AGP Executive Report

Constitutional Crisis in Kinshasa: Police fired tear gas and warning shots as hundreds rallied against proposed constitutional changes that critics say would let President Félix Tshisekedi run for a third term; clashes with pro-government supporters and arrests were reported in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Uvira, with the opposition C64 accusing authorities of using a party-linked militia. Ebola Update: Africa CDC and WHO both warn the outbreak is not over: the peak may be behind Ituri, but transmission is shifting and rising in North Kivu, with “uncontrolled” and “heterogeneous” spread still driving deaths. Ebola Response Funding: CEPI pledged $3.9 million to boost Bundibugyo ebolavirus surveillance, lab work and modelling in DRC and Uganda, supporting clinical trial readiness. Media Freedoms Under Pressure: A DRC journalist in Haut-Katanga was detained and prosecuted for sharing an X post via WhatsApp, drawing calls from CPJ to stop criminal defamation used to intimidate reporters. Climate & Health Policy: Kinshasa hosted a government workshop to better integrate gender and sexual/reproductive health into national climate plans. Energy & Development Watch: A new analysis argues the Inga Dam hydropower project could transform Africa, but progress is stalled by political will and bureaucratic failures. Economy & Minerals: Congo reported record copper exports in 1H 2026, with growing sales to the US and Europe as Kinshasa pushes diversification.

Constitutional Crisis: Police in Kinshasa fired tear gas and warning shots to disperse C64 opposition protests against proposed constitutional changes that critics say would let President Félix Tshisekedi seek a third term; clashes with pro-government supporters reportedly left injuries and dozens of arrests, while similar crackdowns hit Lubumbashi and Uvira. Ebola Update: Congo’s Ebola fight is improving in Ituri but still worsening in North Kivu, with WHO warning the outbreak remains “uncontrolled” and geographically uneven; authorities reported 7,404 confirmed cases and 3,577 deaths, as bed capacity in North Kivu nears saturation. Carbon Market Law: Tshisekedi signed an ordinance-law creating a legal regime for a national carbon market and a sovereign carbon registry, positioning the DRC to formalize mitigation outcomes under Article 6. Road Safety: A truck accident in southeastern DRC killed at least 33 people in Mukana, Mitwaba territory, as investigations continue. Minerals Diplomacy: Cabinet minutes say Kinshasa approved a DRC–USA task force to speed up the strategic minerals partnership and boost Western-linked copper and cobalt deals.

Constitutional Crisis in Kinshasa: Police dispersed C64 opposition protests across Kinshasa and other cities on Tuesday, using tear gas and warning shots after clashes with pro-government supporters; Reuters and AFP reported machetes and stones, with at least two injured and dozens arrested. The demonstrations target President Félix Tshisekedi’s push for constitutional changes that critics say could enable a third term, despite the current two-term limit. Ebola Watch: The WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak remains “uncontrolled” and uneven: Ituri is on a downward slope, but North Kivu is seeing sharp, sustained increases, keeping the national situation volatile. Minerals Diplomacy: Kinshasa approved a “DRC-USA Task Force” to speed up its strategic minerals partnership with Washington, aiming to translate commitments into “concrete” results and further diversify copper and cobalt sales beyond China. Eastern Congo Diplomacy: Al Jazeera reports DRC-Rwanda talks in Geneva continue while Kinshasa also pursues dialogue with the political alliance backing M23, as the FDLR and Rwanda’s military presence remain central to the dispute. Road Safety: A truck accident in southeastern Haut-Katanga killed at least 33 people and injured around 20, with officials citing risky driving and investigations ongoing.

Constitutional Crisis in Kinshasa: Police fired tear gas and warning shots as the opposition C64 staged nationwide protests against proposed constitutional changes that could let President Félix Tshisekedi seek a third term, with clashes reported in Kinshasa and crackdowns in cities including Lubumbashi and Uvira; rights groups say dozens were arrested. Ebola Watch: While Congo’s Ebola response shows uneven progress—Ituri’s peak appears to be behind it—transmission is still rising in North Kivu, keeping pressure on contact tracing and surveillance as the outbreak remains massive. Eastern Congo Diplomacy: DRC and Rwanda are set to reconvene in Geneva over the 2025 Washington Accords, but fighting and disputes over armed groups like the FDLR and M23 continue to complicate implementation. Minerals and Western Ties: Kinshasa approved a DRC–USA task force to speed up its strategic minerals partnership, aiming to boost copper and cobalt sales to Western markets and reduce reliance on China. Public Services: In Kinshasa, former gang members integrated into the National Service are being used for sanitation cleanups, drawing praise for visible results but also raising concerns about abuse.

