AGP Executive Report

Ebola Surge in DRC: WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has become the largest ever recorded in the country, with confirmed cases now above 3,600 and deaths above 1,500, as insecurity, displacement, and cross-border movement keep transmission accelerating. Capital Life, Not Zero Risk: Despite the crisis, Kinshasa residents report daily life is largely normal, with authorities stepping up screening and public prevention messaging while cases remain concentrated in the east. Humanitarian Logistics Under Strain: WFP is scaling up food aid, transport, telecoms, and air services in eastern DRC, warning that hunger and delays can undermine containment. Response Bottlenecks: Health facilities are under pressure, and misinformation is fueling attacks on frontline workers and discouraging people from seeking care. Construction Supply Watch: Kinshasa renews cement and lime import restrictions (with possible exemptions) to protect domestic producers—an issue for roads, housing, and mining infrastructure. Mining Policy Deadline: Foreign miners face a July 31 push to comply with the 2018 Mining Code’s 10% local equity transfer rule, with sanctions for non-compliance. Oil & Health Scrutiny: HRW warns pollution from Perenco operations in Kongo Central is harming nearby communities, citing gas flaring, waste burning, and leaks. Trade & Air Links: Air Congo announces a new direct Kinshasa–Paris route, while TAAG opens a dedicated cargo service to Lusaka to strengthen regional logistics.

Air Connectivity: Air Congo says it will add a new direct Kinshasa–Paris route, its second European destination after Brussels, but start dates and fares are still unannounced. Public Health & Industry Disruption: WHO reports DRC’s Ebola outbreak has become the largest ever recorded in the country, with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths as of Thursday, spreading across five provinces and straining infection control. Humanitarian Logistics: WFP is scaling up food aid, transport, telecoms and air services in eastern DRC, warning that hunger and delays are undermining containment. Construction Materials Policy: Kinshasa renews restrictions on cement and lime imports (with possible exemptions via SEGUCE-RDC) to protect domestic producers as infrastructure spending grows. Mining & Trade Governance: DRC Minerals Forum goes digital, while a new push to enforce the 2018 Mining Code’s 10% local equity requirement could reshape critical minerals supply chains. Security & Mining Communities: ADF attacks in Ituri’s Babila Babombi area reportedly killed dozens, with armed groups targeting mining and farming communities. Environment & Oil: Human Rights Watch warns pollution from Perenco’s oil operations, including gas flaring and spills, is harming nearby residents’ health.

Ebola Surge: WHO says DRC’s Ebola outbreak is now the largest ever recorded in the country, with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths (44% fatality) as it spreads across 49 health zones in five provinces; insecurity, displacement, high mobility and attacks on health facilities are hampering surveillance and safe care. Humanitarian Logistics: WFP is scaling up food assistance, logistics, telecoms and air services in eastern DRC, warning that hunger and delays can undermine containment and push families to avoid isolation and treatment. Construction Trade: DRC renews cement and lime import restrictions for western and southeastern regions, using an exemption system for firms when local supply can’t meet demand, tied to the SEGUCE-RDC single window. Critical Minerals Rules: Mining majors face a hard July 31 deadline to comply with the 2018 Mining Code’s 10% local equity transfer requirement, with sanctions for non-compliance. Mining Accountability: A report alleges undeclared uranium exports from DRC embedded in cobalt shipments over 2000–2024, raising concerns about oversight and end use. Oil Pollution Watch: Human Rights Watch flags health risks from Perenco’s gas flaring and waste burning near communities in Kongo Central, calling for publication of pollution monitoring data. Regional Water Infrastructure: President Tshisekedi inaugurated a Chinese-built water treatment plant in Kamina (Haut-Lomami) under a Gecamines-linked venture, targeting over 7,000 cubic meters per day.

