AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response: Congo has begun a new Ebola vaccination rollout in Kisangani, targeting front-line health workers as officials move to contain the country’s deadliest outbreak on record. Human Impact: The incident manager of DRC’s multi-agency Ebola response says the rising case counts must be read through the people behind them—families, caregivers, and patients—not just statistics. Great Lakes Security: Turkey’s President Erdogan held separate calls with DRC’s Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Kagame, focusing on investment ties and regional security, and urging a constructive approach to tensions in eastern Congo. Press Freedom Under Rebel Rule: In rebel-controlled South Kivu, M23/AFC authorities have been told to lift bans on political broadcasting and reverse the suspension of Bukavu FM’s political program, after new media conditions were imposed. Conservation & Trade Corridors: DRC has formalized its commitment to the Lobito Corridor, with officials linking infrastructure growth to stronger cross-border action against wildlife and timber trafficking. Mining & Forest Mapping: Journalists using satellite tools and AI are sharing methods to map illegal mining damage across the Amazon and Congo Basin, including cobalt and copper extraction. Air Pollution Watch: Kinshasa topped a global pollution list at AQI 167, while Dhaka also saw unhealthy-for-sensitive-groups readings, underscoring ongoing health risks from dirty air.

Ebola Response: Congo has started an Ebola vaccination rollout in Kisangani, Tshopo, targeting front-line health workers as officials move to contain the country’s most deadly outbreak on record. Human Cost of Disease: The incident manager of the multi-agency response says the rising case and death figures can’t hide the families behind each infection, warning treatment centres must be ready for more confirmed cases as community engagement improves. Conservation & Wildlife Crime: Congo and Angola’s Lobito Corridor deal is being formalized, with authorities linking the infrastructure push to stronger cross-border action against networks trafficking wildlife and timber. Press Freedom Under Rebel Rule: The Committee to Protect Journalists urges M23/AFC authorities in South Kivu to lift bans on political broadcasting and reverse the suspension of a Bukavu FM political program. Regional Trade: Uganda and DRC held a two-day Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to reduce trade barriers and attract investment across sectors. Air Pollution Watch: Kinshasa and other cities remain heavily polluted in daily AQI rankings, underscoring ongoing health risks from dirty air.

Ebola Response: Congo has begun an Ebola vaccination rollout in Kisangani, targeting front-line health workers as the country battles its most deadly outbreak on record, with response leaders warning case numbers may keep rising as community engagement improves. Conservation & Trade Corridor: Congo’s government has formalized its commitment to the Lobito Corridor, linking mining routes to the Atlantic while also promising tougher cross-border action against wildlife, timber and other environmental crimes. Press Freedom Under Rebel Rule: In South Kivu, CPJ says M23/AFC authorities have imposed bans on political coverage and suspended a Bukavu FM political program, raising alarms about tightening censorship in a conflict zone. Air Pollution Watch: Kinshasa is flagged among the world’s most polluted cities, underscoring ongoing health risks from urban air contamination. Mining & Forest Monitoring: Journalists from Congo and the Amazon are sharing methods to map illegal mining and forest destruction, using satellite tools to track hidden extraction networks. Regional Business Links: Uganda and DRC held a Butembo business forum to strengthen trade ties, with officials discussing barriers and investment opportunities. Digital-Physical Conflict: A new report describes how eastern DRC armed groups are blending cyber tactics with territorial control, threatening mineral supply chains and information systems. River Transport Research: New research highlights how small- and medium-scale river craft, including wooden baleinières, keep cities like Kinshasa and Kisangani connected to rainforest hinterlands.

Ebola Response: Congo has started an Ebola vaccination drive in Kisangani, using the Ervebo vaccine first for frontline workers as the country battles its most fatal outbreak on record. Human Impact: The incident manager of DRC’s response, Prof Pierre Akilimali, says the rising figures hide real families behind every case, and warns treatment centres must be ready for more confirmed infections as community engagement improves. Great Lakes Security Talks: Turkey’s Erdogan held separate calls with DRC President Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Kagame, pledging support for investment and peace efforts while urging a constructive approach to regional security. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Rebel authorities in eastern DRC’s South Kivu have been told to lift bans on political broadcasting and reverse the suspension of Bukavu FM’s political program, after restrictions were imposed on media coverage. Conservation & Trade Corridor: DRC has formalized its commitment to the Lobito Corridor, linking economic gains with a push to dismantle cross-border wildlife and timber trafficking networks. Air Pollution Watch: Kinshasa continues to rank among the most polluted cities globally, with AQI readings pointing to serious health risks for residents. Mining & Forest Monitoring: Journalists are sharing methods to map illegal mining damage across the Amazon and Congo basins, using satellite tools to track deforestation and extractive activity.

