AGP Executive Report

DRC Peace Tensions: Rwanda’s foreign minister says the US is showing “increasingly blatant” bias over the Washington peace deal, after fresh US sanctions targeted a Rwandan gold refinery and firms accused of helping smuggle minerals from areas controlled by M23. Regional Security: The dispute keeps circling around the 2025 accord’s demands—DRC to dismantle the FDLR, Rwanda to withdraw forces and deny support for M23—while Kigali and Kinshasa trade accusations. Burundi Human Rights Watch: Burundi NGOs and international partners mark the UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture by accusing authorities of allowing torture to continue with impunity, calling for independent investigations, prosecutions and reparations. Gitega Education Needs: A Gitega school for blind children in Mushasha appeals for urgent help—beds and mattresses, more teachers, and braille materials—warning learning is being disrupted by shortages. Digital Economy & Identity: Burundi explores using India’s India Stack model to speed up national identity and payments systems, aiming for wider financial inclusion through modern digital infrastructure.

Burundi–AU Diplomacy: Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye convened an African Union bureau meeting where Libya’s Presidential Council chairman Mohamed Menfi welcomed possible US initiatives only if they go through Libya’s national constitutional institutions, with the AU and UN not sidelined. Gitega Education Needs: In Gitega, Santa Lucia Primary School in Mushasha is appealing for urgent help for 66 blind pupils, citing a shortage of beds, teachers, braille paper, and only one embossing machine. Digital Identity Push (Burundi): Burundi is exploring India’s “India Stack” model to speed up national identity and payments, including using UPI-style systems for financial inclusion. Regional Rights & Justice: Burundian NGOs and partners marked the UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture with renewed calls for independent investigations and accountability over torture and impunity. International Legal Pressure: Niger has begun the process to withdraw from the ICC, joining Burundi and the Philippines as countries leaving the court. Business & Finance (Burundi): KCB Burundi says the new stock exchange and reforms could open long-term opportunities in agriculture, digital banking, and small-business lending.

Independence Diplomacy: Qatar and the UAE sent congratulations to Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye on Independence Day, underscoring continued regional engagement. Digital Economy & Identity: Burundi is exploring India’s “India Stack” model to modernize national identity and payments, using UPI-style rails to expand financial inclusion. Gitega Education Needs: Santa Lucia Primary School in Mushasha (Gitega) is appealing for urgent support for 66 blind pupils, citing a lack of boarding beds, teacher shortages, and limited braille equipment and paper. Human Rights Pressure: Burundian NGOs and international partners marked the UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture with renewed calls for independent investigations, prosecutions, and reparations, saying torture persists with impunity. Regional Justice Watch: Niger has begun its ICC withdrawal process, renewing debate across the region about accountability when states leave international courts. Business Outlook: KCB Burundi says the new stock exchange and reforms could open long-term opportunities in agriculture, digital banking, and small-business finance despite inflation and FX stress.

Education & Inclusion in Gitega: Santa Lucia Primary School in Mushasha is urgently appealing for help for 66 blind children, citing a lack of boarding beds and mattresses, a looming teacher shortage, and shortages of braille paper plus only one embossing machine. Human Rights & Justice: Burundian NGOs marked the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture with a joint statement accusing authorities of tolerating torture and impunity, calling for independent investigations, prosecutions, and reparations. Burundi in Regional Diplomacy: President Évariste Ndayishimiye convened the AU conference bureau meeting in Luanda, underscoring Burundi’s role in continental political consultation. Digital Economy Push: Burundi is exploring India’s “India Stack” model to speed up national identity and payments, including using UPI-style systems for financial inclusion. China-Africa Connectivity: A China-aided project is advancing the rehabilitation and modernization of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura, aimed at boosting Burundi’s air gateway capacity. International Legal Pressure: A commentary highlights Niger’s ICC withdrawal process, noting Burundi already exited the court and warning about what happens to victims when states abandon international accountability.

ICC Withdrawal Watch: Niger has started the process to leave the International Criminal Court, saying the court targets African states and “selective justice” is the real pattern; the withdrawal would take effect after a 12-month period, with Burundi already having exited in 2017. Burundi’s AU/Leadership Push: President Évariste Ndayishimiye told party-linked interfaith gatherings that Burundi can achieve rapid growth if citizens embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and hard work, stressing leadership should deliver results. Ebola Response Strain in the Region: In eastern DRC, health authorities say they’ve lost contact with nearly 300 Ebola-positive patients, with conflict and limited resources making it hard to track cases and contain spread. Great Lakes Power Politics: The long-delayed Ruzizi III hydropower project faces renewed uncertainty as political disagreements stall key security and governance decisions among DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. Local Health & Recovery: Burundi’s civil society and health authorities are stepping up efforts against rising drug use, with rehabilitation centers expanding prevention and support for young people. Regional Connectivity: A China-aided project is advancing the modernization of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura, aiming to remove a runway bottleneck and boost Burundi’s air links.

