AGP Executive Report

Ebola Alarm in Congo: Eastern Congo’s Ebola response is buckling under a rare Bundibugyo strain spreading fast—health workers in Bunia and Ituri say they’re undertrained and underprotected, with masks and disinfectants running scarce and costs soaring, while WHO warns the “scale and speed” could worsen as tracing and testing ramp up; Rwanda-Region Security: Rwanda and France are exploring an enhanced military partnership, as Rwanda also says Mozambique has secured funds to keep its Cabo Delgado mission going; Justice Ends: The UN tribunals’ final session for Yugoslavia and Rwanda atrocities wrapped up in The Hague, closing a decades-long case tied to genocide financier Félicien Kabuga; Finance Watch: Equity Group’s Q1 net profit rose 24% to Sh18.3bn, with regional units driving gains; Rwanda Tech & Energy: Rwanda’s nuclear push moves forward with SMR-300 plans, while the week also highlighted Rwanda’s growing digital and health-tech momentum.

Ebola Emergency: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is spreading with alarming “scale and speed,” after reports of at least 131 deaths and 500+ suspected cases, with urban spread and healthcare worker deaths raising fears; WHO is weighing an experimental vaccine approach as Congo and Uganda respond. Regional Mobility: Togo has removed visa requirements for all African passport holders for up to 30 days, effective 18 May, aiming to boost integration while keeping entry checks in place. Cabo Delgado Mission: Rwanda says Mozambique has secured funding to keep Rwanda’s troops deployed in Cabo Delgado, after earlier warnings that support could run out. Inflation Pressure: South Africa is set to consider rate hikes as war-linked costs fuel inflation. Tech Push in Kigali: AISCA Foundation launches to expand AI skills and access to computing resources. Business Update: Equity Group reports Q1 profit up 24% to KSh19.1bn, driven by improved loan quality and digital banking.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO chief Tedros says he’s “deeply concerned” about the “scale and speed” of a rare Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, where suspected deaths have climbed to 134 and suspected cases to 500+; health teams warn the virus may have spread undetected for weeks, with no approved medicines or vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain yet, and global talks are now weighing experimental vaccine options. Rwanda-Region Response: Rwanda has temporarily closed key border crossings with DR Congo as screening and containment ramp up across the region, while Uganda reports linked cases. Regional Mobility Push: Togo announced visa-free entry for all African Union citizens (and Ghana and others have similar moves), betting on easier movement for trade and investment. Tech & Skills: In Ghana, a Bank of Ghana adviser urged accountants to use AI—“AI won’t replace accountants, but accountants who leverage AI will replace those who do not.” AFCON 2027 Draw: Groups are set for the Kenya-Uganda-Tanzania-hosted qualifiers, with Rwanda drawn in Group K alongside Mali and Liberia.

Ebola Emergency Hits Eastern Congo Hard: Health workers are racing to contain a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo after WHO declared it a public health emergency of international concern. Deaths have now topped 100, with hundreds of suspected cases across Ituri and North Kivu, and Uganda reporting fatalities too. Congo says an American doctor is among newly confirmed cases, while the US CDC confirms an American exposed through work is being evacuated to Germany and that travel screening is tightening. Response Delayed, Spread Worries Grow: Reports say the virus circulated undetected for weeks because early tests looked for the wrong Ebola strain, costing precious time. Regional Pressure on Borders: Rwanda has temporarily closed key crossings with Congo’s Goma area as authorities try to slow cross-border movement, even as WHO warns against blanket travel shutdowns. Africa’s Broader Stakes: The crisis is unfolding alongside aid cuts that experts warn could weaken surveillance and outbreak readiness. Rwanda in the Mix: Rwanda is also pushing investor outreach to Pakistan, pitching itself as a gateway into East Africa’s 300m-consumer market.

Ebola Alarm Escalates: The WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo a public health emergency of international concern as suspected cases top 300 and deaths rise past 100, with a rare Bundibugyo strain and no approved vaccine or treatment. US Response Tightens: The CDC says an American exposed in Congo has tested positive and is being evacuated to Germany, while six high-risk contacts are also being moved; the US is rolling out enhanced screening and travel restrictions for people arriving from affected areas. Congo Expands Care: Congo’s health minister says three Ebola treatment centers will open in Ituri to relieve stressed hospitals as cases are reported across multiple cities. Regional Pressure: Rwanda has closed border crossings with DR Congo amid the spread, and Uganda is also reporting deaths. Rwanda in the Wider News: Separately, Rwanda’s genocide suspect Félicien Kabuga has died in UN custody in The Hague, with an inquiry promised. Sports Brief: Ghana has been placed in Pot 2 for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers draw, with Rwanda in Pot 3.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: The WHO has declared a global health emergency over a rare, vaccine-free Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda, with deaths now topping 80 and fears rising after a confirmed case reached Goma, prompting Rwanda to close key border crossings. Cross-Border Pressure: Health officials warn the outbreak may have spread undetected for weeks, with conflict and limited transport making response harder. Regional Trade Push: Absa is weighing joining China’s yuan payment system (CIPS) to cut dollar-linked costs as China-Africa trade grows, while AfCFTA officials keep pitching the pact as the route to freer movement of people, capital and goods. Rwanda in the Spotlight: Rwanda’s first Cannes title, Ben’imana, premieres as director Marie-Clementine Dusabejambo’s decade-long work lands on the world stage. Sports Shock: Ghana and Cape Verde qualified for the 2026 World Cup but miss AFCON top-seed status for the 2027 qualifying draw.

