AGP Executive Report

Constitutional Showdown: The DRC Senate adopted a bill that could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term by resetting presidential term limits via a “major dysfunction” route, a move opposition leaders call a power grab; the bill now awaits Tshisekedi’s signature and could trigger a referendum, after violent Kinshasa protests and police dispersals. Ebola Crisis Deepens: Ebola in eastern DRC is worsening as Oxfam warns official figures may be far below reality due to poor sanitation, limited water, and under-reporting; CDC says the Bundibugyo strain outbreak is the largest on record, while health authorities report rising cases and deaths and deny lockdown rumors. Aid Response Under Strain: Reports from displacement camps and health facilities highlight dry taps, overcrowding, and shortages of protective gear, fuel, and testing—while contact tracing and community trust lag amid insecurity. Kinshasa Security Crackdown: Opposition rallies against constitutional change were met with tear gas and live rounds, with injured opposition figures reported and authorities defending their actions. Digital Governance Push: Tshisekedi launched RDC-Pass, a national digital ID platform under a 20-year PPP with Trident, aimed at e-government and financial inclusion.

Ebola Response Under Strain: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is still in an “active and upward” phase, with confirmed cases now reported around 782 and deaths rising (178), as health authorities push to expand treatment capacity, improve contact tracing, and win community trust amid insecurity, testing gaps, and child fatalities. Community Mistrust & Logistics: WHO and health experts warn that anger grows when Ebola is treated as the only crisis, while displacement camps face dry taps, overcrowding, and poor sanitation that make prevention harder. Kinshasa Constitutional Standoff: In the capital, opposition-led protests against constitutional changes to enable a possible third presidential term for Félix Tshisekedi turned violent, with police dispersing crowds using tear gas and live ammunition allegations, injuring figures including Martin Fayulu. Digital Governance Push: Kinshasa unveiled RDC-Pass, a national digital ID platform under a 20-year PPP with Trident, aimed at e-government services and cutting document fraud. Minerals Data Fight: Congo’s mines minister met Belgian/EU officials on digitising and returning colonial geological archives tied to copper and cobalt, seeking faster discovery and “data sovereignty.” US-Congo Deportation Legal Twist: A US judge reversed course on ordering a deported Colombian woman’s return, leaving her in Congo for now.

Constitutional Showdown in Kinshasa: Opposition-led protests under the C64 coalition turned violent outside parliament as police dispersed demonstrators with tear gas and live rounds, injuring figures including Martin Fayulu, while the government said there were no fatalities and blamed organizers for breaking agreed routes. Ebola Surge and Misinformation: The health ministry says confirmed Ebola cases in DR Congo have climbed to 710 with 149 deaths, while officials deny any nationwide lockdown and push surveillance, contact tracing, vaccination, and community engagement. Digital Government Push: Kinshasa unveiled RDC-Pass, a national digital ID platform under a 20-year PPP with Trident Digital Tech, aimed at e-government services and reducing document fraud. Humanitarian Strain in the Outbreak Zone: In displacement camps near Bunia, Ebola warnings collide with basic shortages, including dry taps and overcrowded shelters, underscoring how insecurity and weak services are slowing response. Migration Uncertainty: US-deported migrants in Kinshasa report being held in hotels with limited freedom as visas near expiry, with their future unclear amid legal and administrative delays.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s health ministry says confirmed Ebola cases have jumped to 710, with 149 deaths, while insisting there is no nationwide lockdown and urging people to ignore rumors; WHO warns the fatality rate may be underestimated as earlier deaths are still being investigated. Eastern Front Strain: In Ituri’s displacement camps, Ebola prevention is colliding with basic shortages—dry taps, overcrowding, and weak contact tracing—while insecurity and funding gaps slow testing and surveillance. Kinshasa Protest Crackdown: In the capital, security forces dispersed a rally by the opposition C64 against constitutional changes that critics say could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term; tear gas and clashes left opposition figures injured, as the government denies fatalities and blames protesters for violence. World Cup Under Health Rules: DR Congo’s Leopards reached Houston after a monitored isolation period in Belgium, with Ebola travel restrictions reshaping warm-ups and sparking complaints from officials about rules that affect even teams far from outbreak zones. Justice in UN Expert Killings: A military court in Kinshasa sentenced 54 defendants to death over the 2017 killing of two UN investigators, a major verdict in a long-running case.

