AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response Escalates: The U.S. says it has boosted its Ebola effort in Central and East Africa with over $162 million, including new guidance for Americans exposed in the region and expanded support for affected countries. Regional Coordination: East African Community health ministers held an emergency virtual meeting in Arusha to agree on joint actions to strengthen surveillance, labs, infection control, risk communication, and rapid response. Burundi Link in the Risk Map: Africa CDC warns the Bundibugyo outbreak could spread further amid intense cross-border movement, listing Burundi among high-risk countries. Controversy in Kenya: Kenya’s president authorized a quarantine centre for U.S. citizens at Laikipia Air Base, after protests and a court challenge over health risks. Conflict Pressure in DRC: The U.S. imposed fresh sanctions on senior M23 and FDLR commanders, targeting leaders accused of driving violence in eastern Congo. Local Governance & Rights: An open letter urges Burundi’s AU chair to oppose any extradition of Congolese researcher Babunga Benjamin Watuna to the DRC.

Ebola Response in East Africa: EAC health ministers met in Arusha to coordinate a regional push against the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak spreading from eastern DR Congo into Uganda, focusing on surveillance, lab diagnosis, infection control, risk communication, and rapid response. Burundi Under Regional Health Watch: Burundi is listed among high-risk countries for Ebola transmission/importation, as regional advisories warn of possible travel restrictions and entry denials. U.S. Sanctions on Congo Armed Groups: The U.S. Treasury imposed fresh sanctions on M23 and FDLR commanders, targeting John Imani Nzenze and Gustave Kubwayo, as Washington warns violence is worsening the humanitarian crisis in eastern DR Congo. Burundi’s International Position: Burundi reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan at the UN C-24 and welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2797, while condemning actions seen as threatening regional stability. Sports & National Team: Former Premier League striker Saido Berahino joined the Burundi national team coaching staff ahead of an international friendly against Equatorial Guinea. Regional Energy Policy: Uganda’s energy regulator official Irene Batebe urged East African energy regulators to expand their mandate to include mining, arguing it would help unlock investment and critical minerals for the energy transition.

Sanctions and regional security: The U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on commanders linked to the FDLR and the Rwanda-backed M23 in eastern DR Congo, targeting Gustave Kubwayo and John Imani Nzenze over alleged attacks on civilians and destabilization. Ebola crisis in the region: Aid groups warn the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is likely far worse than official figures, citing delayed detection and weak contact tracing, as neighboring countries tighten measures and the EAC prepares emergency health coordination. Burundi and extradition concerns: A Great Lakes open letter urges Burundi’s President Ndayishimiye to oppose any extradition of Congolese researcher Babunga Benjamin Watuna, alleging political persecution risks. Regional health governance: East African Community health ministers are set to meet to coordinate surveillance, mobile labs, and cross-border response for Ebola. Finance and influence: Kenya’s AfDB clout reportedly slipped after it missed a payment, diluting its shareholding while borrowing more from the lender. Diplomacy and integration: Burundi reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan at the UN C-24 seminar, welcoming UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Sports and national pride: Former striker Saido Berahino joined Burundi’s national team coaching staff ahead of an international friendly.

Ebola Regional Response: East African Community health ministers are holding an emergency virtual meeting (June 1–2) to coordinate a regional push against the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo and Uganda, with plans for mobile labs, stronger surveillance and lab diagnosis, infection control, risk communication, and PPE support. Burundi Extradition Watch: A regional open letter urges Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye to oppose any extradition of Congolese researcher Babunga Benjamin Watuna to the DRC, warning it could be politically motivated and violate rights. Land Restitution Tensions: Returned refugees from Tanzania say “voluntary return” masks fear and intimidation, alleging political and security networks block land restitution and push people away from their original homes. International Health Politics: Kenya’s court and protests have targeted a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility for Americans at Laikipia Air Base, while the US also plans to centralize visa processing across Africa into fewer “hub” locations. Sports & National Pride: Former Premier League striker Saido Berahino has joined the Burundi national team coaching staff, as the country prepares for upcoming fixtures.