Global Health Emergency: The WHO has declared a new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, as suspected cases push past 300 and deaths climb into the 80s, with a lab-confirmed case reported in Goma—raising fears of wider spread amid conflict and fragile health systems. Border Response: Rwanda has moved to close the Rubavu–Goma border links indefinitely, while still allowing crossings under strict health monitoring. Regional Cooperation: In parallel, Egypt and Rwanda are advancing water cooperation, including rainwater harvesting and groundwater station plans. Rwanda-DRC Tensions: The outbreak is unfolding alongside ongoing instability in eastern Congo, where Goma is under the control of the Rwanda-backed M23 militia. Justice Update: In The Hague, Rwanda genocide suspect Félicien Kabuga has died in custody, prompting an inquiry into the circumstances. Tech for Integration: East Africa launched a regional AI alliance to tackle fragmented national approaches in education and research.

Genocide Justice: Félicien Kabuga—the 1994 genocide suspect accused of financing and driving mass killings—has died in UN custody in The Hague at 91, and the UN tribunal has ordered a full inquiry into the circumstances. Nigeria-Rwanda Ties: President Bola Tinubu told Nigerians in Rwanda his reforms are “working” and promised to remove obstacles for the diaspora. Visa Move: Nigeria has begun a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Rwandans, mirroring Rwanda’s earlier access for Nigerians. Aviation & Security: Tinubu welcomed Airbus plans for maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria and urged faster delivery of ordered Apache helicopters for counterterrorism. Politics in Nigeria: In Kaduna, “30-yr-old” Buba withdrew from an APC Reps race amid age controversy, while INEC officials were reportedly absent at a Surulere Constituency 11 APC primary. Business & Money: BPR Bank Rwanda approved dividends worth over Rwf 4.3bn at its AGM.

Rwanda-Genocide Justice: Felicien Kabuga, a key 1994 genocide suspect linked to hate-fuel radio, has died in UN custody in The Hague, ending a long-running case where he was ruled unfit for trial due to illness. Nigeria-Rwanda Mobility: Nigeria has started a reciprocal 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandan nationals, with immigration directives issued for airports, land borders and seaports—aimed at easing travel for tourism, business and official visits. DR Congo Frontline: After M23 fighters vacated parts of the Rusizi Plain, DRC forces retook Luvungi, while tensions and troop positioning claims continue nearby. Africa CEO Forum Momentum (Kigali): Leaders pushed for stronger resource control, better insurance for resilience, and investment partnerships—while Nigeria’s Tinubu defended reforms and promised continued work for Nigerians abroad. Climate/Parliament: African lawmakers in Nairobi pledged a united stance on climate and methane talks. Sports/Entertainment: IFC and Zaria Group announced a Kigali-Nairobi push to scale Africa’s sports and creative economy.

DRC Rights Case: ADF International has filed a case at the East African Court of Justice backing Christians after attacks on Uvira on 18 January, saying churches and homes were destroyed and survivors were left unable to practise their faith; the group is urging compensation and recognition of the harm done amid wider blame between DRC, M23 and Rwanda. Visa Diplomacy: Nigeria has begun enforcing a 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandans across airports, land borders and seaports, reciprocating Rwanda’s earlier move for Nigerians. Tinubu in Kigali: President Bola Tinubu told Nigerians in Rwanda his reforms are “working” and promised action on passport renewal delays, while also pushing tax compliance as a civic duty. Public Finance Tech: UNICEF says digital PFM is making budget money “visible” so funds reach schools and clinics faster. Sports: The BAL playoffs start May 22 in Kigali.

BRD Deal Boost: Rwanda’s Development Bank (BRD) has signed a €30m climate finance agreement with Italy’s African Local Currency Bond Fund partner, reopening a second sustainability-linked bond in Rwandan francs and bringing in an international investor via hedging support—another push to deepen local capital markets. DRC Rights Under Strain: Fresh reports from Uvira say M23 abuses during its occupation exposed how fragile eastern Congo peace remains, with allegations of killings, rape and disappearances after a peace deal was already signed. Ebola Alarm: In Ituri, DRC, Africa CDC reports 246 suspected Ebola cases and 65 deaths, with containment threatened by armed conflict and cross-border movement. Regional Security Drills: The EAC has launched a Nairobi military exercise, Ushirikiano Imara, running to May 28, to strengthen joint response on terrorism, piracy and disasters. Migration Hardening in Europe: The UK and 45 European states back third-country asylum “return hubs,” raising new concerns about migrant rights protections. Energy and Food Pressure: U.S. Wheat welcomed the first Food for Peace wheat award for East Africa, while Tony Attah warned lack of cleaner energy is killing tens of thousands in Nigeria.