Ebola Response: DR Congo has begun an Ebola vaccination rollout in Kisangani, with health officials using the Ervebo vaccine to first protect frontline workers as the outbreak keeps expanding. Human Impact: The head of the national Ebola response, Prof Pierre Akilimali, says the rising case and death figures must not hide the families behind each number, while treatment centres prepare for more confirmed cases. Peace & Ceasefire: Kinshasa and M23 agreed in Switzerland on a roadmap for renewed talks under the Doha framework, including a mechanism to review ceasefire progress and a standard way to report alleged violations. Great Lakes Diplomacy: Turkey’s Erdogan held calls with Tshisekedi and Kagame to discuss investment, trade, defense cooperation, and security in eastern Congo. Conservation & Trade Corridors: Congo formalized its commitment to the Lobito Corridor, with a stated push to strengthen cross-border action against wildlife and timber trafficking. Mining, Processing & Environment: DR Congo moved to prohibit exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, tightening rules meant to boost local processing and reshaping regional mineral logistics. River Transport Research: New reporting highlights how small-scale river shipping in the Congo Basin—especially wooden baleinières—still underpins livelihoods between cities and rainforest hinterlands.

Ebola Response: Congo has started an Ebola vaccination rollout in Kisangani, targeting frontline workers with the Ervebo vaccine as the outbreak keeps setting grim records. Human Impact: The head of DRC’s Ebola incident response says behind every statistic are families, warning case numbers may rise as community engagement improves. Great Lakes Security: Turkey’s Erdogan held talks with Kinshasa and Kigali on investment and regional security, backing efforts to create conditions for eastern Congo peace agreements. Air Pollution Watch: Kinshasa again topped pollution lists in global AQI rankings, underscoring ongoing health risks from dirty air. Peace Process: DRC and M23 agreed a Switzerland-based roadmap for renewed talks, including ceasefire verification steps and a standard way to report violations. Conservation & Trade: DRC formalized its Lobito Corridor commitment, linking economic infrastructure with plans to crack down on wildlife and timber trafficking across borders. Mining & Environment: DRC moved to prohibit exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, aiming to push more processing inside the country. Press Freedom: Rebel authorities in South Kivu were urged to lift bans on political coverage after restrictions hit Bukavu FM and its host.

Ebola Response: Congo has started an Ebola vaccination rollout in Kisangani, targeting frontline responders with the Ervebo vaccine as the outbreak keeps expanding, while the head of the national response warns that rising confirmed cases may continue as community engagement improves. Human Impact: A DRC incident manager says the outbreak’s statistics hide real losses—families, loved ones, and daily tragedies behind each case. Great Lakes Security: Turkey’s Erdogan spoke separately with Kinshasa and Kigali about investment and regional security, backing efforts for a lasting eastern Congo peace environment. Eastern Congo Peace Talks: The DRC and M23 agreed a Switzerland-led roadmap for renewed negotiations under the Doha framework, including ceasefire verification steps and a standard way to report violations. Mining & Conservation: Congo formalized its commitment to the Lobito Corridor, linking economic cooperation with a push to dismantle wildlife and timber trafficking networks across borders. Pollution Watch: Kinshasa topped global air pollution lists in recent AQI readings, underscoring urgent public health pressure from dirty air. Mineral Policy: The DRC moved to ban exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, aiming to force more processing inside the country—raising new risks for regional supply chains. Rebel Media Curbs: CPJ reports M23-linked authorities in South Kivu imposed restrictions on political broadcasting, including suspending a Bukavu FM political program. Investigative Mapping: Journalists are sharing methods to map illegal mining damage in the Amazon and Congo basins, using satellite tools to track forest clearing and cobalt/copper extraction.

Ebola Response: Congo has started an Ebola vaccination drive in Kisangani, aiming to protect front-line workers with the Ervebo vaccine as the outbreak keeps expanding. Human Impact: A senior DRC Ebola incident manager says behind rising case and death figures are families and loved ones, warning treatment centres must be ready for more confirmed cases as community engagement improves. Great Lakes Security: Turkey’s Erdogan held calls with DRC President Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Kagame to discuss regional security and support peace efforts in eastern Congo. Peace Talks Roadmap: Kinshasa and M23 agreed in Switzerland on a sequenced roadmap for renewed negotiations under the Doha framework, including ceasefire verification steps and a standard way to report violations. Press Freedom Under Pressure: The Committee to Protect Journalists urges rebel authorities in South Kivu to lift bans on political coverage and reinstate a suspended Bukavu FM political program. Conservation & Trade: DRC formalized its commitment to the Lobito Corridor, linking economic development with plans to crack down on cross-border wildlife and timber trafficking. Air Pollution Watch: Kinshasa is again among the most polluted cities globally in AQI rankings, underscoring ongoing health risks from dirty air. Mining Policy: DRC has prohibited exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, pushing more processing inside the country and reshaping regional mineral supply chains. Investigative Mapping: Journalists are sharing methods to track illegal mining in both the Amazon and Congo basins, using satellite tools to expose forest and wildlife damage.

