AGP Executive Report

Port Boom in Pointe-Noire: AD Ports Group has awarded three contracts worth about AED735 million (around $200m) to build and equip the new Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire container terminal in the Republic of the Congo, including marine and landside works and cranes for the CMA Terminals-led project under a 30-year concession. Ebola Emergency Response: The WHO has declared the Congo–Uganda Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, as cases and deaths rise in Ituri province; Vietnam has tightened border health screening, and health officials are urging 21-day monitoring for returnees and strict avoidance of contact with suspected patients. Surveillance Pressure: Reports say the outbreak’s “silent spread” is exposing gaps in detection where malaria and other fevers confuse early diagnosis.

Global Health Emergency: The WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, citing more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain, with Congo’s Ituri province near the Uganda border at the center of the spread. Cross-Border Risk: The WHO says the outbreak doesn’t meet COVID-style pandemic criteria and urges countries not to shut borders, but warns land-border neighbors face high risk as conflict and displacement complicate control. What’s Next: Health officials are pushing early isolation, contact tracing, lab testing, safe burials, and community awareness, while noting there are still uncertainties about the true number of infections and how far it has spread. Elsewhere in the news: Eurovision in Vienna ended with Bulgaria’s first win, but the final stayed overshadowed by protests over Israel’s participation.

Ebola Emergency: The WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, citing more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths, with the virus identified as the rare Bundibugyo strain and WHO urging countries not to close borders. Border Risk: Health agencies warn land-border areas are at high risk as cases cluster in Congo’s Ituri province near Uganda and South Sudan, with uncertainty still hanging over how far the outbreak has spread. Public Health Response: WHO says there are significant unknowns about the true number of infections and links between cases, even as screening and contact tracing ramp up. Other Headlines: In London, a viral protest at a UK rally saw women remove burqas publicly; and in Vienna, Bulgaria won Eurovision amid ongoing backlash over Israel’s participation.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s health authorities say the new Ebola outbreak in Ituri has hit at least 80 deaths, with locals in Bunia describing “constant burials” as teams push harder screening and contact tracing; officials first reported 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases, and Uganda has confirmed a death tied to a case it says was imported from Congo. UK Politics: British Health Minister Wes Streeting resigned, saying he no longer trusts PM Keir Starmer’s leadership—an early sign of mounting pressure inside Labour. Cannes Culture: African-made films are missing from the Palme d’Or contenders list, though some are still in other Cannes sections, raising fresh questions about how the festival backs the Global South. Energy & Trade: Vietnam’s Nghi Son refinery received more than 950,000 barrels of Congo crude to keep fuel production steady. Sports & Entertainment: Eurovision’s grand final is set in Vienna amid protests over Israel’s participation, while pinball fans pack Edmonton for a major international tournament.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: Africa CDC confirmed a fresh Ebola outbreak in Congo’s Ituri province, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths so far, concentrated in Mongwalu and Rwampara; lab results found Ebola in 13 of 20 samples, while Uganda also reported one Ebola-related death tied to a case imported from Congo. Cross-Border Pressure: Health officials warn the outbreak near Uganda and South Sudan could spread faster due to mining travel, weak infrastructure, and insecurity. Sports Spotlight: In a major African football moment, Mamelodi Sundowns host the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR today, with the return leg in Rabat on May 24. Local Politics Fallout: In Ireland, Fianna Fáil leaders again faced backlash after Bertie Ahern’s recorded immigration remarks referencing Africans and “people from the Congo,” with the Taoiseach saying he can’t physically stop canvassing but the comments don’t reflect party views.

Ebola Alert in Congo: Africa CDC confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province, reporting 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths so far, with preliminary lab results detecting the virus in 13 of 20 samples, mainly around Mongwalu and Rwampara, and more suspected cases pending confirmation in Bunia. Political Fallout in Ireland: Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Bertie Ahern’s immigration comments “don’t represent” Fianna Fáil, but added he can’t “physically stop” Ahern from canvassing in the Dublin Central by-election—keeping the controversy in the spotlight. Congo in Sports Spotlight: Belgium left Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia out of its 2026 World Cup squad, reopening talk of a Ghana switch; meanwhile, Congo’s football presence continues in international youth action and club races. Mining & Money: Zanaga Iron Ore raised about £5.7m to push bulk sampling in the Republic of Congo, while Petronet LNG investors reiterated a Rs 309 target after supply disruptions from Qatar hit Q4 results.