Ebola Update, Eastern DRC: The DRC health ministry says confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 710, with 149 deaths, as authorities push surveillance, contact tracing, targeted vaccination and community engagement while denying lockdown rumors. Humanitarian Strain: In displacement camps around Bunia and Lwiro, response is colliding with basic needs—dry taps, overcrowded shelters, and weak sanitation—as insecurity and mistrust slow containment. Local Frontline Focus: At Lwiro Hospital in South Kivu, officials report South Kivu cases plus suspected monitoring, with staff describing the outbreak as a “quiet” but growing threat beyond Ituri. Kinshasa Politics, Constitutional Standoff: In the capital, police dispersed a C64 opposition rally against proposed constitutional changes that critics say could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term, with clashes, tear gas, and injuries reported.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s Health Ministry says confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 710, with 139 deaths (later reporting 149 deaths), as WHO warns the outbreak is evolving fast and the fatality rate may be underestimated. Public Health Response: Authorities insist there is no lockdown, while teams push surveillance, isolation, contact tracing, targeted vaccination, and community engagement—but labs have reportedly run out of testing supplies in Bukavu, Lwiro, and Goma, and insecurity plus weak follow-up are slowing containment. Kinshasa Politics: In the capital, police dispersed a C64 opposition sit-in against constitutional changes that critics say could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term; opposition leaders including Martin Fayulu and Prince Epenge were injured amid clashes with pro-government supporters. Regional Fallout: The political standoff is unfolding alongside eastern conflict and the Ebola crisis, while DR Congo’s World Cup plans are being reshaped by US travel restrictions tied to the outbreak.

Constitutional Standoff Turns Violent: Opposition coalition C64 staged a Kinshasa rally against proposed changes to presidential term limits that critics say could enable Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term; police dispersed crowds with tear gas and live ammunition after clashes with pro-government activists, injuring figures including Martin Fayulu and Prince Epenge, while the government disputed claims of fatalities. Ebola Surge in the East: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak keeps expanding across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, with confirmed cases reported at 689 (139 deaths) and suspected cases rising; response is strained by community resistance to post-mortem testing, limited care capacity, shortages of infection-control supplies, weak surveillance, and a funding gap. Testing Bottlenecks: WHO reports labs in Bukavu, Lwiro and Goma ran out of Ebola testing supplies while awaiting reagents, underscoring how insecurity and logistics are slowing diagnosis. World Cup Travel Fallout: DR Congo’s sports leadership protested US Ebola entry rules that delayed preparations and forced changes to warm-ups, even as the Leopards arrived in Houston under strict health protocols. Justice in UN Expert Killing Case: A military court in Kinshasa sentenced 54 defendants to death over the 2017 killing of two UN investigators, including American Michael Sharp and Swedish expert Zaida Catalan.

Constitutional Standoff Turns Violent: Opposition coalition C64 rallied outside Kinshasa’s parliament against a bill that could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term; clashes with pro-government supporters led police to fire tear gas, injuring Martin Fayulu and Prince Epenge. Ebola Response Under Strain: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak keeps expanding, with weak contact tracing and insecurity slowing containment; health authorities report 676 confirmed cases and 136 deaths, while WHO says three labs (Bukavu, Lwiro, Goma) have run out of testing supplies. Humanitarian Reality Check: In Bunia’s Kigonze displacement camp, dry taps and overcrowded shelters are undermining basic prevention needs as the virus spreads across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. World Cup Meets Health Controls: DR Congo’s Leopards arrived in Houston after a 21-day monitored isolation in Belgium, while Kinshasa protested US Ebola travel rules that disrupted preparations. Justice in UN Expert Killing Case: A DR Congo military court in Kinshasa sentenced 54 defendants to death over the 2017 killing of UN investigators Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalan. Eastern Congo Abuses Alleged: Human Rights Watch accuses Rwanda-backed M23 of forced recruitment, detention abuses and war crimes, calling for accountability.

Constitutional Standoff in Kinshasa: Opposition coalition C64 says proposed changes to presidential term limits could open the door for Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term; Friday’s rally outside Parliament turned violent as police used tear gas, injuring opposition figures and sparking clashes with pro-government supporters. Ebola Crisis Deepens: DRC health authorities report Ebola cases rising to 676 with 136 deaths, as weak contact tracing, insecurity, and funding gaps slow containment; WHO says three labs in Bukavu/Lwiro and Goma have run out of testing supplies while communities in displacement camps face dry taps, overcrowding, and poor sanitation. World Cup Meets Public Health: The Leopards arrived in Houston after a 21-day monitored isolation in Belgium, with preparations reshaped by Ebola-linked travel rules; DRC’s sports minister calls U.S. restrictions excessive, while Belgium signals screening and quarantine at departure points. Justice and Accountability: A military court in Kinshasa sentenced 54 people to death over the 2017 killing of two UN investigators in Kasai, including former colonel Jean de Dieu Mambweni. Rights Abuses in the East: Human Rights Watch alleges Rwanda-backed M23 and Rwandan forces carried out forced recruitment, abusive detention, and war crimes in eastern DRC, calling for accountability.