DRC Frontline Shock: Drones struck a crowded market in Mushaki, Masisi (North Kivu) on May 8, killing 20+ and injuring 60+ as AFC/M23 denounced it as a “massacre of civilians.” M23 Moves: In South Kivu, M23 rebels have pulled out of the Rusizi Plain localities and repositioned toward Katogota, with residents celebrating the departure while civilians remain uneasy about whether it’s real relief or just a shift. Rights and Abuse Claims: Separate reports keep spotlighting alleged abuses tied to M23 and Rwanda-linked forces, while Burundi’s FDNB officers face scrutiny in two serious cases involving kidnapping, attempted rape, and alleged torture. Human Trafficking Alarm: In Uganda’s Nakivale camp, authorities report at least 11 child-trafficking cases, with minors allegedly “recruited” for work across Uganda and beyond. Kigali Deal-Making: In Rwanda, the Africa CEO Forum opened with Kagame urging Africa to defend its interests and control its mineral wealth, while investors and leaders pushed “shared ownership” and new capital into power, mining, housing, and ports.

DR Congo Frontline Shift: M23 rebels have withdrawn from parts of the Ruzizi Plain, with fighting easing in towns like Sange and Uvira—at least for now—after weeks of pressure and diplomacy. Human Rights Alarm: But Human Rights Watch says M23 and Rwandan forces committed killings, rape, and disappearances during M23’s late-2025/early-2026 occupation of Uvira, warning that the pullback doesn’t equal real protection for civilians. Kigali Deal-Making: In Kigali, the Africa CEO Forum is driving a louder push for economic “shared ownership,” with leaders and investors focused on controlling value from minerals, scaling industry, and speeding cross-border trade. Nigeria-Rwanda Mobility: Nigeria’s Tinubu met Kagame and said Abuja will “seriously consider” reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free entry for Nigerians, alongside reviving the 2021 Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission. Regional Pressure Points: Lake Victoria is facing an oxygen crisis that’s shrinking fish stocks, while South Africa’s top court bars repeat asylum applications after rejections.

Congo Atrocities Allegations: Human Rights Watch says M23 rebels and Rwandan forces carried out a month-long occupation of Uvira in eastern DR Congo, documenting summary executions, rape and enforced disappearances from Dec 10, 2025 to Jan 17, 2026, and calls for independent investigations and prosecutions. Kigali Diplomacy: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu arrived in Kigali for the Africa CEO Forum and met Paul Kagame at Urugwiro, agreeing to revive the 2021 Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission, push pending MoUs on tourism, illicit drugs and anti-corruption, and consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free access for Nigerians. Trade & Logistics: Tinubu also floated talks on a flat-rate cargo arrangement with RwandAir to cut shipping costs and deepen AfCFTA-linked trade, including digital trade cooperation. Health & Research: Kenya’s President Ruto met IVI’s boss as the institute opens a Kenya country office to expand vaccine research, trials and manufacturing partnerships. Environment: Norway’s reported pause on parts of UNEP plastics funding is framed as a political warning to the global plastics treaty talks.

Kasarani Murder Case: Detectives in Nairobi’s Kasarani are hunting a woman identified as Julian Mwangi after she allegedly returned home, found her husband with a househelp in their matrimonial bed, and stabbed the househelp to death; a child was reportedly present and is now under police protection as the suspect remains at large and a widely shared photo circulates online. Africa CEO Forum Momentum: Nigerian President Bola Tinubu arrived in Kigali ahead of the Africa CEO Forum, where he is set to pitch Nigeria’s reform agenda to investors under the theme “The Scale Imperative,” while Rwanda’s Paul Kagame received him at Urugwiro. France-Africa Reset: In Kenya, Emmanuel Macron announced €23bn (about $27bn) in Africa investments, framing ties as “sovereign equality” rather than dependency. Genocide Justice: Rwanda’s former first lady Agathe Habyarimana says she will appeal a French court decision that reopened a genocide probe into her alleged role. Fraud Watch: A new global mapping highlights how countries vary sharply in fraud exposure, with digital scams continuing to evolve.

France-Africa Reset: France’s Emmanuel Macron wrapped the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi with a $27bn investment push, pitching “sovereign equality” and “win-win” deals—while Kenya’s William Ruto repeated sovereignty as the headline theme. Rwanda in the spotlight: Rwanda’s finance leadership is also moving—Rwanda Finance Minister joins the EADB council, and MTN Rwanda says it’s back in profit as mobile money growth lifts earnings. Regional business momentum: The East African Development Bank launched a $13m fund for youth and women-led enterprises, aiming to plug a credit gap that keeps many entrepreneurs sidelined. Mobility upgrades: Uganda unveiled its first electric commuter bus service in Kampala, part of a plan to electrify urban transport across more cities. DR Congo pressure: M23 rebels withdrew from parts of eastern DRC after renewed military and diplomatic pressure, as hunger and displacement deepen. Culture & cinema: Rwanda is among honorees at a Women in Cinema Gala in Cannes, with Marie-Clementine Dusabejambo named for the Red Sea Film Foundation event.