Cement & Trade Policy: DRC renews safeguards on grey cement and clinker imports in the west and southeast, and keeps lime restricted in the southeast, with exemptions possible when local supply can’t meet demand—importers must submit waiver documents validated via SEGUCE-RDC. Ebola Emergency & Logistics: Ebola keeps accelerating in eastern DRC, now reported above 3,500 cases and 1,500 deaths, with health officials warning spread is outpacing response; WFP is scaling up food aid, telecoms, air services and logistics to help containment as insecurity, displacement and artisanal mining disrupt access. Mining & Industrial Policy: DRC Minerals Forum shifts online and the government signals a push to move from raw extraction to downstream processing under updated industrialisation plans. Critical Minerals Rules: Foreign mining majors face a July 31 deadline to comply with the 2018 Mining Code’s 10% local equity transfer requirement, with sanctions for non-compliance. Oil Pollution Watch: Human Rights Watch warns pollution from Perenco’s operations in Kongo Central—linked to gas flaring and waste burning—poses health risks to nearby communities. Regional Trade & Air Cargo: TAAG launches a dedicated cargo route to Lusaka, boosting north-south freight links across African markets.

Ebola Surge & Response Logistics: DRC’s Ebola outbreak has become the fastest-growing on record, with confirmed cases reported above 3,500 and deaths around 1,556, as health authorities warn transmission is outpacing containment; the government says it has disbursed $50m for the response and stresses faster delivery of lab gear, oxygen, ambulances, hygiene supplies, and safe-burial support, while WFP scales up food aid and logistics so families can comply with public health measures. Early Spread in Mining Areas: A Science report suggests the outbreak likely started in January (or earlier) in Ituri’s Mongbwalu mining area, months before Kinshasa detection, based on interviews across the community. Frontline Under Pressure: Reports highlight misinformation undermining care-seeking and safe burials, and a strike at an Ituri Ebola treatment center over unpaid wages, disrupting isolation and contact tracing. Mining & Industry Policy: DRC Minerals Forum is moving digital as the country pushes downstream processing under its industrialisation master plan, while a new enforcement push targets the 2018 Mining Code’s 10% local equity transfer deadline for foreign majors. Trade & Transport: TAAG Angola Airlines launched a dedicated cargo route to Lusaka, linking the North-South corridor and expanding freight connectivity across Kinshasa and other regional hubs. Water Infrastructure: President Tshisekedi inaugurated a Chinese-built water treatment plant in Kamina (Haut-Lomami), aimed at boosting safe drinking water capacity.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps accelerating, with government figures putting confirmed cases at 3,532 and deaths at 1,556, surpassing the 2018–2020 record; health officials warn transmission is doubling about every 20 days and stress faster strategy, not just logistics. Humanitarian Logistics: WFP says food assistance, telecommunications, and air services are now central to containment in eastern DR Congo, where fear, hunger, and displacement can undermine safe isolation and safe burials. Frontline Strain: Reports also highlight community resistance, misinformation, and attacks on responders, while treatment centers face staffing and capacity pressure. Critical Minerals Policy: DR Congo’s mining regulator is pushing a hard July 31 deadline for foreign firms to transfer 10% local equity under the 2018 Mining Code, with sanctions and possible license action for non-compliance. Trade & Transport: TAAG launched a dedicated cargo route to Lusaka, boosting freight links across Kinshasa and other regional hubs. Water Infrastructure: President Tshisekedi inaugurated a Chinese-built water treatment plant in Kamina (Haut-Lomami), targeting safer drinking water via a Sino Congolaise des Mines-backed project. Governance & Industry Risk: Human Rights Watch alleges pollution risks from Perenco’s operations in Kongo Central, citing gas flaring, waste burning, and oil spills near communities.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DRC: DR Congo health authorities say Ebola is spreading rapidly, with confirmed cases now above 3,200 and deaths topping 1,405; officials warn the virus is doubling every ~20 days and that community resistance, rumors, and unsafe-burial difficulties are undermining containment. Humanitarian Logistics Under Strain: WFP is scaling up food aid, logistics, telecoms and air services across affected zones, warning delay and hunger are pushing families to avoid public health measures. Frontline Attacks and Mistrust: Reports highlight misinformation driving attacks on Red Cross teams during safe-burial operations, while a doctors’ and nurses’ walkout at an Ituri treatment center has disrupted isolation and contact tracing. Water Infrastructure Boost: President Tshisekedi inaugurated a Chinese-built water treatment plant in Kamina (Haut-Lomami), aimed at improving safe drinking water access. Mining Policy Deadline: DR Congo issued a final ultimatum to foreign mining firms to transfer 10% equity to Congolese nationals by July 31, with sanctions for non-compliance. Oil Pollution Watch: Human Rights Watch alleges pollution from Perenco operations, including gas flaring and oil spills, is harming nearby communities’ health. Regional Security Context: Africa File reports Russia operationalizing a military logistics partnership via Togo’s Lomé port, while Sudan’s SAF and RSF fight over key supply lines—signals of wider instability affecting regional trade and movement.