Ebola Response Under Strain: WHO says three DRC labs in Bukavu/Lwiro and Goma have run out of Ebola testing supplies, waiting on reagents as the Bundibugyo outbreak keeps climbing; health officials stress “one plan, one budget, one team,” with contact tracing and community trust as the priority. Outbreak Numbers Rise: Health Minister Roger Kamba put confirmed cases at 635 (June 9) with recoveries at 30, while follow-up of contacts improved to 61.1%—still far from containment targets. EU and US Friction Over Travel: An EU commissioner warned after a visit that the region is “sitting on a volcano,” as Belgium rejects US pressure for tighter Congo travel bans amid the World Cup. Constitutional Standoff: The National Assembly passed a referendum bill without opposition lawmakers, sharpening the fight over Tshisekedi’s constitutional future and possible election changes. Eastern Congo Rights Crisis: Human Rights Watch alleges Rwanda-backed M23 and Rwandan forces carried out forced recruitment and abusive detention of thousands, calling for accountability. Justice in UN Expert Killing Case: A military court in Kinshasa sentenced 54 defendants to death, including Col. Jean de Dieu Mambweni, over the 2017 killings of UN investigators in Kasai. Regional Diplomacy: Tshisekedi met Egypt’s El-Sisi in Cairo to expand water and Nile Basin cooperation, including climate and rainfall forecasting support.

Ebola Crisis, Kinshasa Response: DRC health authorities say confirmed Ebola cases climbed to 635 (recoveries 30) as labs in Bukavu, Lwiro and Goma reported running out of testing supplies, while contact follow-up reached 61.1%—a sign the outbreak is still outpacing containment. EU Pressure: After visiting Ebola-hit areas, an EU commissioner warned the region is “sitting on a volcano,” as Brussels pushes for stronger support. China Steps In: Chinese medical experts met INRB chief Jean-Jacques Muyembe and IFRC partners in Kinshasa to boost lab testing, case management and prevention training. Human Rights at the Frontline: Human Rights Watch urged Kinshasa and partners to prioritize community engagement and limit security forces in Ebola response, citing years of abuse and mistrust. Eastern Congo Abuses: HRW also accused Rwanda-backed M23 of forced recruitment and abusive detention of thousands in camps. Constitutional Standoff: The National Assembly passed a bill to organize referendums, intensifying the fight over Tshisekedi’s constitutional overhaul and possible election timing. Justice in the UN Experts Case: A military court in Kinshasa sentenced 54 defendants to death, including former colonel Jean de Dieu Mambweni, over the 2017 killing of UN investigators in Kasai. Regional Diplomacy: Tshisekedi met Egypt’s Al-Sisi in Cairo to expand cooperation, including water and Nile Basin coordination.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DRC: Health Minister Roger Kamba says confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 635 with 30 recoveries, as response teams push contact tracing and deploy medicines across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Lab Testing Bottleneck: WHO reports three labs in Bukavu, Lwiro and Goma have run out of testing supplies, awaiting reagents to clear backlogged samples—raising fears of delays in detecting the Bundibugyo strain. Human Rights and Security Concerns: Human Rights Watch accuses Rwandan forces and M23 of forced recruitment, torture and abusive detention of thousands, while also urging Kinshasa and partners to limit security-force roles in Ebola response and prioritize community trust. Diplomacy and Regional Cooperation: President Félix Tshisekedi tells Egypt Africa must have a stronger voice globally, while Cairo and Kinshasa discuss water and Nile Basin coordination. Justice in UN Expert Killing Case: A military court in Kinshasa sentences 54 defendants to death, including colonel Jean de Dieu Mambweni, over the 2017 killing of UN investigators in Kasai. China Steps Up on Health Response: Chinese medical experts meet INRB chief Jean-Jacques Muyembe and IFRC officials to coordinate Ebola prevention, lab support and training.

