AGP Executive Report

Ebola Tech & Tracking: WHO-backed teams in eastern DRC are using anonymized mobile-phone movement data to predict where Ebola could surface next, aiming to guide limited surveillance and response as the outbreak keeps evolving. Ebola Reality Check: Africa CDC says it’s still too early to declare the outbreak under control, even as case counts show a plateau in places. Ebola Response Strain: Bloomberg reports payroll chaos is disrupting Ebola work—checkpoints stop reporting when staff aren’t paid, and officials are trying to remove fictitious workers from payment lists, slowing genuine responders. Ebola Crisis Scale: UN officials warn the virus is spreading faster than the scaled-up response, with deaths now above 3,000 and transmission active across many health zones. DRC–Israel Security & Tech Ties: Netanyahu hosted President Félix Tshisekedi, with talks spanning security, agriculture, infrastructure, technology, and investment, while Israel eyes mining opportunities. Education Disruption in Conflict Zones: Kinshasa suspended academic activities for 2026–2027 in Goma and Bukavu universities amid security pressure linked to AFC-M23. Tragedy in Kinshasa: A major fire at a wedding party in Lingwala killed at least 22 people and injured others.

Ebola Tech in the Field: Congo health teams are using anonymized mobile-phone movement data to predict where Ebola could spread next, as cases top 6,000 and WHO warns the outbreak is still rapidly evolving. Public Health Systems Under Strain: Bloomberg reports Ebola checkpoints and payroll lists are being disrupted by unpaid staff and “fictitious” workers, forcing Congo to purge payment rolls with biometric registration—slowing response work. Ebola Response Status Check: Africa CDC says it’s too early to declare the outbreak under control, even as transmission appears to plateau in some areas. Diplomacy + Security + Mining: Netanyahu hosted President Félix Tshisekedi, with talks covering security, technology, investment, and the mining sector, alongside renewed steps on moving the DRC embassy to Jerusalem and opening an Israeli embassy in Kinshasa. Education Disruption in Conflict Zones: Kinshasa suspended academic activities for 2026–2027 in 11 public higher education institutions in Goma and Bukavu, citing security risks amid rivalry with M23. Urban Safety Tragedy: A major fire at a wedding party in Kinshasa’s Lingwala killed at least 22 people and injured others, with narrow escape routes blamed.

DRC–Israel Security & Tech Push: President Félix Tshisekedi’s Sept 1–3 visit to Israel with Benjamin Netanyahu and Isaac Herzog focused on security, agriculture, infrastructure, innovation, health, water, and investment—plus renewed talks on moving the DRC embassy to Jerusalem and opening a permanent Israeli mission in Kinshasa. Ebola Response Goes Data-Driven: WHO and partners say anonymized mobile-phone movement data is being used in Ituri to predict where Ebola could surface next, as cases rise and responders try to target limited resources. Ebola Still Not “Under Control”: Africa CDC warns it’s too early to declare the outbreak contained, citing ongoing transmission across many health zones even as reported numbers plateau. Ebola Strain & System Strain: Reporting highlights the Bundibugyo strain driving the outbreak, while Congo’s health system struggles with unpaid staff and “fictitious” payrolls that disrupt checkpoints, screening, and treatment. Education Disrupted in the East: Kinshasa suspended academic activities for 2026–2027 in 11 public higher education institutions in Goma and Bukavu amid the security crisis tied to AFC-M23 control. Regional Research Network: Academics from Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, and the DRC launched a Yaounde network to study and counter organized crime and armed violence in Central Africa.

