AGP Executive Report

Middle East Tension: Trump says he was “an hour away” from new Iran strikes, but called them off after UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar urged a diplomatic push—while Iran replies to the latest US proposal via Pakistan and markets react as 30-year US yields hit a near-19-year high. Ebola Crisis in Congo: WHO has declared the Congo–Uganda Ebola outbreak a global public health emergency as deaths and suspected cases climb fast; Canada says it’s not imposing a travel ban, while the US tightens entry rules for people arriving from affected areas. Congo Business & Ports: AD Ports Group awarded US$200M in contracts to develop the Noatum Pointe-Noire Terminal, aiming to modernize Pointe-Noire as a Central/West Africa trade gateway. Regional Health Debate: African health officials warn US-style travel restrictions can backfire and push countries toward isolation instead of stronger response. Sports & Tech Glitch: VAR malfunction delayed the CAF Champions League final first leg in Pretoria, but Sundowns held a 1-0 lead.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: The WHO has declared the Congo–Uganda Ebola outbreak a global public health emergency, driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain and rising suspected cases in Congo’s Ituri province, with health officials warning that border areas face higher risk and that fear-based travel bans won’t stop spread. Public Health Pushback: Africa CDC leaders say U.S. Ebola travel restrictions are counterproductive and urge solidarity, stronger healthcare capacity, and coordinated response instead of isolation. Regional Health Reality: Reports put Congo deaths and suspected cases in the hundreds, with Uganda confirming infections linked to travel from Congo—while surveillance gaps and stretched systems complicate early detection. Business & Innovation: Cameroon and Tunisia are teaming up to back women-led investment across Africa through incubation, acceleration, and mentoring, targeting entrepreneurs and tech-focused SMEs including in Congo-Brazzaville. Mining Watch: Kaoko Metals says it’s moving toward pre-drilling fieldwork on Namibia’s overlooked Kaoko Copper Belt, as investor interest heats up.

Ebola Emergency Escalates in Congo: The WHO has declared the Congo–Uganda Ebola outbreak a global health emergency as cases surge in Ituri province, with reports of 330+ suspected infections and around 90 deaths, and lab links still limited to a small number of confirmed cases. The outbreak is tied to the rare Bundibugyo strain, with no targeted vaccine or treatment, and health teams are racing on isolation, contact tracing, lab testing, safe burials, and public alerts. Cross-Border Response: The CDC says it’s supporting partners to coordinate the safe withdrawal of a small number of Americans directly affected. Sports Tech Stress Test: In CAF Champions League action, Mamelodi Sundowns beat AS FAR 1-0, but a VAR malfunction delayed the second half—yet officials say the match stayed orderly. Mining Watch: Kaoko Metals is gearing up for pre-drilling fieldwork on Namibia’s overlooked Kaoko Copper Belt, already up sharply since listing.

Global Health Emergency: The WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a global health emergency, as deaths in Congo’s Ituri province climb to about 80 and suspected cases surge past 300, with lab-confirmed links still limited (around 8–10). The outbreak is driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain, with no targeted vaccine or treatment, and officials warn that delayed detection and stretched health systems are making containment harder. Cross-Border Response: Uganda has confirmed cases tied to travel from Congo, pushing health agencies to coordinate screening, isolation, and safe burials across borders. Sports Tech Stress Test: In football, Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League final first leg was delayed over 20 minutes after VAR malfunction, with coaches urging calm to protect Africa’s image. AI Spotlight: Vatican announced Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical on AI will be presented May 25, with the Pope speaking in person.

Ebola Alarm: WHO has declared Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with reports of 350 suspected cases and 91 deaths in northeastern Congo, plus confirmed infections in Uganda; health officials warn the virus may have circulated undetected for weeks as malaria and other fevers mask symptoms and hospitals stay under pressure. Cross-Border Risk: Uganda has confirmed cases linked to travel from Congo, and authorities are pushing faster isolation, contact tracing, lab testing, safe burials, and public awareness to slow spread. Health System Strain: The outbreak is centered in urban areas and is hitting a conflict-affected region, complicating detection and care. Sports Noise: In football, Mamelodi Sundowns edged AS FAR 1-0 in the CAF Champions League final first leg, but the match was marred by VAR failure and crowd incidents.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO has declared the Congo–Uganda Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, with Congo’s Ituri province reporting 8 lab-confirmed cases, 336 suspected infections, and 87 suspected deaths—while Uganda confirms 2 cases in Kampala, including 1 death. Containment Focus: Health agencies are pushing early isolation, contact tracing, lab testing, infection control, safe burials, and public awareness, warning borders shouldn’t be shut. Local Reality on the Ground: In Bunia, residents describe constant burials and fear as teams intensify screening in Mongwalu and Rwampara. Other Outbreak Watch: A rare hantavirus outbreak tied to a South Atlantic cruise is also under investigation, adding pressure to global health systems. Cannes Spotlight: South African filmmakers are drawing major attention at Cannes, with African voices moving closer to the center of the global film conversation.