Ebola Response: Congo has begun an Ebola vaccination rollout in Kisangani, using the Ervebo vaccine first for front-line responders as the outbreak keeps expanding, with health officials stressing that behind every statistic are families and communities. Ebola Funding & Accountability: Congo’s Ebola response has drawn nearly $700 million, but concerns over corruption and how funds are managed are growing, raising fears that support may not reach frontline workers and affected areas. Great Lakes Diplomacy: Turkey’s Erdogan held talks with DRC President Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Kagame on regional security and cooperation, aiming to support peace efforts in eastern Congo. Eastern Congo Peace Process: DRC and M23 agreed a roadmap for renewed negotiations under the Doha framework, including a ceasefire verification mechanism and a standardized way to report violations. Conservation & Trade Corridor: DRC formalized its commitment to the Lobito Corridor, linking economic development with a stated push to tackle cross-border wildlife and timber trafficking. Mining, Pollution & Environment: DRC’s copper-cobalt concentrate export ban tightens rules on mineral flows, with knock-on effects for processing, logistics, and downstream supply chains. Press Freedom in Rebel Areas: CPJ urged M23-linked authorities in South Kivu to lift bans on political broadcasting and reverse the suspension of a Bukavu FM political program.

Kinshasa–Lobito Corridor Deal: The DRC formally signed its commitment to the Lobito Corridor, linking southern mining areas to the Atlantic via Angola, with authorities saying the project will also strengthen cooperation against wildlife, timber and other cross-border environmental crimes. Eastern DRC Peace Roadmap: The DRC government and M23 agreed in Switzerland on a sequenced roadmap to revive Doha-brokered talks, including a mechanism to review ceasefire monitoring and a standard way to report alleged violations. Press Freedom Under Rebel Rule: The Committee to Protect Journalists urged M23-linked authorities in South Kivu to lift bans on political broadcasting and reverse the suspension of Bukavu FM’s political program and host Claude Kashonga. Ebola Funding Scrutiny: With nearly $700 million mobilized for the worsening Ebola outbreak, officials warned corruption concerns could derail delivery of funds meant for communities and health workers. Copper/Cobalt Export Shift: The DRC moved to prohibit exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, aiming to push more processing inside the country and reshaping regional supply routes. Air Pollution Watch: Kinshasa topped global pollution lists in recent AQI readings (over 200), underscoring serious health risks from ongoing urban air contamination. Investigative Mining Mapping: Journalists are sharing methods to map illegal mining impacts across the Amazon and Congo basins, using satellite tools to track forest loss and cobalt/copper extraction.

Air Pollution Watch: Kinshasa again hit the top spot on global pollution lists, with an AQI of 215 (followed by Hanoi and Doha), while Dhaka stayed “moderate” but still recorded AQI readings in the 80s–90s—another reminder that health risks from dirty air remain a daily reality across the region. Rebel Peace Process: In eastern DRC, the government and M23 agreed on a Switzerland-brokered roadmap for renewed talks, including ceasefire monitoring steps and a standard way to report violations—progress, but with the security situation still fragile. Press Freedom Under Pressure: CPJ says rebel authorities in South Kivu are restricting political coverage and suspending a Bukavu FM program, pushing media toward “peace, environment, education, health and development” while banning conflict and government reporting. Conservation & Trade Corridors: DRC formalized its commitment to the Lobito Corridor, linking economic infrastructure with a push to dismantle cross-border wildlife and timber trafficking networks. Ebola Funding Scrutiny: With nearly $700 million mobilized for DRC’s Ebola response, concerns over corruption and fund management are growing over whether money reaches communities and health workers. Mining, Data, and the Environment: Two journalism projects are sharing methods to map illegal mining impacts in the Amazon and Congo basins, using satellite imagery and AI to track forest loss and mineral extraction. Digital Infrastructure: Kinshasa’s KINIX internet exchange expanded into a second data centre, improving resilience for local connectivity.

Mining Transparency: Investigative teams are sharing methods to map illegal mining that’s stripping the Amazon and Congo basins, using satellite imagery and AI to track hidden cobalt and copper extraction by artisanal miners and armed groups. Regional Trade & Environment: Uganda and DRC held a two-day Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to strengthen trade links, with officials flagging the need for a more business-friendly, sustainable environment. Wildlife & Border Enforcement: Kinshasa and partners are pushing stronger cross-border action against networks trafficking wildlife and timber, tied to the Lobito Corridor push and a new focus on environmental crimes. Press Freedom Under Pressure: In rebel-controlled South Kivu, authorities have been told to lift bans on political broadcasting and reverse the suspension of a Bukavu FM political program, after new media restrictions were imposed. Air Pollution Watch: Kinshasa is again among the most polluted cities in global air-quality lists, with AQI readings placing it at the top in some reports—highlighting ongoing health risks from dirty air. Ebola Funding Scrutiny: As nearly $700 million is mobilized for DR Congo’s Ebola response, concerns grow over corruption and whether funds will reach communities and health workers. Peace Process With Ceasefire Monitoring: The DRC and M23 agreed a Switzerland-brokered roadmap for renewed talks, including a mechanism to review ceasefire violations and standardize reporting.