Cobalt Crackdown: Congo has launched a new offensive against illegal cobalt mining, with global firms brought in to help clamp down on unlicensed operations. Trade Shock in the Region: Zambia has eased its sulphuric acid export ban to Congo, allowing “limited” shipments after local stocks recovered—an immediate pressure-release for copper and cobalt processing. Mining Governance: Congo’s cobalt procurement agency says it wants closer work with industrial operators to carve out regulated areas inside concessions for artisanal miners, aiming to reduce hazards and illegal infiltration. Politics Fallout Abroad: In Ireland, backlash is still growing over a secretly recorded Bertie Ahern video on immigration, with calls for an apology and warnings that such canvassing remarks set a dangerous precedent. Wildlife Updates: A gorilla “swap” is underway in the U.S.—Little Joe heads to Pittsburgh while Frankie moves to Boston—alongside new lion cubs preparing for public debut.

Immigration Backlash in Ireland: A secretly recorded Bertie Ahern video has sparked outrage after he said he worries about “the Africans” and claimed “we can’t be taking in people from the Congo,” with Irish leaders stressing the remarks are “not appropriate” and not Fianna Fáil policy. World Cup Host Spotlight (Texas): Texas is set to stage 16 matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a semifinal in Arlington, with stadiums temporarily rebranded under FIFA naming rules. Africa Integration Push: At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, leaders backed “shared ownership” and deeper trade links, while the AfDB launched a new financial architecture to keep more capital on the continent. Congo in the Sports Mix: Simba SC kept their title chase alive with a 3-0 win in Tanzania, featuring Congolese midfielder Elie Mpanzu, while Portugal’s World Cup group includes Congo. Local Culture & Community: South Africa’s “Comedy in the Park” and a Ferré Gola live show highlight a busy weekend of music and comedy.

Bertie Ahern Fallout: Ireland’s former taoiseach Bertie Ahern is facing fresh backlash after a covertly recorded video circulated online, where he says he has “no problem” with Ukrainians but worries about “the Africans” and claims Ireland “can’t be taking in people from the Congo,” prompting the current Taoiseach Micheál Martin to call the remarks “not appropriate” and say Fianna Fáil “don’t approve.” ICC Defense Shake-up: In The Hague, former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has named British KC Peter Haynes as his new lead counsel, replacing Nicholas Kaufman as the trial moves toward trial stage. Congo in the Spotlight: Russia marked the Republic of the Congo’s 45th anniversary of its friendship treaty, while Kenya’s President Ruto lobbied ICC election support for Justice Njoki Ndung’u with meetings including Congo officials. Energy & Finance: Cameroon completed its takeover of Société Générale’s stake in the country’s bank, and AfDB meetings in Brazzaville will focus on closing Africa’s development financing gap.

UN Diplomacy Milestone: Ethiopia marked 80 years of UN ties with a commemorative stamp set, with PM Abiy Ahmed calling it “shared history, shared future” and pointing to Ethiopia’s role in UN Charter signing, peacekeeping in the Congo, and hosting a landmark Security Council meeting in Africa. Congo in the Spotlight: Russia also sent congratulations to the Republic of the Congo on the 45th anniversary of its Treaty of Friendship, as ties with Moscow deepen ahead of a Russia–Africa summit in October 2026. ICC Legal Shift: In the Philippines’ Duterte case, British King’s Counsel Peter Haynes was named new lead counsel at the ICC, replacing Nicholas Kaufman as the matter moves toward trial. Africa at the UN Table: The AU chief renewed the push for Africa to have permanent representation on the UN Security Council, arguing the council’s legitimacy depends on reflecting today’s world. Global Growth Watch: S&P says sub-Saharan Africa’s growth should stay broadly stable despite headwinds, even as disruptions tied to the Hormuz trade loom.