Ebola Crisis in the Region: East African Community health ministers are meeting in an emergency virtual session (June 1–2) to coordinate a response to the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo and Uganda, as the Bundibugyo strain spreads and there is still no licensed vaccine or targeted treatment. Cross-Border Alarm: Aid groups warn the outbreak may be far larger than official figures, citing delayed detection and weak contact tracing, while Africa CDC flags intense cross-border movement as a key risk for countries including Burundi. Regional Response Measures: The EAC says it will push surveillance, lab testing, infection control, risk communication, and deploy mobile laboratories at border points, alongside training for health workers and procurement of protective equipment. Burundi in the Security Mix: In Bujumbura, UN security talks on Central Africa called for stronger regional cooperation to tackle threats ranging from terrorism and disinformation to tensions around elections and climate impacts. Domestic Pressure Points: Burundi’s public debate also turns inward, with reports of forced contributions tied to upcoming commemorations in Gitega and continued concerns over alcohol abuse and domestic violence in parts of the country.

Ebola Response: East African Community health ministers are holding an emergency virtual meeting June 1–2 to coordinate action against the fast-moving Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and Uganda, with plans including mobile laboratories, stronger border surveillance, PPE supplies, and training for high-risk infection care. Public Health Warning: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says the lack of a licensed vaccine and intense cross-border movement make the situation “particularly concerning,” while MSF warns the response is not keeping up with the outbreak’s speed. Burundi Diplomacy: Burundi reiterated at the UN Committee of 24 (C-24) its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara and welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2797, while condemning actions that could destabilize the region. Central Africa Security: A UN security meeting in Bujumbura urged stronger regional cooperation to tackle threats ranging from terrorism and disinformation to tensions tied to elections and climate change. Domestic Life: In Kirundo, residents denounced forced contributions ahead of June 8 ceremonies in Gitega, alleging pressure involving local CNDD-FDD officials and Imbonerakure members. Sports & National Team: Former Premier League striker Saido Berahino has joined Burundi’s national team coaching staff after retiring.

Ebola Response in East Africa: The East African Community will hold an emergency virtual meeting of health ministers on June 1–2 to coordinate a regional push against the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, focusing on surveillance, lab diagnostics, infection prevention, risk communication, and border actions including mobile labs and rapid-response experts. Central Africa Security & Peace: At a UN security meeting in Bujumbura, participants urged stronger regional cooperation to sustain peace and resilient development, warning that tensions tied to terrorism, hate speech, disinformation, and election-related friction are still undermining stability. Burundi Local Governance & Social Strain: In Kirundo, residents denounced forced financial contributions linked to preparations for June 8 ceremonies in Gitega, saying local CNDD-FDD officials and Imbonerakure members pressure households without exemptions. Public Health & Youth Risk: In Bujumbura, reports highlight rising consumption of cheap, high-alcohol beverages among young people, with specialists warning about dangerous alcohol concentrations and rapid intoxication. Regional Health Outreach: Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Hospital and Foundation plan a specialist medical outreach in Masasi from June 1–5, bringing services closer to communities.

Ebola Response in the Region: East African Community health ministers will hold an emergency virtual meeting Monday–Tuesday to coordinate actions against the Ebola epidemic in eastern DR Congo, after the AU health agency reported 246 suspected deaths and Uganda confirmed eight infections. Central Africa Security: A UN security meeting in Bujumbura urged stronger regional cooperation to sustain peace and resilient development, warning that terrorism, hate speech, disinformation, and election-related tensions are still driving instability. Burundi Domestic Life: In Kirundo, residents denounced forced financial contributions tied to preparations for June 8 commemoration ceremonies in Gitega, saying local CNDD-FDD officials and Imbonerakure members demand money door-to-door. Public Health and Safety: In eastern DR Congo, police fired shots to disperse crowds at an Ebola treatment centre after families tried to reclaim bodies, highlighting mistrust and repeated attacks on health facilities. Regional Development: UN peacekeeping funding and personnel have fallen to a 25-year low, raising fears of weaker multilateral conflict management.