Ebola Emergency: The WHO has declared an Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a global public health emergency, citing 80 suspected deaths and 8 lab-confirmed cases in Congo’s Ituri province, with border areas flagged as high risk. Congo Outbreak Reality: In Ituri, health teams are racing to intensify screening and contact tracing as locals report constant burials and the virus is confirmed as Bundibugyo. Health Watch Beyond Ebola: A rare hantavirus outbreak linked to a South Atlantic cruise is triggering an international investigation after multiple passenger deaths, including concern over unusual person-to-person spread. Viral Protest Politics: In the UK, a video from a major rally in London is going viral after women removed their burqas on stage, as police deployed thousands for what they called a major public order operation. Energy Markets: In finance, Access Holdings gets a Buy rating with a higher target price, as analysts point to improved funding and execution.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: Congo’s eastern Ituri province is facing a fast-moving Ebola outbreak, with authorities reporting at least 80 deaths (up from 65) and health teams pushing harder screening and contact tracing as fears grow in Bunia amid “constant burials.” Virus ID: Lab results point to Bundibugyo virus, a less common variant in Congo’s past outbreaks, and officials are still sorting how far it may spread near borders with Uganda and South Sudan. Health Pressure: The Africa CDC says preliminary tests have detected Ebola in 13 of 20 samples, while confirmed cases include deaths—raising urgency for treatment capacity and safe handling. Markets Watch: In Nigeria, Access Holdings keeps drawing investor attention after CardinalStone reiterated a Buy rating and lifted its target price, citing improved funding and execution. Climate Science: A separate report highlights how much we still don’t know about where the world’s peatlands are—and why that matters for carbon emissions.

Ebola Alert in Congo: Africa’s top public health body confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Congo’s remote Ituri province, reporting 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases concentrated in Mongwalu and Rwampara, with lab results detecting Ebola in 13 of 20 samples and officials now checking whether it’s the Ebola Zaire strain or another variant; Uganda also reported one Ebola-related death tied to a case imported from Congo. Cross-Border Risk: Health authorities warn the outbreak sits near borders with Uganda and South Sudan, where mining travel, weak infrastructure, and insecurity could accelerate spread. Public Health Pressure: Separate coverage notes how outbreak stories are getting more attention in media and social feeds, adding to public stress as new alerts emerge. ICE Detention Story: In the U.S., the Makoka brothers’ accounts of ICE arrests—shackled and pressured to self-deport—continue to draw attention. Local Tech/Business (thin on Congo): Other items this week skew global, from LNG market targets to aviation certificate revocations, with no major Congo-specific tech follow-ups beyond the Ebola crisis.

Ebola Alert in Congo: Africa CDC confirms a fresh Ebola outbreak in Congo’s Ituri province, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths so far, mainly around Mongwalu and Rwampara, and preliminary lab results finding the virus in 13 of 20 samples; officials are also flagging possible cases in Bunia near the Uganda border. Market Watch: Geojit Investments keeps an ACCUMULATE stance on Petronet LNG and lifts its target price to Rs 309 from Rs 272, citing stronger throughput and margins despite Qatar-linked LNG supply disruption. AI Backlash in Hollywood: Demi Moore sparks online backlash after saying the industry should stop “fighting” AI and learn to work with it. Regional Integration Push: At the 2026 Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, leaders stress shared ownership, risk-sharing, and cross-border investment to push the AfCFTA forward. Energy Cooperation: APPO plans a June ministerial meeting in Egypt to coordinate infrastructure financing and energy security.

Food Security & Forests: Breeding is being framed as a life-or-death tool: without modern crop breeding, feeding today’s world would mean roughly triple the land, pushing deforestation into places like the Congo Basin. Public Health Watch: In Europe, doctors report clusters of a livestock skin infection (“rain rot”) among men who have sex with men, with no animal contact—raising concerns about new spread routes. Regional Integration: At Rwanda’s 2026 Africa CEO Forum, leaders pushed “shared ownership” to cut trade barriers and align investment, risk-sharing, and cross-border rules. Monetary Sovereignty: BEAC says it wants a “digital CFA franc” pegged 1:1 to the CFA to block dollar-backed stablecoins from taking over payments in CEMAC. Local Congo Concern: Independent soil testing is being planned after reporting on lead pollution fears near a closed battery recycling plant in Pointe-Noire. Aviation Update: Aruba revoked the AOC of Bestfly Aircraft Management Aruba, shifting its aircraft to private operations.