Constitutional Crisis: Police in Kinshasa fired tear gas and warning shots to disperse C64 opposition protests against proposed constitutional changes that critics say could enable President Félix Tshisekedi’s third term, with clashes also reported in Lubumbashi and Uvira and arrests claimed. Ebola Update: Congo’s government says the 17th Ebola outbreak has passed its peak (mid-August) and is “under control,” but health officials stress uneven declines as transmission persists across several provinces and cases top 7,000. Minerals & Western Ties: Cabinet minutes say Kinshasa created a DRC–USA task force to speed up the U.S. minerals partnership, aiming to diversify copper and cobalt sales beyond China. Kinshasa Sanitation Push: Former gang members (“builders”) integrated into the National Service are cleaning streets and storm drains, drawing praise for results but also fears over abuse. Eastern Humanitarian Strain: Bukavu held funerals for 27 school fire victims, while civil society calls the broader pattern of fires a “humanitarian catastrophe.” Regional Diplomacy: DRC and Rwanda are set to reconvene in Geneva for talks tied to the 2025 Washington Accords as fighting continues in the east.

Constitutional Tension: Hundreds protested in Kinshasa against a proposed constitutional amendment that could let President Félix Tshisekedi seek a third term, with the C64 coalition urging him to drop the changes as authorities have already cracked down on earlier rallies. Ebola Crisis: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 7,000 confirmed cases, with the government citing a peak in early August and a downward trend, while UN and WHO officials warn the epidemic is still deadly, uneven, and not safely over—especially as it spreads to a seventh province. Regional Diplomacy: Congo and Rwanda are set to reconvene in Geneva on Sept. 16-17 to test implementation of the 2025 Washington Accords, as fighting continues in eastern DRC and key security commitments remain unresolved. Local Governance & Safety: Kinshasa’s sanitation drive is using former gang members in a national service cleanup force, praised by some for clearing rubbish but criticized for alleged abuse. Finance Reform: Congo’s stock market law paves the way for a Kinshasa Stock Exchange, aiming to channel savings into investment. Natural Resources & Inclusion: UN consultations in Kinshasa pushed women and youth into natural resource governance to reduce conflict and improve regional economic integration.

Natural Resources & Inclusion: MONUSCO and UN Women held Kinshasa consultations with women and youth groups on gender-responsive natural resource governance and inclusive regional economic integration. Ebola Crisis: Congo’s government says the 17th Ebola outbreak is “under control” and past its peak, but confirmed cases have topped 7,000 and the virus has now reached a seventh province, with WHO and health experts warning transmission remains uneven and risks persist. Kinshasa Sanitation Crackdown: Ex-gang “builders” in the National Service are clearing rubbish in Kinshasa, praised for cleaning but accused of beatings and abuse, raising fears about coercion alongside public health gains. Eastern Congo Fire Tragedy: Bukavu mourns 27 school fire victims, while civil society calls it a humanitarian catastrophe and questions why fires and fire services are not properly investigated. Security & Regional Tensions: Former MP Juvenal Munubo welcomed the repatriation of 120 FDLR members to Rwanda but urged vigilance and called for withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese soil. Markets & Finance: A new stock market law paves the way for a Kinshasa Stock Exchange, aiming to expand investment options for Congolese savers and businesses.