Conservation & Trade Corridor: The DRC has formalized its commitment to the Lobito Corridor, linking southern mining areas to the Atlantic via Angola, and the deal is also framed as a push to tackle cross-border wildlife and timber trafficking. Press Freedom Under Strain: In rebel-controlled South Kivu, authorities have banned political coverage and suspended a Bukavu FM political program, drawing condemnation from the Committee to Protect Journalists. Eastern DRC Peace Talks: Kinshasa and M23 agreed a Switzerland-brokered roadmap with a ceasefire verification mechanism and a standard way to report violations. Mining & Pollution Risk: The DRC has prohibited exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, aiming to force more processing inside the country—raising new pressure on regional supply chains. Ebola Funding Scrutiny: Nearly $700 million has been mobilized for the DRC Ebola response, but concerns over corruption and whether funds reach frontline communities persist. Air Quality Watch: Kinshasa is among the world’s most polluted cities in recent AQI rankings, underscoring ongoing urban air risks.

Press Freedom Under Fire (South Kivu): The Committee to Protect Journalists urged M23/AFC authorities in rebel-held eastern DRC to lift bans on political broadcasting and reverse the suspension of Bukavu FM’s political program and host Claude Kashonga, saying the crackdown is intensifying in a region where journalists already face threats. Peace Process (Doha Framework): The DRC government and M23 agreed in Switzerland on a roadmap with sequenced steps, a standard way to report ceasefire violations, and a mechanism to track implementation, with ceasefire verification missions planned under the EJVM+ system. Ebola Funding Scrutiny: With nearly $700 million mobilized for DRC’s Ebola response, officials warned that corruption concerns could derail delivery to communities and health workers. Air Pollution (Kinshasa): Air quality monitoring put Kinshasa among the world’s most polluted cities, with an AQI in the “very unhealthy” range, highlighting ongoing public health pressure from pollution. Minerals & Processing (Copper/Cobalt): DRC’s export ban on copper and cobalt concentrates tightens the push for more processing inside the country, reshaping supply chains for cobalt markets. Ecosystem & Culture: An artist-led Lubumbashi center launched an urgent crowdfunding drive, underscoring how fragile funding is for environmental-minded cultural work in the DRC.

Kasai Reparations Push: FONAREV is ramping up annual “genocost” commemorations across DRC, with tens of thousands of victims to be identified, supported, and given redress—especially in Kasai, still scarred by the 2016–2018 Kamuina Nsapu conflict. Eastern Congo Peace Track: Kinshasa and M23 agreed in Switzerland on a roadmap for renewed talks under the Doha framework, including a ceasefire verification mechanism and a standard way to report alleged violations, with the first verification mission slated for Minembwe. Copperbelt Supply Shock: DRC has prohibited the export of copper and cobalt concentrates, tightening a policy meant to push more processing inside the country and raising uncertainty for regional logistics and cobalt supply chains. Ebola Response Logistics: Direct Relief sent PPE and essential medicines to support the Ebola response in eastern DRC, including coveralls, protective gear, IV fluids, and water purification supplies. Air Pollution Warning: Kinshasa continues to rank among the world’s most polluted cities in recent AQI readings, underscoring ongoing public health pressure from dirty air. Waste Disaster in the Region: In Guinea, a landfill collapse in Conakry killed dozens after heavy rains—another stark reminder of how weak waste management can turn extreme weather deadly.

Peace Process: The DRC government and M23 agreed in Switzerland on a roadmap for renewed talks under the Doha framework, including a mechanism to review ceasefire progress and a standard way to report violations, with the first ceasefire verification mission set for Aug. 24 in Minembwe (South Kivu). Ebola Response & Accountability: As Ebola funding rises toward nearly $700 million, officials warn corruption risks could derail delivery to communities and health workers, with $452 million already disbursed and $242 million added by the U.S. Mining Policy: The DRC moved to prohibit exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, tightening rules and increasing uncertainty for regional supply chains that feed processing across southern Africa. Air Pollution: Kinshasa repeatedly shows up among the world’s most polluted cities in AQI rankings, underscoring ongoing public health pressure from dirty air. River Transport & Livelihoods: A look at the “baleinières” wooden cargo ships highlights how small-scale inland waterways keep Kinshasa and other cities connected to rainforest hinterlands.