Airport Modernization: Chinese and Burundian teams are working through the night to resurface and upgrade Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura, a project meant to remove a runway bottleneck and boost Burundi’s air links. Public Safety in Gitega: Two violent deaths in three days—one man found by the Ruvyironza River and a 24-year-old woman discovered dead in a guesthouse—have sparked fresh calls for investigations and arrests. Refugee Movement Rules: ONPRA has eased movement procedures for Congolese refugees in Burundi’s Musasa and Kinama camps, allowing freer travel within camp areas and nearby districts while keeping exit permits for travel beyond the host district. Health Fears at the Lake Border: Fishermen in Kajaga say daily contact with DRC counterparts and weak visible prevention measures are heightening anxiety about Ebola crossing Lake Tanganyika. Transport Strain in Bujumbura: A continuing bus shortage is worsening daily life for residents, with operators blaming long-running fuel supply problems. Regional Migration Pressure: South Africa’s anti-migrant deadline has pushed refugees and asylum seekers into makeshift conditions near home affairs reception points, including a group of about 400 from the DRC, Burundi and Rwanda.

Burundi Crime Watch (Gitega): Two bodies were found in Gitega within three days—one man killed near the Ruvyironza River (June 22) and a 24-year-old woman found dead in a guesthouse room (June 24). Residents are calling for a thorough investigation as no suspects have been arrested. Refugee Movement Update (Burundi): ONPRA eased movement rules for Congolese refugees in Musasa and Kinama camps: people can travel freely within the camp area and, for wider host-district travel, must register in a logbook; exit permits are still required beyond the district. Public Transport Crisis (Bujumbura): Bujumbura residents say the bus shortage is worsening daily, blaming long waits and delays on ongoing fuel supply problems that keep vehicles immobilized. Ebola Fears at the Lake Border (Kajaga): Fishermen near Lake Tanganyika in Kajaga say frequent cross-border boat traffic from the DRC and lack of visible prevention measures are heightening anxiety about Ebola entering Burundi. Health & Regional Context: Saudi Arabia imposed fresh travel restrictions on the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan over Ebola concerns, while WHO warns the outbreak could spread further across borders. National Leadership Message (Burundi): President Évariste Ndayishimiye urged Burundians to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship, arguing the country can achieve rapid economic growth if mindsets shift toward hard work and responsibility. Drug Recovery Spotlight (Bujumbura): Burundi’s Strong Bridge centre says drug use is rising, with over 900 young people helped since 2021 and school awareness campaigns aimed at prevention.

Burundi Politics & Economy: President Évariste Ndayishimiye told CNDD-FDD’s interfaith gathering that Burundi can achieve rapid, sustainable growth if citizens embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, hard work, and practical leadership over rhetoric. Public Health & UN Policy: The UN General Assembly adopted a new HIV/AIDS declaration that backs decriminalizing drug use and prostitution and supports non-disclosure of HIV status to sexual partners, but it passed amid major objections and a rare lack of consensus. Ebola Cross-Border Risk: Reports highlight how the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is spreading amid conflict and displacement, with fears it could reach South Sudan soon; Burundi’s own border communities are also anxious about possible spillover. Gitega Local Security: In Gitega province, two deaths in three days—one a murdered man found near the Ruvyironza River and another a pregnant woman found dead in a guesthouse—have sparked renewed concern and calls for thorough investigations. Refugee Movement Rules (Burundi): ONPRA eased movement procedures for refugees in Muyinga’s Musasa and Kinama camps, allowing freer travel within camp areas and host districts while keeping exit permits for travel beyond.

Ebola Watch (DRC/Region): Eastern DRC’s Ebola outbreak is surging past 1,000 cases, with WHO warning the virus has spread to Uganda and could reach South Sudan within weeks; experts stress border surveillance, contact tracing, and safe burial as insecurity and displacement keep health teams from camps and urban areas. Saudi Travel Curbs: As fears rise, Saudi Arabia suspended travel and visas for citizens and arrivals linked to the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, including via third countries within 21 days. Burundi (Gitega Crime): In Gitega, two bodies were found in three days, including a pregnant woman found dead in a guesthouse, renewing local concern over crime and prompting calls for investigations. Burundi (Refugee Movement): In Muyinga, ONPRA eased movement rules for Congolese refugees in Musasa and Kinama camps—free movement within camp areas and simpler logbook registration within host districts, while permits remain for travel beyond. Burundi (Transport Crisis): Bujumbura residents say the public transportation breakdown is worsening due to long waits and fuel shortages that immobilize vehicles. Burundi (Water & Health): Fishermen in Kajaga fear Ebola could cross from the DRC via daily lake traffic, while water access problems undermine hygiene efforts. Regional Politics/Justice: Niger’s military government moves to withdraw from the ICC, joining Burundi and the Philippines as states that have completed exit steps.