Capital Markets Reform: Congo has promulgated a new stock market law (No. 26/034 of 20 August 2026), paving the way for a Kinshasa Stock Exchange and aiming to let citizens channel savings into investments while giving firms, including SMEs, alternatives to bank credit. Public Order & Sanitation: In Kinshasa, former “Kuluna” gang members serving in a presidential paramilitary National Service unit (“builders”) are clearing rubbish—praised for cleaner streets but accused online of beatings and abuse, raising fresh fears about coercion. Ebola Update: Kinshasa says the 17th Ebola outbreak is “under control” and that the peak was reached in early August, with cases declining in some areas; still, the epidemic has surged to a seventh province and totals have passed 7,000 cases and about 3,400 deaths, while WHO and Africa CDC warn transmission remains uneven and risks persist. Cross-Border Health Threat: A confirmed Ebola case has been detected far from the epicentre in Sud-Ubangi (Gwaka), after travel via South Kivu, Rwanda and Uganda, triggering concern over large contact networks. Security & Armed Economy: Reporting details how Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern DRC finance operations through taxation and minerals, running parallel systems despite weak banking and war-battered local commerce. Education Tragedy: In Bukavu, a school fire in rebel-held areas sparked a deadly stampede, with reports of dozens of child deaths and fears the toll may rise.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s government says the 17th Ebola outbreak has passed its peak, with the “third week of August” marking the high point, while the latest figures put confirmed cases at 7,022 and deaths at 3,398, as the virus keeps spreading across the country’s health zones. Westward Spread Alarm: The outbreak has now reached a seventh province, Sud-Ubangi, after a man who traveled via South Kivu, Rwanda and Uganda tested positive in Gwaka—raising fears of wider contacts and cross-border risk. WHO Warning: Officials and health bodies stress the decline is uneven and local flare-ups can still drive new surges, with WHO saying transmission remains out of control in parts of the affected areas. Security Flashpoint: In Burundi’s Nyamitanga market area near the Rusizi River, clashes between Burundian soldiers and DRC’s Wazalendo left five Wazalendo dead and three civilians wounded, disrupting trade and fueling panic. Tragedy in Education: In rebel-held Bukavu, a fire at two schools triggered a deadly stampede, with reports of at least 29 students dead and dozens injured, as authorities and communities search for causes and accountability. Kinshasa Sports Diplomacy: DR Congo’s World Cup momentum is feeding into national team recruitment, with European-based players added ahead of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Local Livelihoods: Around Kinshasa, Congo River fishers say plastic waste is shrinking catches and incomes, pushing some to earn far less than before.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s government says the 17th Ebola outbreak has passed its peak, with the downturn reaching the start of the third week of August, even as confirmed cases climb to 7,022 and deaths to 3,398; officials also point to 10 of 61 health zones reporting no new cases for at least 21 days. Outbreak Spread: The virus has now reached a seventh province, Sud-Ubangi, after a man who died in Gwaka tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain; authorities warn the travel history could mean many contacts and risks for neighboring areas. Public Health Warning: WHO and Africa CDC stress transmission is still uneven and not fully controlled, with insecurity, displacement, health-worker strikes, and misinformation complicating response efforts. Humanitarian Shock: In rebel-held Bukavu, a school fire triggered a deadly stampede, with reports ranging from at least 24 to 29 child deaths and dozens injured, as families demand accountability and safer learning conditions. Sports & Identity: DR Congo’s World Cup momentum is feeding new talent, with Europe-based players added for upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers—raising questions about FIFA eligibility switches.

Ebola Crisis: DR Congo says its Ebola outbreak has passed its peak, but the numbers keep climbing: 7,022 confirmed cases and 3,398 deaths, with 837 people in isolation, and the virus now officially reaches a seventh province after a case was confirmed in Sud-Ubangi (Bundibugyo strain). Public Health Warning: Government and health officials point to a downward trend in some areas, yet WHO and Africa CDC stress the risk remains high as transmission spreads across dozens of health zones amid insecurity, displacement, health-worker strikes, and community fear. Regional Spread: The new Sud-Ubangi case followed a long travel route through South Kivu, Rwanda and Uganda, raising alarms about contacts and potential cross-border exposure. Humanitarian Shock: In rebel-held Bukavu (South Kivu), a school fire triggered a deadly stampede, killing at least 24 children (reports also cite 26 and 29) and injuring dozens, with the cause still unknown and hundreds of homes reportedly destroyed. Sports & Diplomacy: DR Congo’s World Cup momentum feeds into 2027 AFCON qualifiers as coach Sebastien Desabre adds European-based players, while Tshisekedi’s Israel visit signals continued diplomatic realignment.

Ebola Outbreak Escalation: DR Congo’s record Ebola crisis has surged beyond its eastern epicenter, with a confirmed case in Sud-Ubangi (northwest) and the outbreak now affecting seven provinces; authorities say the Bundibugyo strain was detected after a man died in Gwaka following travel through South Kivu, Rwanda and Uganda, raising fears of wider contacts and cross-border risk. Ebola Numbers Update: The latest government figures put confirmed cases above 7,000 (7,022) and deaths near 3,400 (3,398), with the virus spreading across 62 health zones; officials warn the peak may not be reached even as some areas show a downward trend. Community Response Pressure: The Anglican Church in Congo is pushing back against “Ebola fatigue,” backing infection-control and misinformation-dispelling efforts as WHO and partners stress the response must stay sustained. Tragedy in Rebel-Held Bukavu: In M23-controlled Bukavu, a school fire triggered a deadly stampede, killing at least 24 children (and more in later reports), with adults also feared dead and around 300 homes reportedly destroyed; the cause remains unknown. Regional Security & Diplomacy: An Africa File report says President Félix Tshisekedi is in Israel for a first state visit since 2021, aiming to deepen security cooperation and align strategically against Rwanda. Sports & Identity: DR Congo’s World Cup momentum is feeding new squad calls ahead of 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with European-based players named—though FIFA eligibility switches are still pending. Business/Policy Watch: The US published the full list of African countries eligible for E-2 investor visas, including Congo (Kinshasa), underscoring how treaty status shapes mobility and investment.