Ebola Tech in Congo: WHO-backed teams are using anonymized mobile-phone movement data to predict where Ebola could spread next, as modelling warns the outbreak may be far larger than official counts and deaths pass 3,000. Response Funding & Staffing: Bloomberg reports Ebola checkpoints and payroll lists are being disrupted by unpaid workers and “fictitious” staff, forcing biometric cleanups that slow payments to real responders. Vaccines Under Pressure: Congo has started vaccinating frontline health workers with Ervebo under a compassionate-use approach, while trials aim to see whether it can protect against the Bundibugyo strain driving this crisis. Diplomacy & Security Tech Links: Israel and DRC leaders met in Jerusalem as Kinshasa seeks security help and Israel looks to expand mining and technology-linked economic ties. Education Disruption: Kinshasa suspended academic activities in Goma and Bukavu for 2026–2027 amid insecurity tied to M23 control, drawing sharp criticism from Denis Mukwege. Regional Research Network: Universities across Central Africa launched a Yaounde network to build a civil-society observatory on organized crime and violence, aiming for evidence-based policy action through 2027. Urban Build Tech Deal: Algeria’s INATEL signed an MoU for a digital, industrial program tied to Kinshasa’s city expansion project.

Ebola Response Tech: Congo’s Ebola fight is getting a new tool: anonymized mobile-phone movement data is being used to spot where the virus may spread next, as WHO warns the outbreak is still evolving and not fully under control. Vaccination Drive: Health authorities have started vaccinating frontline workers in Kisangani (Tshopo) with Ervebo under a compassionate-use approach, while clinical trials test protection against the Bundibugyo strain driving this outbreak. Response Strain & Payroll Fraud: Bloomberg reports Ebola checkpoints and staff lists are being disrupted by unpaid workers and “ghost” payroll entries, with biometric registration and centralized payments used to clean rosters—an issue that can slow screening, treatment, and infection control. Regional Security & Science Access: Kinshasa has suspended academic activities for the 2026–2027 year in 11 public higher education institutions in Goma and Bukavu amid the security crisis, drawing criticism from Nobel laureate Denis Mukwege. DRC–Israel Ties: President Tshisekedi met Israeli leaders in Jerusalem, with talks focused on security help and economic cooperation tied to Congo’s mining sector.

Ebola Response Under Pressure: Africa CDC says it’s still too early to declare the DRC Ebola outbreak under control, even as cases appear to be declining and some health zones report no new cases for weeks; officials warn the epidemic is still evolving and transmission remains active in many areas. WHO Warns Rapid Spread: WHO says the outbreak is spreading faster than response efforts, with Ituri driving most cases and deaths, and many fatalities occurring in communities—raising alarms about undetected chains and unsafe burials. Mobile Data for Targeting: Health teams and researchers are using anonymized mobile-phone data to map population movement and spot where the virus could spread next, aiming to direct limited surveillance and response resources more effectively. Payroll Problems Hit Frontline Care: Reports say Ebola checkpoints and staff lists are being disrupted by unpaid workers and “fictitious” names on payment rolls, forcing the government to clean payroll data and slowing essential screening, treatment, and infection-control work. Vaccination Starts for Frontline Workers: The DRC has begun vaccinating health workers with Ervebo under a compassionate-use approach in Kisangani, while trials continue to assess protection against the Bundibugyo strain driving this outbreak. Security and Diplomacy: Netanyahu hosted President Tshisekedi as Kinshasa seeks more security help and Israel looks to expand mining-linked economic ties, while eastern DRC fighting continues with government offensives aimed at pressuring M23.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Congo’s Ebola fight is being slowed by payroll chaos—checkpoints and supposed staff lists don’t match reality, with biometric registration and centralized payments used to purge “fictitious” workers, but verification delays are disrupting screening, treatment, and infection control as cases and deaths keep climbing. Vaccination Drive: Health authorities have started vaccinating frontline workers in Kisangani, Tshopo, using the Ervebo vaccine under a compassionate-use approach while trials assess protection against the Bundibugyo strain driving the outbreak. UN Warning: The UN says the epidemic is spreading faster than the scaled-up response, urging expanded treatment capacity, more safe burial teams, and better access for humanitarian supplies as the death toll tops 3,000. Health System Research: A new clinical report highlights a rare, late-diagnosed second-trimester uterine rupture case in eastern DRC, underscoring ongoing maternal-care risks alongside the outbreak. Regional Tech & Health Procurement: EU4Health contracts aim to boost outbreak diagnostics, including RT-PCR kits for Bundibugyo testing delivered to Kinshasa via Africa CDC. Science, Policy, and Security: A weekly analysis examines how Burundi’s growing military role and regional rivalry shape the eastern DRC conflict—an environment that also affects health operations.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: The UN says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 3,000 deaths (3,007) with 6,186 confirmed cases, warning the virus is still outpacing scaled-up response—calling for bigger treatment capacity, safer burial teams, and better access for humanitarian supplies. Vaccination Push: Health authorities have started vaccinating frontline workers in Kisangani, Tshopo, using the Ervebo vaccine under a compassionate-use framework, even though it’s licensed for a different Ebola strain; officials say trials will test protection against the Bundibugyo virus. Health System Strain: A separate medical report highlights a rare, late-diagnosed second-trimester uterine rupture case in a non-scarred uterus—underscoring how delayed care can turn emergencies life-threatening in resource-limited settings. Diplomacy & Security Ties: Israel welcomed DRC officials tied to President Félix Tshisekedi’s visit, with talks on strengthening security and economic links. Regional Tech for Health: EU4Health signed contracts to boost outbreak testing, including RT-PCR kits aimed at detecting the Bundibugyo strain in DR Congo and Uganda.