Ebola Border Measures: Saudi Arabia tightened travel rules, temporarily barring citizens from traveling to the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan and suspending visas for arrivals from those countries, with extra checks for anyone who transited via third countries after staying in the affected states within 21 days. Regional Health Risk: A WHO-linked study warns a rare Ebola strain in eastern DRC has already reached Uganda and could reach South Sudan within weeks, urging border surveillance, contact tracing and safe burial. Burundi Crime Watch (Gitega): In Gitega, residents are alarmed after two deaths in three days—one man found murdered near the Ruvyironza River and a 24-year-old pregnant woman found dead in a guesthouse—both with investigations ongoing. Refugee Movement (Muyinga): Burundi eased rules for Congolese refugees in Musasa and Kinama camps, allowing freer movement within camp areas and host districts via logbook registration, while exit permits remain for travel beyond the district. Public Services Pressure (Bujumbura): Bujumbura’s transport crisis continues, with commuters reporting hours of waiting and delays tied to long-running fuel shortages. Health & Social Support (Burundi): A Bujumbura drug recovery centre says demand is rising, with hundreds of young people supported since it opened in 2021.

Ebola Watch (DRC/Region): A rare Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak in eastern DRC has confirmed transmission in Uganda and may reach South Sudan within weeks, with WHO modelling putting the risk at about 70%—prompting calls for border surveillance, contact tracing, and safe burial. Saudi Travel Curbs: Saudi Arabia has suspended travel by its citizens to the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan and halted visas for arrivals from those countries (and for anyone who transited there in the prior 21 days), citing preventive health measures. Burundi (Gitega Crime): In Gitega, two deaths in three days—one man found murdered near the Ruvyironza River and a 24-year-old woman found dead in a guesthouse—have renewed local concern, with investigations ongoing. Burundi (Refugee Movement): In Muyinga, rules for Congolese refugees in Musasa and Kinama camps have been eased: freer movement within camp areas and the host district via logbook registration, while permits remain for travel beyond the district. Burundi (Public Services): Bujumbura residents continue to report a worsening public transport crisis tied to long-running fuel shortages, disrupting work, school schedules, and daily life. Regional Politics/Justice: Niger’s military government has formally moved to withdraw from the ICC, raising renewed debate over accountability for victims when states leave international courts. Sports (Burundi Talent Abroad): Burundi international Jordi Liongola has signed a three-year deal with English club Sheffield Wednesday, adding depth as the club builds for its 2026-27 campaign.

Ebola Watch: A Lancet study says the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain was likely spreading in eastern DRC for weeks before official confirmation, and WHO modelling now puts a ~70% chance of reaching South Sudan soon—prompting calls for border surveillance, contact tracing, and safe burial. Cross-Border Health Measures: Saudi Arabia has suspended travel and visas tied to DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, while UN funding via CERF is set to strengthen surveillance and labs in Burundi and South Sudan to reduce cross-border spillover risk. Burundi Crime & Safety: In Gitega, two bodies were found in three days, including a young pregnant woman found dead in a guesthouse, renewing local concern over crime and pushing for investigations. Refugee Movement Update (Burundi): In Muyinga, ONPRA eased movement rules for refugees in Musasa and Kinama camps—free movement within camp areas and logbook registration within the host district, with permits still required beyond. Local Governance & Daily Life: Bujumbura’s public transport crisis continues, with residents blaming long waits and delays on ongoing fuel shortages. Food & Water Stress: In Mpanda, rice farmers report water shortages and accuse Imbonerakure of hoarding or unfair control of irrigation water, threatening harvests. Drug Recovery Spotlight: A Bujumbura centre says drug use is rising and highlights rehabilitation and school awareness work.