Ebola Surge & Logistics: DRC’s confirmed Ebola cases climbed to 3,200 with 1,405 deaths, as Ituri remains the epicenter and sustained transmission continues; WFP is scaling up food aid, telecoms and air services, warning that hunger and delays are undermining containment. Frontline Strain: Treatment capacity is stretched, with North Kivu reporting bed overcrowding, while misinformation is driving attacks on Red Cross workers and discouraging care-seeking. Water & Industry Support: President Tshisekedi inaugurated a Chinese-built Kamina water treatment plant in Haut-Lomami, aiming to boost safe drinking water supply via a Sino Congolaise des Mines-financed project. Mining Rules Tighten: Kinshasa issued a final ultimatum to foreign miners to transfer 10% equity to Congolese nationals by July 31, raising pressure on critical minerals supply chains. Accountability Fight: A new report questions how FRIVAO reparations funds are handled, alleging ministerial orders steer compensation shares and amounts. Security Shock: Suspected ADF attacks in Ituri killed at least 31 civilians, disrupting mining and cocoa farming as violence spreads.

Water Infrastructure: President Félix Tshisekedi inaugurated a Chinese-built water treatment plant in Kamina (Haut-Lomami), with a planned capacity of over 7,000 cubic meters per day, financed via Sino Congolaise des Mines (Gecamines plus Chinese partners), aiming to expand safe drinking water and public health. Ebola Crisis: DRC’s confirmed Ebola cases have crossed 3,200 and deaths are at 1,405, with Ituri still driving most infections; authorities warn sustained transmission is being fueled by population movement, insecurity, artisanal mining and cross-border travel, while treatment capacity is strained. Humanitarian Logistics: WFP is scaling up food assistance and logistics in eastern DRC, stressing that hunger and delays undermine containment and that fast delivery of supplies, telecoms and air services is critical. Frontline Pressure: Reports highlight misinformation and mistrust as major obstacles, including attacks on Red Cross volunteers during safe-burial operations, while health workers’ strain and unpaid demands risk disrupting care and contact tracing. Mining Policy: With July 31 approaching, DRC ordered foreign mining firms to transfer 10% equity to Congolese nationals under the 2018 Mining Code, warning of sanctions or license revocation for non-compliance. Oil Pollution Watch: Human Rights Watch says pollution from Perenco’s operations in Kongo Central—via gas flaring, waste burning and oil leaks—poses serious health risks to nearby communities. Security Spillover: Suspected ADF attacks in Ituri’s Babila Babombi area reportedly killed dozens of civilians, adding pressure to already fragile health and supply routes.

Ebola Response Under Strain: In eastern DRC, Ebola is spreading fast, with confirmed cases now above 3,200 and deaths above 1,400, while health workers report overwhelmed treatment capacity and the outbreak remains in sustained transmission. Misinformation & Attacks: Rumors and mistrust are driving attacks on frontline responders and discouraging people from seeking care, complicating safe burials and surveillance. Humanitarian Logistics: WFP is scaling up food assistance and transport support, warning that hunger and delays could undermine containment as the crisis expands across provinces. Health System Breakdown: Doctors and nurses at an Ituri Ebola treatment center walked off the job over unpaid wages, disrupting isolation and contact tracing. Mining Pressure: Kinshasa is enforcing the July 31 deadline for mining firms to transfer 10% equity to Congolese nationals, raising stakes for cobalt and copper producers. First Lithium Export: DRC has certified its first-ever lithium export from Manono, signaling momentum for battery-material supply chains. Oil Pollution Watch: HRW says Perenco’s gas flaring and waste burning are harming air quality near communities in Kongo Central. Trade & Borders: TradeMark Africa appointed a new DRC country director to push critical minerals trade facilitation and border modernization. Security Toll: Suspected ADF attacks in Ituri have killed dozens, adding pressure to already fragile access for both civilians and responders.

