria): Lagos pitches itself as Africa’s investment gateway ahead of Invest Lagos 3.0, targeting about ₦4 trillion in fresh deals. Football Focus (Ghana/World Cup): David Accam urges Ghana’s coach Carlos Queiroz to build cohesion ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Migration Pressure: The EU is proposing “return hubs” outside the bloc to speed deportations and cut irregular migration, a move critics say risks bypassing refusals from migrants’ home countries. Ebola Preparedness: The U.S. is urging Europe to tighten Ebola screening ahead of the World Cup as the outbreak in central Africa strains health systems. Ebola Vaccine Race: CEPI has fast-tracked experimental Ebola shots targeting the Bundibugyo strain in the DRC and Uganda, where standard vaccines don’t fit the virus. Desert Tragedy: At least 49 people died of thirst in Niger’s Sahara after a truck broke down; only two survived and alerted authorities. Local Economy & Finance: Co-op Bank of South Sudan is backing farmers and community enterprises through capacity-building for co-operative societies. Culture & Society: A Zimbabwean musician gifted President Mnangagwa a custom drum engraved with “Advancing Vision 2030” during National Culture Month. Wildlife Enforcement: Philippine authorities arrested a resort manager and rescued African spurred tortoises and parrots held without required permits.

Ebola Response: WHO and Africa CDC unveiled a $518m plan to tackle the DRC’s Ebola outbreak as Uganda’s death toll rises, focusing on coordination, surveillance, testing, infection control, clinical care and community engagement. Public Health Reality Check: In Ituri’s Mongbwalu, health workers say rumours and disbelief are fuelling resistance, with arson attacks reported as people reject the scientific explanation. Humanitarian Crisis: Niger authorities say 49 travellers died of thirst after a lorry broke down in the Sahara near Assamaka; only two survived and victims were buried in mass graves. City Services & Welfare: South Africa’s eThekwini municipality amended its indigent support policy for 2026/27, aiming to better identify beneficiaries and streamline delivery of prepayment electricity meters and water flow limiters. Weather & Risk: Western Cape remains on high alert after severe winter warnings, with disaster teams activated for possible flooding and infrastructure damage. Sports & Pride: Uganda won the right to host the 2031 African Games, beating Nigeria, with plans anchored on Hoima City Stadium and Kampala’s Mandela National Stadium. Air Quality: Ghana’s worsening air pollution is spotlighted through the asthma burden on children like Myles, whose care is strained by emissions from roads, cooking and waste burning.

Ebola Watch: DR Congo confirmed 389 Ebola cases, including 63 deaths, with infections spreading across 17 of 36 health zones in Ituri; fears rose after an attack on a “safe and dignified burial team” in rebel-held Katana. Public Health & Travel: Houston launched an Ebola dashboard as World Cup travel ramps up, while Milwaukee said it’s monitoring three very low-risk travellers after visits near an Ebola-affected region. Local Governance: South Africa’s Ekurhuleni ANC warned that opposition parties’ rejection of a R71bn budget could jeopardize water, sanitation and electricity if a new budget isn’t passed by July 1. Women’s Livelihoods: Zimbabwean police crackdowns on rural e-tricycles are hitting women hard, with registration and licensing fees reaching up to $500. Skills for Youth: JA Africa and ExxonMobil launched STEM Africa 2.0, adding 4,000 students aged 14–17 with STEM and AI training. Security & Education: Nigeria’s Atiku urged faster action to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno as protests erupted in Abuja. Wildlife Enforcement: Cebu authorities arrested a resort manager after rescuing illegally kept endangered wildlife, including African spurred tortoises and parrots.

Ebola Update: Ebola fears are widening as the DRC outbreak strains response capacity and health officials warn the virus could spread beyond Africa, with WHO reporting hundreds of suspected cases and deaths while neighbouring Uganda records confirmed infections. Somalia Politics: In Mogadishu, armed clashes between opposition forces and state security troops threaten Somalia’s fragile Ebola coordination, with the AU urging dialogue and protection of civilians. Kenya Protests: Protests turned violent in Nanyuki over a planned US Ebola quarantine centre at a military base, highlighting anger at how Americans exposed to the virus would be handled. DR Congo Football Disruption: Congo’s World Cup warm-up against Chile was cancelled after a Spanish town barred the match due to Ebola concerns, forcing the team to seek alternatives. Ethiopia Development Finance: Ethiopia’s House ratified ADB and IDA loan agreements to expand pastoralist food security and scale up the Productive Safety Net Program. Cape Town Homelessness: Cape Town opened a winter “Safe Sleeping Zone” pilot shelter for up to 60 people nightly, linking beds to social support and reintegration. Wildlife Crime: Philippines authorities arrested a resort manager in Cebu over alleged illegal possession of endangered wildlife, including African spurred tortoises and parrots. Security Debate (Nigeria): Atiku accuses Nigeria’s Tinubu government of inadequate counter-terrorism measures amid ongoing insecurity and attacks.