Ebola Response: DRC has started vaccinating frontline health workers in Kisangani (Tshopo) to slow the fastest-growing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, using Ervebo under a compassionate-use framework; officials say 50,000+ doses are arriving, with clinical trials planned because Ervebo is licensed for a different Ebola strain. Public Health Funding: HaDEA/EU4Health signed new contracts to supply RT-PCR lab kits and diagnostic devices for Bundibugyo testing in Kinshasa, aiming to strengthen surveillance and outbreak control. Regional Diplomacy: Israel welcomed DRC officials as President Félix Tshisekedi visits, with talks on security, economic ties, and implementation of the Congo–Rwanda peace agreement. Education Disruption: In Goma and Bukavu, the Congolese government suspended academic activities in multiple public higher education institutions amid security pressures tied to the AFC-M23 coalition. Infrastructure & Minerals: Mota-Engil is set to sign a 30-year concession to rehabilitate and run the Congolese stretch of the Lobito Corridor copper-cobalt railway, potentially backed by up to $1 billion in US financing. Local Research & Transport: New reporting highlights how Kinshasa and other cities rely on small river cargo craft (baleinières), a largely understudied part of Congo’s transport economy.

Ebola Response in Focus: The DRC has started vaccinating frontline health workers in Kisangani, Tshopo, using Ervebo under a compassionate-use framework as the Bundibugyo outbreak keeps expanding; officials say more than 50,000 doses arrived, with WHO and Africa CDC warning the curve is slowing but not yet bending, while deaths remain heavily concentrated in communities. EU4Health Support: HaDEA signed new EU4Health contracts to boost Ebola Bundibugyo testing in the DRC and Uganda, including RT-PCR kits and diagnostic devices delivered to Africa CDC in Kinshasa. Public Health Guidance: WHO issued updated temporary recommendations for surveillance, infection control, clinical care, and risk communication, adding measures on social restrictions, mass gatherings, and domestic mobility. Education Disruption in Goma & Bukavu: The Congolese government suspended academic and para-academic activities in several public institutions in Goma and Bukavu amid the security crisis tied to AFC-M23 control, drawing warnings about “slow epistemicide.” Regional Tech & Trade Signals: Tunisia’s CEPEX opened registrations for an EXPO BÉTON business mission in Kinshasa, aiming to connect construction and infrastructure firms with Congolese buyers. Security-Science Angle: A week of coverage also highlighted how the eastern DRC conflict is increasingly shaped by both military rivalry and digital vulnerability.