Ebola Cross-Border Alarm: A WHO modelling study says the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has a nearly 70% chance of reaching South Sudan within weeks, urging neighbours to tighten border surveillance, contact tracing and safe burials as cases rise across the region. Regional Health Measures: Saudi Arabia suspended travel and visas for citizens linked to the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, while India activated its Air Suvidha portal for Ebola-affected travellers to submit online self-declaration forms before boarding. Justice & Sovereignty: Niger formally filed to withdraw from the ICC, joining Burundi and the Philippines in completing exit steps, with critics warning victims may lose a key avenue for accountability. Burundi Humanitarian & Social Issues: A Strong Bridge centre in Bujumbura reports rising drug use and rehabilitation for over 900 youths since 2021, as Burundi also faces fertilizer shortages in Matana and Bururi that farmers say are tied to paid-but-missing inputs. Refugee Pressure: World Refugee Day coverage highlights reduced aid and insecurity across camps in the Great Lakes region, including Burundi-linked displacement in Rwanda and Tanzania.

Ebola Regional Alarm: A WHO-linked modelling study warns the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak (1,048 cases, 267 deaths as of June 22) could reach South Sudan within weeks, with Uganda already reporting transmission; researchers urge border surveillance, contact tracing and safe burials as a lack of a strain-specific vaccine keeps the risk high. Travel Curbs: Saudi Arabia suspended travel and visa issuance for citizens linked to the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, while strengthening screening across nearby countries including Burundi. Humanitarian Funding: The UN says it has released CERF support to boost surveillance, labs and case management in Burundi and South Sudan, both considered at risk of cross-border spread. Burundi Economy Watch: The IMF flags low foreign-currency reserves—only $214m at end-2025—warning fuel imports and daily commerce can be hit when dollars run short. Agriculture Pressure: Farmers in Muyinga denounce expanding artisanal gold mining that destroys fields and displaces families, while in Matana and Bururi fertilizer shortages tied to unpaid deliveries are raising food-security fears. Governance & Justice: Burundi’s President and AU Chair Evariste Ndayishimiye backed Ethiopia’s election win; meanwhile, Niger’s formal ICC exit adds to a growing sovereignty push that already includes Burundi’s earlier withdrawal.

Ebola Response: WHO reports 1,094 confirmed Ebola cases and 277 deaths in DR Congo, with 387 patients in treatment and 115 recovered, as officials say surveillance and lab capacity are expanding fast. Humanitarian & Health Supplies: Rosselkhoznadzor says it monitored a UN-backed shipment of 820 tons of fortified wheat flour from Russia’s Altai Territory to Burundi, after quality and safety testing. Public Health Policy: Burundi’s AU chair and President Evariste Ndayishimiye says Africa-China ties show “model” South-South cooperation, while India’s Air Suvidha portal now requires Ebola-affected travelers to submit online self-declaration forms before deboarding. Economy & Governance: IMF warns Burundi’s foreign currency reserves are critically low at $214m (about 1.6 months of imports), a pressure felt in fuel supply. Local Development: PAGRIS seeks suppliers to equip Burundi’s OBPE seed center, aiming to boost seed production, storage, quality control, and traceability. Regional Security & Rights: In the DRC, Catholic bishops warn against any move toward a third term for Félix Tshisekedi, citing constitutional stability.

Ebola Response & Health Security: India activated the Air Suvidha portal for passengers arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries, requiring an online Self-Declaration Form before deboarding, after WHO declared Ebola a Public Health Emergency of International Concern; the move follows India’s announced US$10m support for Africa-led preparedness, response and recovery led from Burundi’s AU chair. DRC Politics & Regional Stability: Congo’s bishops (CENCO) warned against any push for President Félix Tshisekedi’s third term, citing constitutional term limits and institutional stability. Ebola Surge in the Great Lakes: WHO reports 1,094 confirmed Ebola cases and 277 deaths in DRC, with response capacity rising to over 500 beds across 19 health zones, while experts warn funding and operational constraints could worsen spread. Burundi Economy & Governance: The IMF says Burundi’s foreign currency reserves are critically low at $214m (about 1.6 months of imports), threatening fuel availability and growth despite improved fiscal indicators. Food Security: Farmers in Burunga’s Matana and Bururi districts report fertilizer shortages and unpaid deliveries, raising fears of crop losses and a food crunch. Local Political Tensions: SOS Médias Burundi reports witchcraft accusations spreading within CNDD-FDD ranks in Bubanza, with targeted members seeking protection from reprisals. International Justice: Niger formally submitted its ICC withdrawal instrument, setting exit for June 18, 2027, citing “selective justice” and aligning with the Sahel’s sovereignty push. Refugees & Rights: World Refugee Day coverage highlights reduced aid, pressure to return, and insecurity across camps, including Rwanda’s Mahama where Burundian humanitarian leader Marguerite Barankitse calls it “a city,” not a camp.