Reparations Debate: Pope Leo XIV’s apology for the Vatican’s role in the slave trade is reigniting calls for reparations, with critics saying the Church’s late acknowledgment doesn’t match the scale of harm. Security & Justice: Nigeria’s federal court sentenced four men to death over the 2022 St Francis Catholic Church attack in Owo, where children were killed. Ebola Watch (DR Congo): A patient in Goma was discharged after recovery as the DRC reports more Ebola recoveries, while officials and teams keep tightening response systems. Public Health (Kenya): Nine students accused in a Kenya boarding-school fire that killed 16 girls were remanded for 21 days as investigators continue. Business & Investment (Ghana): President John Mahama told investors in London Ghana is “open for business,” highlighting reforms and infrastructure push to attract long-term partnerships. Sports (Africa): Nigeria’s Super Falcons begin Women AFCON warm-ups in Ikenne, while Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah rewarded Rangers players with land and N150m for the NPFL title. World Cup Build-up: Algeria beat the Netherlands 1-0 in a warm-up as World Cup preparations intensify across groups.

Hotel Tragedy: A deadly fire at a Delhi B&B in Malviya Nagar killed at least 21 people, including 18 foreign nationals from African countries, as guests jumped from upper floors and authorities move to seal non-compliant lodgings. Ebola Fallout: DR Congo’s pre-World Cup friendly in Spain was cancelled over Ebola fears, with the team already shifting camps after outbreak concerns. Justice in Nigeria: A Nigerian court convicted four men over the 2022 Owo church massacre, handing life terms and death sentences to the guilty while acquitting one defendant. Kenya School Case: Nine students accused in a Kenya boarding-school arson that killed 16 girls were remanded for 21 days as investigators continue. Ghana Football: Ghana drew Wales 1-1 in Cardiff as Carlos Queiroz assessed his squad ahead of the World Cup; Michael Essien says the Black Stars can still progress. Trade & Diplomacy: Ethiopia and Finland resumed formal political consultations after a 16-year gap, aiming to deepen economic cooperation. Connectivity Boost: Angola launched a new route linking Icolo e Bengo and Guangzhou to strengthen Africa-Asia links and logistics. Public Safety Push (Cape Town): Cape Town rolled out its Manufacturing Support Policy directly to factories to drive investment and jobs.

Ebola Response: WHO revised the DRC outbreak numbers down to 300 confirmed cases, with hundreds of suspected cases ruled out, as doctors warn fear and insecurity are complicating containment. Kenya Protests: A Kenyan court blocked a planned U.S. Ebola quarantine facility near Nanyuki for three weeks after protests turned deadly, and ordered Kenya to disclose agreements with Washington. World Cup Prep: Spain postponed a DR Congo friendly against Chile in La Línea de la Concepción due to Ebola health concerns, while Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz said qualifying for the 2026 knockout stage is the Black Stars’ minimum goal after a 1-1 draw with Wales. Visa Changes: The U.S. will cut visa-processing embassies across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Nairobi named a regional centre. Maritime Security: Nigeria’s defence leadership urged stronger collaboration among African navies at the Sea Power for Africa symposium in Lagos. Clean Transport Investment: Electric mobility firm Spiro secured $215m to expand battery-swapping and scale across African markets. Cape Verde Pride: Cape Verde fans in Boston welcomed the Blue Sharks on their U.S. arrival ahead of World Cup preparations.

Ebola Response: WHO says the DRC outbreak now has 321 confirmed Ebola cases and 116 suspected, down sharply after many suspected cases were ruled out; Uganda confirmed six new cases, bringing infections to 15, with 668 contacts under follow-up. Public Health & Ethics: Kenya’s protests intensified over a US-backed plan to quarantine Ebola-exposed Americans at Laikipia Air Base, after a court extended a temporary block and violence was reported near the site. Local Governance & Justice: Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja faces a potential civil jail term after allegations he helped a finance official, Charles Kerich, evade a Dubai-linked prison sentence. Urban Mobility: MPs heard South Africa’s Public Transport Network Grant will be phased out by 2028/29, raising fears for commuters relying on BRT systems. Trade & Industry: Nigeria’s free trade zones generated about $33bn in economic activity, hosting 900+ businesses and 100,000+ jobs. Ports & Investment: AD Ports Group agreed to buy Brazil’s agri-bulk terminal operator CLI for about $835m, expanding into Latin America.