Ebola Crisis in Central Africa: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 1,000 suspected cases (1,077) with 121 confirmed and 17 deaths, spreading across 13 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu; WHO has raised the alert to “very high,” while Uganda has reported linked cases and temporarily closed its border with Congo. Regional Security & Diplomacy: A UN security meeting in Burundi’s Bujumbura urged sustainable peace and resilient development, warning that tensions tied to elections, disinformation and climate change are fueling instability. Burundi Domestic Tensions: In Kirundo, residents denounced forced door-to-door contributions tied to June 8 commemoration preparations in Gitega, alleging pressure from local CNDD-FDD officials and Imbonerakure. Cross-border Arrest: Burundi intelligence arrested Congolese national Babunga Benjamin Watuna in Bujumbura, with accusations of collaboration with the AFC/M23 rebel movement amid heightened Kinshasa–Gitega security cooperation. Public Safety & Health: In Makamba, police detained a man suspected of killing his wife in a domestic violence incident, as Burundi continues to grapple with rising violence cases.

Ebola Surge in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo says suspected Ebola cases have jumped to 1,077, with 121 confirmed and 17 deaths, spreading across 13 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu; WHO has raised the risk to “very high” and urged neighbors to act fast as insecurity and displacement disrupt contact tracing. Regional Border Moves: Uganda has temporarily closed its border with Congo, while Africa CDC warns that countries including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia face heightened risk. Burundi-Switzerland Rights Row: Swiss forced returns of Burundian asylum seekers are being challenged by civil society and legal experts in Geneva, arguing that procedures alone can still violate non-refoulement if risks are assessed inaccurately. Security Cooperation (Gitega-Kinshasa): Burundi and DRC officials reaffirmed military cooperation after a defense visit by DRC’s Deputy Prime Minister Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita to Gitega, focusing on border security amid the wider eastern crisis. EAC Connectivity: East African regulators are drafting harmonised roaming rules to cut cross-border communication costs and boost the region’s digital economy.

Ebola Crisis in the DRC: The WHO says the 2026 Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has surged past 1,000 suspected cases (1,077), with 121 confirmed and 17 deaths, as insecurity and displacement in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu disrupt contact tracing and fuel mistrust. Regional Security Cooperation: In a sign of tighter sub-regional coordination, a Congolese defense deputy prime minister visited Burundi (Gitega/Bujumbura) for closed-door talks on border security and military cooperation amid the wider eastern DRC crisis. Burundi–Switzerland Returns Under Scrutiny: Swiss forced deportations of Burundian asylum seekers are being challenged by civil society and legal experts, who warn that procedural checks may still violate non-refoulement if Burundi risk assessments are incomplete. EAC Digital Integration: East African regulators are drafting new EAC rules to harmonise mobile roaming, cut cross-border communication costs, and strengthen consumer protection. Public Health Preparedness: Kenya approved a US quarantine facility for Ebola-exposed Americans, while multiple countries issued travel advisories and tightened screening as the outbreak spreads. Local Governance & Safety: Burundi also saw a reported prison-related death after a violent arrest linked to Imbonerakure, alongside a separate machete killing in Bubanza tied to a domestic dispute.

Ebola Surge in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo reports suspected Ebola cases have jumped to 1,077 (121 confirmed) with 17 deaths, spreading across 13 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, as authorities suspend social activities and step up contact tracking. Regional Border Moves: WHO urges neighbors to act immediately; Uganda temporarily closes its border with Congo, and Africa CDC warns at-risk countries include Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Burundi, and others. Burundi’s Security Link: In response to the wider regional crisis, Congolese Defense Deputy Prime Minister Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita visits Bujumbura for talks with Burundi’s Defense Minister on border security and military cooperation. Cross-Border Health Cooperation: Kenya approves a US quarantine facility for Ebola-exposed Americans at a military site, while Russia says it is boosting border health screenings and sending Ebola test systems to the region. Human Rights at Home: Swiss civil society and legal experts renew criticism of forced returns of Burundian asylum seekers, arguing procedures alone can still violate non-refoulement.