Ebola Response Under Strain: WHO says three DR Congo labs in Bukavu, Lwiro and Goma have run out of supplies to test Ebola, awaiting reagents as cases keep climbing. Epidemic Update: DR Congo reports nearly 600 confirmed cases and rising deaths, with Uganda also recording linked infections; officials warn community spread is accelerating. Health Workers at Risk: Reports from Ituri describe hospitals lacking tests and protective gear, while Red Cross teams face attacks during Ebola burials. China Steps In: Chinese medical experts met Kinshasa’s biomedical chief to coordinate lab testing, case management and prevention support, alongside IFRC discussions. Human Rights and Security: HRW alleges M23 and Rwandan forces are forcibly recruiting and abusing thousands in eastern DR Congo, and a separate HRW report accuses them of war crimes. Justice in Kinshasa: A military court handed death sentences to 54 people, including a colonel, over the 2017 killing of two UN experts. World Cup Pressure: Belgium rejects U.S.-pushed travel ban demands amid Ebola fears, while CAF sends support to DR Congo’s Leopards ahead of their 2026 World Cup return.

Ebola Surge in Ituri: DR Congo health authorities report Ebola cases climbing to 550 with 101 deaths, as 35 new confirmed infections and 10 more deaths were logged in Ituri and North Kivu over one day; officials warn the apparent slowdown may reflect lab reporting delays, while contact tracing still reaches only 64.4% of tracked contacts. Frontline Shortages: At the outbreak epicenter, clinicians say they’re treating patients without reliable testing access and with inadequate protective gear—“We live with fear.” Humanitarian Workers Under Attack: The Red Cross condemned an attack on volunteers during a “safe and dignified burial” in Bunia, saying violence against responders undermines containment. China Steps Up, But Gaps Remain: Chinese medical experts met IFRC officials in Kinshasa to discuss prevention, case management, lab testing and training as global partners push for faster support. Regional Security and Spread Risk: Armed-group pressure in Ituri is complicating response and access, while WHO and Africa CDC call for a coordinated cross-border plan. Accountability in Kinshasa: A military court sentenced Colonel Jean de Dieu Mambweni to death (effectively life) over the 2017 killing of two UN experts, keeping questions about state involvement in the spotlight. Constitutional Tension: Congolese opposition mobilizes against Tshisekedi’s constitutional overhaul push, warning it could enable staying in power beyond 2028.

Ebola Surge in Ituri: DR Congo reported Ebola cases jumping to 550 confirmed and 101 deaths, with rapid community spread concentrated in Ituri and spillover risk into neighboring areas, as Kinshasa expands surveillance and contact tracing amid insecurity and weak health access. Humanitarian Under Fire: The Red Cross condemned an attack on volunteers during a “safe and dignified burial” in Bunia, warning that violence against aid workers is undermining containment efforts. China Steps In: Chinese medical experts met IFRC officials in Kinshasa to coordinate Ebola prevention, lab support, case management, and community-level training as the outbreak accelerates. UN Experts Murder Verdict: A Congolese military court in Kinshasa sentenced Colonel Jean de Dieu Mambweni to death for orchestrating the 2017 killings of UN investigators Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalán, a case that continues to raise questions about state involvement. Politics at Home: Congolese opposition mobilized against Tshisekedi’s constitutional overhaul push, arguing it could enable a third term beyond 2028. Cross-Border Politics: The DRC health minister denounced U.S. and other travel bans as “discriminatory,” while Kinshasa said it is negotiating for early lifting. World Cup Disruption: Ebola fears are already disrupting DR Congo’s World Cup preparations and travel plans, even as officials and fans debate the real risk.

Ebola Surge in Ituri: DR Congo health authorities say confirmed Ebola cases have jumped to 550 with 101 deaths, as new clusters emerge and surveillance and contact tracing are being intensified, including vaccination and community awareness pushes. Aid and Security Strain: WHO and Africa CDC are urging faster international cooperation and rolled out a $518 million six-month plan, but the response is hampered by weak follow-up rates, funding gaps, and armed-group violence in Ituri that makes access and care harder. Global Pressure on Borders: The DRC health minister called U.S. and other travel bans “discriminatory,” while Kinshasa says it is negotiating for early lifting as restrictions disrupt movement and planning. Humanitarian Attacks: The Red Cross condemned an attack on volunteers in Bunia during Ebola burial operations, warning that violence against responders undermines containment. Politics at Home: Opposition groups are mobilizing against Tshisekedi’s constitutional overhaul push, with critics warning it could enable staying in power beyond 2028. Justice in Kinshasa: A Congolese colonel and others were sentenced to death in an appeal trial over the 2017 murders of UN investigators Sharp and Catalán.