Ebola Response in DRC: The country has started vaccinating frontline health workers in Kisangani, Tshopo, using the Ervebo jab under a compassionate-use framework as the Bundibugyo outbreak keeps surging, with WHO warning the curve is still not bent and community deaths remain a major concern. Vaccine Limits & Trials: Officials say Ervebo is licensed for a different Ebola strain, so 20,000 doses are also earmarked for a Phase 3 trial to test protection against Bundibugyo. WHO Guidance Update: WHO has issued updated temporary recommendations covering surveillance, infection control, clinical care, risk communication, and new rules on social measures, mass gatherings, and domestic mobility. Human Face of the Crisis: A senior DRC incident manager stresses that behind rising case counts are families, and warns treatment centers must be ready as community engagement improves detection. EU4Health Lab Support: HaDEA signed EU4Health contracts to boost Ebola Bundibugyo testing capacity in Kinshasa, including RT-PCR kits and diagnostic devices. Security vs Education: In Goma and Bukavu, the government suspended academic activities in multiple public institutions amid the AFC-M23 security crisis. Policy & Governance: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a “national dialogue” aimed at peace and state reform, starting from the provinces rather than Kinshasa.

Ebola Response: DRC has started vaccinating frontline health workers in Kisangani, Tshopo, using the Ervebo jab under a compassionate-use framework as the Bundibugyo outbreak accelerates; officials say 50,000+ doses have arrived, with vaccination aimed first at those on the front line and contacts, while trials continue for a Bundibugyo-specific vaccine. Public Health Guidance: WHO has issued updated temporary recommendations for surveillance, case detection, infection control, clinical care, and risk communication, adding new guidance on social measures, mass gatherings, and domestic mobility. Outbreak Pressure Points: Latest government figures put confirmed cases above 5,500 with deaths above 2,600, and WHO warns the epidemic has reached a “defining moment,” with many deaths occurring in communities rather than treatment centers. National Politics: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a territorial “national dialogue” for peace and state reform, starting in the provinces rather than Kinshasa, as opposition voices question the format. Education Disruption: Kinshasa reports the government suspended academic and para-academic activities in Goma and Bukavu amid the security crisis linked to AFC-M23 control. Regional Tech & Trade: EU4Health signed new contracts to supply RT-PCR lab kits for Ebola testing in DRC and Uganda, while Tunisia’s CEPEX opened registrations for an EXPO BÉTON business mission in Kinshasa.

Ebola Response: DR Congo has started vaccinating frontline health workers against the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in Kisangani (Tshopo), using the Ervebo vaccine under a compassionate-use framework; officials say more than 50,000 doses have arrived, with early priority for health staff and people who had contact with patients, while WHO and Africa CDC stress that there is still no licensed vaccine or treatment specifically for Bundibugyo and clinical trials are underway. Outbreak Pressure: WHO warns the epidemic has reached a “defining moment,” with confirmed cases now above 5,500 and deaths above 2,600, and a major concern that many deaths are happening in communities rather than Ebola treatment centers. Public Health Guidance: WHO has issued updated temporary recommendations for surveillance, case detection, infection control, clinical care, risk communication, and new social measures covering mass gatherings and domestic mobility. Health System Disruption: Kinshasa has suspended academic and para-academic activities in several public higher education institutions in Goma and Bukavu amid the security crisis, affecting registrations and degree-related activities for 2026–2027. Science & Tech Policy: EU4Health/HaDEA signed new contracts to support HERA, including RT-PCR lab kits for Ebola testing capacity in DR Congo and Uganda. Infrastructure & Minerals: Mota-Engil is set to sign a 30-year concession to run the Congolese portion of the Lobito copper-cobalt railway corridor, potentially backed by up to $1 billion in US financing.