Africa CEO Forum in Kigali: More than 2,800 delegates from 70+ countries opened the 2026 Africa CEO Forum, pushing “shared ownership” as the route to real continental trade—cutting barriers, aligning rules, and sharing investment risk to break long-standing fragmentation. Finance Push: The African Development Bank unveiled the New African Financial Architecture to keep more capital circulating inside Africa. Energy Integration: A separate thread this week argues Africa’s next energy leap is not just more generation, but integrated power systems that can reliably serve industry. Congo Watch: In Pointe-Noire, concerns over pollution from a closed battery recycling plant are still driving calls for independent soil testing. Digital Money: BEAC is backing a “digital CFA franc” to block dollar-backed stablecoins from diluting CEMAC monetary control. UK Media Storm: Record complaints in the UK target right-wing outlets over a smear campaign involving anti-genocide artist Misan Harriman. Health Alert: France and Spain report rare “rain rot” skin clusters among men who have sex with men, raising new public health questions.

Ecotourism Returns, Uneven Gains: In the Central African Republic’s Dzanga-Sangha, officials say about 800 tourists visited in 2025, bringing roughly $1 million—mostly from forest elephants and western lowland gorillas—while locals warn jobs and benefits are still limited and uneven due to weak infrastructure and access. France vs China Narrative Clash: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Macron accused China of “predatory logic,” but a counter-argument points to China’s large trade and infrastructure push versus France’s long-running monetary and military footprint. Energy Strategy Shift: Africa’s energy debate is moving from building renewables to creating integrated power systems—generation plus storage, microgrids, and smarter control—aimed at reliable industrial power. BEAC Digital CFA Plan: The Bank of Central African States backs a sovereign “digital CFA franc” pegged to the CFA to block dollar-backed stablecoins from diluting CEMAC monetary control. Health Alert Abroad: Europe reports rare “rain rot” skin clusters linked to sexual networks, raising new public health questions. Culture & Tech Pop: Warner Bros. is developing a modern Westworld movie reboot, while Eurovision’s first semifinal in Vienna sends Israel and Finland through to the final.

Remembering a Revolutionary: Ben Morea, a late-1960s Lower East Side figure known as part of “Up Against the Wall Motherfucker,” has died; his later turn toward revolutionary animism is being recalled through a new eulogy that links his life to Athens’ Exarchia. Public Service Loss: Nigeria’s NPA mourns Paul Ikherovba Erakhifu (“Texas”), praising decades of work from 1994 to senior grade level 13, especially his photography and upbeat spirit. Eurovision Final Set: In Vienna, Finland and Israel advanced to the Eurovision final as five countries were sent home; the event is shadowed by boycotts over Israel’s inclusion and heightened security after an alleged Islamic State plot. Film Industry Buzz: Warner Bros. is developing a modern big-screen reboot of Westworld, with David Koepp writing and no direct connection to the HBO series. Health Watch: Reports from France and Spain describe rare “rain rot” skin clusters among men who have sex with men, with no livestock contact—raising concerns about spread through sexual networks. CEMAC Crypto Policy: BEAC backs a “digital CFA franc” pegged to the CFA to block dollar-backed stablecoins from taking over payments.

Eurovision Buzz: Finland and Israel stormed into the Eurovision final as 10 acts advanced and five countries were sent home after the first semifinal in Vienna—while boycotts over Israel’s inclusion kept the mood tense. Entertainment Watch: Warner Bros. is developing a new big-screen Westworld reboot, with David Koepp writing and a modern take that’s said to bypass the HBO series. Public Health Alert: A rare livestock skin infection (“rain rot”/dermatophilosis) has been reported in clusters among gay men in parts of Europe, with no known animal contact—raising concerns about spread through close-contact settings. Regional Tech & Money: BEAC is pushing a “digital CFA franc” pegged 1:1 to the CFA to block dollar-backed stablecoins from taking over in CEMAC. Energy & Trade: APPO plans a June meeting in Egypt to coordinate infrastructure financing and energy security across Africa, alongside work on an African Energy Bank.

Media Clash: Israel has hit back at the New York Times over Nicholas Kristof’s Opinion piece alleging “systematic rape” of Palestinians by prison guards, accusing him of flawed methods and of giving a platform to propaganda. Public Health Alert: Popular European holiday spots are warning about “rain rot,” a livestock skin bacterium now showing up in clusters among men who have sex with men after sauna visits, with cases reported in France and Spain. Money & Sovereignty: BEAC is pushing a “digital CFA franc” pegged 1:1 to the CFA to block dollar-backed stablecoins from taking over payments in CEMAC. Energy Cooperation: APPO says it will coordinate Africa’s energy security and infrastructure financing via a June meeting in Egypt, including work on an African Energy Bank. Congo Watch: After reporting on lead pollution fears in Pointe-Noire, an independent soil-testing effort is underway, but sample kits are delayed in shipping. Climate Pressure: Moody’s links India’s water stress to credit risk, warning water governance and pricing reforms are urgent.