Ebola Crisis Escalates: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 7,000 confirmed cases and nearly 3,400 deaths, with the virus now affecting 62 health zones across seven provinces after a new case was confirmed in Sud-Ubangi, far from the eastern epicenter. Cross-Province Spread: Officials say lab testing identified the rare Bundibugyo strain, and authorities fear wide contact networks due to the patient’s travel routes through Rwanda and Uganda, raising risks for neighboring areas and countries. WHO Warning on Uneven Control: Health agencies report a downward trend in some places, but WHO and Africa CDC warn the epidemic is “increasingly heterogeneous,” with community deaths rising and barriers to care still undermining containment. Church Steps Up: The Anglican Church of Congo is launching a new response phase, pushing back against “Ebola fatigue” and misinformation while supporting infection control through dioceses. Tragedy in Rebel-Held Bukavu: In South Kivu’s M23-controlled Bukavu, a school fire triggered a deadly stampede, with reports ranging from at least 24 to 29 child deaths and dozens injured as the cause remains unknown. Humanitarian Pressure: The outbreak’s spread is unfolding alongside insecurity, displacement, and strained health services, keeping the response under extreme strain.

Ebola Crisis Escalates: Eastern DRC’s Ebola outbreak has spread to a seventh province, with officials citing Bundibugyo virus findings in Sud-Ubangi; the latest government figures put cases at about 6,942 with 3,349 deaths, while Africa CDC and WHO warn the epidemic is still out of control and could surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak. Health System Strain: WHO says transmission is becoming “increasingly heterogeneous,” with some areas seeing declines while others surge, and community deaths remain high amid insecurity, displacement, health worker strikes, and weak contact tracing. School Fire Tragedy in Rebel-Held Bukavu: In M23-controlled Bukavu, a fire that began near schools triggered a deadly stampede; reports put deaths at least in the mid-20s (with figures rising across updates) and hundreds of homes destroyed, as injured children overwhelm local clinics. Aviation Incident in Kinshasa: A rare DC-8 freighter (9S-AJO) suffered a runway excursion at N’Djili, with nose landing gear collapse; investigators were dispatched and no fatalities were reported. Diplomacy & Security: A new DRC-AFC/M23 peace process is moving forward after Switzerland talks, but analysts warn verification and compliance will be hard in a fragmented conflict environment.

Ebola Escalation in DRC: The outbreak has now spread to Sud-Ubangi after lab confirmation of Bundibugyo ebolavirus, with officials reporting 6,843 confirmed cases and 3,310 deaths as of Sept. 8. Peak Not Confirmed: A senior health official says cases are trending downward, but it’s “too early” to declare the peak reached—warning against any easing of response efforts. Africa CDC Warning: Africa’s top health body says the epidemic is rapidly spreading beyond its epicenter, with insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike, and population movement driving transmission. WHO Alarm on Uneven Spread: WHO reports the outbreak is “increasingly heterogeneous,” as community deaths rise sharply even where treatment-facility deaths decline. Eastern Congo School Fire: In Bukavu, a fire across two schools triggered a stampede, killing at least 26 students (toll expected to rise) in rebel-held areas. Kinshasa Aviation Incident: A rare DC-8 freighter runway excursion at N’Djili left the nose gear collapsed; no fatalities reported and investigators are probing causes. US Visa Policy (Kinshasa angle): The US published the E-2 investor visa treaty list, which includes Congo (Kinshasa), potentially opening new pathways for investors.

Ebola Response Under Strain: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is becoming “increasingly heterogeneous,” with some areas seeing declining transmission while others intensify and spread further; community deaths are rising sharply, reaching 75% of confirmed deaths in the week Aug 31–Sept 6, pointing to barriers in detection, referral, transport, and trust. Frontline Burials in Crisis: In Ituri, safe and dignified burial teams say workloads are overwhelming and communities are increasingly hostile, as families resist Ebola burial rules. Kinshasa Fire Tragedy: A wedding venue blaze in Lingwala killed at least 22 people and injured several others; officials suspect an electrical fault and ordered inspections and closures of unsafe public venues. Eastern DRC Ceasefire Watch: A new mission under the EJVM+ is set to verify the eastern DRC ceasefire, but analysts warn fragmented conflict conditions may limit what can be reliably established. Mining Governance: Kinshasa is tightening state control over geological data, building a national mineral databank from mapping and digitized archives, with access likely to be fee-based—aimed at boosting leverage over future exploration. Aviation Incident: A rare DC-8 freighter (9S-AJO) ran off Kinshasa’s runway at N’Djili; no fatalities reported, and investigators are probing causes. Diplomacy Signals: Tshisekedi and Israel discuss relocating the DRC embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, with no timeline set. Regional Tensions: Burundi and Rwanda report border incidents, with renewed concern that disputes could escalate.