Ebola Response: DRC has started vaccinating frontline health workers against the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in Kisangani (Tshopo), using Ervebo under a compassionate-use framework; officials say 50,000+ doses are in hand and vaccination will expand across affected zones as WHO warns the epidemic is still accelerating. Public Health Guidance: WHO issued updated temporary recommendations for Bundibugyo Ebola, adding clearer steps for surveillance, infection control, clinical care, risk communication, plus new guidance on social measures, mass gatherings, and domestic mobility. Outbreak Pressure Points: WHO says the curve has slowed but not “bent,” with cases and deaths still rising and a major share of fatalities occurring in communities rather than treatment centers—highlighting gaps in early detection and referral. National Dialogue: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a “national dialogue for peace, cohesion and state refoundation” starting in the provinces, aiming to address security and political crises while opposition voices question the format. Education Disruption: Kinshasa suspended academic and para-academic activities in Goma and Bukavu amid the security crisis tied to AFC-M23 control, affecting multiple public higher education institutions. Regional Tech & Health Supply: EU4Health/HaDEA signed new contracts to support outbreak testing and diagnostics, including RT-PCR kits for Ebola Bundibugyo response. Transport & Local Tech: New reporting highlights how Kinshasa and other cities rely on small river cargo craft (baleinières), with ongoing research into their materials, propulsion, and the know-how behind this artisanal transport system. Infrastructure Finance: Mota-Engil is set to sign a long-term concession to rehabilitate and run the DRC section of the Lobito copper-cobalt railway, potentially backed by US financing.

Ebola Response: DRC has started vaccinating frontline health workers in Kisangani, Tshopo, using Ervebo under a compassionate-use framework, with 50,000+ doses received and a plan to expand across affected zones as the Bundibugyo outbreak keeps surging. Public Health Guidance: WHO has issued updated temporary recommendations for surveillance, case detection, infection control, clinical care, risk communication, and new social measures, warning the risk remains “very high.” Outbreak Pressure: Latest figures put confirmed cases above 5,500 and deaths above 2,600, with WHO calling it a “defining moment” as community deaths remain a major concern. Higher Education Disruption: Kinshasa has suspended academic and para-academic activities in Goma and Bukavu amid security pressures and rivalry tied to AFC-M23 control, drawing strong reaction from Denis Mukwege. Regional Tech & Health Funding: HaDEA signed new EU4Health contracts to boost Ebola testing capacity in DRC and Uganda, including RT-PCR kits and antiviral access. Diplomacy for Peace: Tshisekedi announced a “national dialogue” anchored in all 26 provinces, while opposition voices question whether it fits the crisis. Infrastructure & Minerals: Mota-Engil is set to sign a 30-year concession to run the DRC portion of the Lobito copper-cobalt railway, potentially backed by up to $1-billion in US financing.

Ebola Response: DRC has started vaccinating frontline health workers in Kisangani, Tshopo, using the Ervebo jab under a compassionate-use framework as the Bundibugyo outbreak keeps surging; more than 50,000 doses have arrived, with WHO also pushing updated guidance on surveillance, infection control, and even social measures like mobility and mass gatherings. Outbreak Pressure: WHO says the epidemic has reached a “defining moment,” with confirmed cases now above 5,500 and deaths above 2,600, and community deaths remain a major concern as insecurity and population movement disrupt care. EU Health Support: HaDEA signed EU4Health contracts to supply RT-PCR lab kits and antiviral favipiravir, aiming to boost testing and response capacity for outbreaks including Ebola Bundibugyo in DRC. Health System Strain: Reporting highlights frontline workers’ fear and stress, including unpaid bonuses, underscoring how workforce conditions can affect containment. Peace & Governance: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a new national dialogue on peace and state “refoundation,” starting in the provinces rather than Kinshasa, though opposition voices question the format. Infrastructure & Trade: Tunisia’s CEPEX is opening registrations for a business mission tied to EXPO BÉTON in Kinshasa, while Mota-Engil is set to sign a 30-year deal to run the Congolese stretch of the Lobito copper-cobalt railway, potentially backed by US financing.