Ebola Surge & Logistics: Uganda declared itself Ebola-free, but the Democratic Republic of Congo’s outbreak keeps accelerating, with confirmed cases topping 3,200 and deaths around 1,405 as response teams struggle with sustained transmission, strained treatment capacity, and a fresh warning that the real toll may be higher. Health Workers Strike: At Bunia’s Elikya Ebola Treatment Center, doctors and nurses walked off the job over unpaid wages, disrupting isolation and contact tracing right when the crisis is expanding. Mining Rule Deadline: Kinshasa is pressing ahead with the July 31 enforcement of the 2018 Mining Code’s 10% local equity transfer, with sanctions looming for majors that fail to hand over shares to Congolese nationals. Critical Minerals Trade: TradeMark Africa named Baraka Mugisha Billy as DRC Country Director to push border and critical-minerals trade facilitation, including work tied to the Lobito Corridor. Oil Pollution Watch: Human Rights Watch says Perenco’s gas flaring and waste burning are harming nearby communities in Kongo Central, adding pressure for transparent pollution monitoring. Security & Mining Communities: Suspected ADF attacks in Ituri killed dozens, hitting mining and cocoa areas and worsening displacement and economic disruption. First Lithium Export: The DRC certified its first-ever lithium export from Manono, a milestone for battery supply chains.

Ebola Logistics Under Strain: DRC’s Ebola response is racing to keep up as confirmed cases climb past 3,200 and deaths rise above 1,400, with Ituri still the epicenter and treatment capacity pressured; UNICEF highlights how humanitarian logistics and psychosocial support are reaching remote communities across five provinces. Mining Local-Equity Deadline: Kinshasa is pushing enforcement of the 2018 Mining Code’s 10% local ownership transfer, with a July 31 deadline for foreign majors and warnings of sanctions if proof isn’t submitted—an issue already shaping investor sentiment and the critical minerals supply chain. Oil Pollution Scrutiny: Human Rights Watch says Perenco’s gas flaring, waste burning, and oil spills are harming air, soil, and water near communities in Kongo Central, urging the government to publish audit findings and monitoring data. Security Hits Eastern Mining Areas: Suspected ADF attacks in Ituri’s Babila Babombi area killed dozens, with reports pointing to violence against communities tied to cocoa farming and mining. Trade & Corridor Moves: TradeMark Africa appoints a new DRC country director to support critical minerals trade, border modernization, and the Lobito Corridor trade facilitation push. Green Corridor Under Pressure: Greenpeace warns the Kivu–Kinshasa Green Corridor overlaps heavily with oil blocks and mining concessions, calling for a moratorium on new extractive projects.

Ebola Logistics & Response: UNICEF highlights how coordinated humanitarian logistics in eastern DRC is helping move medical supplies and psychosocial support as the outbreak spreads across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé and Tshopo. Ebola Surge & Strain on Care: Confirmed Ebola cases climbed to 3,200 with 1,405 deaths, with sustained transmission and treatment capacity under pressure, while doctors and nurses at Bunia’s Elikya center reportedly walked off the job over unpaid wages. Diagnostics & Data for Faster Containment: WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo virus to its Emergency Use Listing, and new geospatial data is being used to improve mapping of health zones, facilities and settlements. Mining Local Ownership Deadline: Kinshasa is pushing a July 31 deadline for mining firms to transfer 10% equity to Congolese nationals, warning of sanctions and license risks. Oil Pollution Watch: Human Rights Watch condemns pollution from Perenco’s operations, citing gas flaring, waste burning and oil spills that residents link to health problems. Trade & Critical Minerals: TradeMark Africa appointed Baraka Mugisha Billy as DRC Country Director to support critical minerals trade and border reforms, including work tied to the Lobito Corridor. Environment Under Pressure: Greenpeace warns the Kivu–Kinshasa Green Corridor overlaps heavily with oil blocks and mining concessions, calling for a moratorium on new extractive projects.