Ebola Regional Security: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s suspected Ebola tally has surged past 1,000, reaching 1,077 suspected cases with 121 confirmed and 17 deaths, spreading across 13 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu; authorities have suspended social activities in Ituri and say about 3,600 people are contacts, while WHO warns the outbreak is moving faster than response teams can manage and calls for urgent action by neighbors. Cross-Border Measures: Africa CDC flags heightened risk for 10 countries including Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola and Burundi, as Uganda temporarily closes its border with Congo and multiple countries issue travel advisories and screening at entry points. Burundi in the Spotlight: Burundi is named among the at-risk states, and the crisis is also driving regional security coordination—Kinshasa and Gitega reaffirmed defense cooperation after a Congolese deputy prime minister visit focused on border security. Human Rights & Returns: Swiss civil society and legal experts renewed criticism of forced returns of Burundian asylum seekers, warning that procedural checks can still violate non-refoulement if Burundi risk assessments are incomplete. Governance/Justice: Hungary’s parliament voted to cancel its ICC withdrawal, a reminder that international legal pressure remains a live political issue beyond Africa.

Ebola Surge in the Region: The DRC’s Ebola situation worsened sharply, with suspected cases rising to 1,077 and 17 deaths since May 15, as the outbreak spreads across 13 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu; Africa CDC warns that Burundi and other neighbors face outbreak risk, while Uganda reports new cases and temporarily closes its border with Congo. Burundi’s Security Cooperation: In response to the wider regional crisis, Kinshasa and Gitega reaffirmed defense ties after a visit by Congolese Deputy Prime Minister Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, with talks focused on border security and cooperation mechanisms. Refugee Pressure in Tanzania: In Nyarugusu camp, more than 2,300 Burundian refugees allege forced repatriation pressure, including canceled refugee cards and food aid cuts, while camp management frames returns as “voluntary.” Rights Watch on Deportations: Swiss and human-rights groups renewed criticism of Switzerland’s forced returns of Burundian asylum seekers, arguing risk assessments may miss persecution and non-refoulement violations. Local Tragedy: In Musigati (Bubanza), a drunken machete killing of a wife after a family dispute led to an arrest involving police and Imbonerakure youth.

Ebola Watch (DRC/Uganda): WHO says Ebola is spreading faster than responders can keep up, with the outbreak in eastern DR Congo linked to hundreds of suspected cases and deaths, and WHO chief Tedros urging neighbours to act immediately as insecurity and distrust hamper containment. Regional Health Measures: Ethiopia announced strengthened screening and surveillance at airports and land entry points, while other countries in the region move to prepare for possible importation. Burundi Deportations (Switzerland): Burundi families in Bujumbura report young people deported from Switzerland have returned, as rights groups denounce forced returns and call on Swiss authorities to suspend the practice. International Diplomacy (Africa Day/AU): AU leaders, including Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, renewed calls for unity, faster integration, and UN Security Council reforms during Africa Day celebrations. Sports & National Pride: Morocco thrashed Burundi 5-0 in a World Cup friendly, with Burundi’s match offering a clear benchmark as preparations intensify. Health Funding (Primary Care): Zambia joins Burundi, Angola and Ethiopia in a €10m EIB Global initiative aimed at making health projects “investment-ready” for universal coverage.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: Western Uganda and eastern DR Congo are on edge as experts warn the current outbreak is driven by the rarer Bundibugyo ebolavirus, with major gaps in protection because existing vaccines and treatments were built mainly for the Zaire strain. Regional Response Tightens: Ethiopia says it has no suspected cases but is ramping screening at land borders and airports, boosting lab capacity, and preparing health facilities as WHO and Africa CDC warn the epidemic is moving faster than responders can scale up. Security Hits Health Care: In Ituri, attacks on Ebola treatment centers and patients fleeing are reported, with officials describing the fight as “like a war” amid shortages and distrust. Cross-Border Fallout: The US is increasing airport screening and requiring isolation rules for DRC’s World Cup team, while neighboring countries face rising pressure over border closures and quarantine impacts. Burundi Deportations: Switzerland-linked forced deportations are drawing fresh criticism as families in Bujumbura report tense, risky returns. EAC Integration: The EAC is pushing a harmonised mobile roaming framework to cut regional communication costs.