Ebola Surge & Health System Strain: DR Congo confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 3,200 with 1,405 deaths, with Ituri still driving the outbreak and treatment capacity under heavy pressure; doctors and nurses at Bunia’s Elikya center reportedly walked off the job over unpaid wages just as response needs peak. Public Health Tools: WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo virus to its Emergency Use Listing, aiming to speed up confirmed case detection and surveillance. Oil Pollution Watch: Human Rights Watch says Perenco’s gas flaring and waste burning are worsening air quality near communities in Kongo Central, while oil spills continue to contaminate soil and waterways. Mining Local Ownership Deadline: Kinshasa is pressing ahead with the July 31 enforcement of a 10% equity transfer to Congolese nationals, warning of sanctions for non-compliance—raising new investor concerns. Conservation vs Extraction: Greenpeace flags major overlaps between the Kivu–Kinshasa Green Corridor and oil blocks and mining concessions, calling for a moratorium on new extractive projects. Trade & Logistics: TradeMark Africa appointed Baraka Mugisha Billy as DRC Country Director to push critical-minerals trade reforms and border modernization, including work tied to the Lobito Corridor. Security & Disruption: An ADF-linked attack in Ituri killed at least 16 and forced displacement, halting local economic and agricultural activity.

Mining Equity Deadline: DRC’s Mines Ministry is pressing foreign miners to transfer a 10% local equity stake to Congolese nationals by July 31, warning of fines or possible license suspension—an escalation that could reshape the critical minerals supply chain. Regulatory Tension: At the same time, Kinshasa is weighing proposed changes to mining-law reforms after industry executives warned that frequent rule shifts could deter investment. Oil Pollution Risk: Human Rights Watch says Perenco’s operations—linked to gas flaring, waste burning, and persistent leaks—pose serious air, soil, and water health threats, urging Kinshasa to publish audit findings and monitoring data. Ebola Response Under Strain: Confirmed Ebola cases in eastern DRC climbed to 2,973 with 1,309 deaths; PM Judith Suminwa says $50m has been disbursed but logistics must move faster as transmission remains sustained. Public Health Tools: WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo virus to its Emergency Use Listing to speed up early detection. Trade Facilitation: TradeMark Africa named Baraka Mugisha Billy as DRC Country Director, focusing on critical minerals trade and border modernization, including work tied to the Lobito Corridor. First Lithium Export: DRC certified its first-ever lithium export from Manono, signaling momentum in battery-materials production. Security Pressure: An ADF-linked attack killed at least 16 in Ituri, disrupting farming and forcing displacement—complicating both health and economic activity.

Ebola Response: DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases climbed to 2,973 with 1,309 deaths as PM Judith Suminwa Tuluka warned the outbreak could worsen the humanitarian crisis in eastern Ituri, urging faster delivery of labs, oxygen, ambulances, hygiene supplies and safe-burial equipment; health authorities also reported 540 recoveries and 766 people still in isolation or hospital. Public Health Tools: WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo Ebola to its Emergency Use Listing, aiming to speed up accurate case confirmation and surveillance. Mining Policy Deadline: Kinshasa ordered mining firms to transfer 10% equity to Congolese nationals by July 31, threatening sanctions or license revocation, a move investors fear could raise regulatory risk. Critical Minerals Trade: TradeMark Africa named Baraka Mugisha Billy as DRC country director to push critical-minerals trade reforms and border modernization, including work tied to the EU-backed Lobito Corridor program. Lithium Milestone: DR Congo certified its first-ever lithium export as Manono Lithium shipments left via Kalemie, signaling a push to diversify beyond copper and cobalt. Security Impact on Industry: An ADF-linked attack in Ituri killed at least 16 and disrupted local economic and agricultural activity, underscoring how insecurity can stall livelihoods and supply chains.