ICC Defense Shake-Up: British barrister Peter Haynes has been named Rodrigo Duterte’s new lead counsel at the International Criminal Court, replacing Nicholas Kaufman as the case over Duterte’s “war on drugs” killings moves toward key deadlines. Energy Deals: Eni is in early talks with Morgan Stanley and major infrastructure investors (including Apollo, KKR and Stonepeak) to monetize its floating LNG assets, with a potential deal expected to raise at least €1 billion. Congo-Linked Spotlight: The same week also brings fresh attention to Congo in global affairs—Portugal’s World Cup group includes Congo, and a separate report notes offshore activity tied to Congo gas exports. Water Stress: In North-East Trinidad, reduced river flows are cutting water production, showing how drought pressure is hitting daily life. Pop Culture: Eurovision’s first semifinal in Vienna sent Israel and Finland through to the final, while several countries boycotted over Israel’s inclusion.

Israel vs. NYT: Israel hit back at the New York Times after a columnist alleged “systematic rape” of Palestinians by prison guards, with officials and critics questioning the reporting method and warning it risks amplifying propaganda. Congo-Brazzaville Economy: Congo formally asked the IMF to open talks for a new economic program as debt tops 90% of GDP, with an IMF mission expected soon. Oil & Gas: Eni is exploring a deal with major funds to raise money using its floating LNG assets, while Perenco says it boosted output at Tchibouela East in Congo and is starting a new drilling push. Local Environment: Pointe-Noire residents are still worried about contamination fears tied to a closed battery recycling plant, as independent soil testing faces shipping delays. Water Stress: In North-East Trinidad, WASA is cutting production at two plants due to depleted river levels, even as the wet season has started. Immigration Rights: Ireland’s Supreme Court ordered the release of a Congo asylum seeker after 15 months in detention.

Africa–France Summit Kickoff in Nairobi: Leaders including Kenya’s William Ruto and France’s Emmanuel Macron opened “Africa Forward 2026,” with the summit framed as a new push for trade, investment, innovation and climate cooperation—plus a continent-wide music finale at Kasarani featuring names like Fally Ipupa and Youssou N’Dour. Congo Pollution Watch: In Pointe-Noire, residents’ fears over lead contamination tied to a now-closed battery recycling plant are getting fresh attention as an independent soil-testing effort tries to map risks after earlier reporting. Congo Energy Moves: Perenco says it boosted output at the Tchibouela East field offshore Congo and is starting a new drilling push at Masseko—while TotalEnergies’ recent Moho offshore find keeps spotlighting the “energy paradox” of big discoveries versus limited local benefits. Regional Logistics Deal: CMA CGM signed a framework with Kenya to expand logistics and port capacity, announced during the summit. Health & Climate: April 2026 ranked among the warmest on record, and Central Africa’s pollution concerns are adding to the pressure on public health and environmental data.

World Cup Cost Crunch: Atlanta says stadium concession prices won’t spike during the 2026 World Cup, after other cities faced backlash for hiking transport fares from single digits to triple digits. Congo Basin Diplomacy: Leaders are converging on Nairobi for the Africa-France summit, with Morocco’s PM Aziz Akhannouch also set to attend Congo Basin climate talks. Oil Update (Congo-Brazzaville): Perenco says it boosted output at Tchibouela East offshore Congo by adding about 6,000 barrels a day after a five-well infill push, and is now starting a new five-well campaign at Masseko. Wildlife Crime: Three traffickers were arrested in Cameroon with 700+ kg of pangolin scales, with alleged links stretching across Central Africa including Congo. Climate Backdrop: April 2026 ranked among the warmest on record globally, keeping pressure on governments to act. Health Watch: France and Spain report small clusters of a livestock skin bacterium (Dermatophilus congolensis) among men who have sex with men, described as generally milder than mpox.

In the past 12 hours, the most Congo-linked political development in the coverage is a renewed focus on sanctions: one report says Congolese opposition politicians condemned US sanctions on Kabila. In parallel, the refugee-related items highlight ongoing mobility and humanitarian constraints affecting Congolese people in the region—one piece describes Congolese refugee traders in Musenyi, Burundi, struggling to obtain exit permits needed to move for commerce, while another notes the closure of Tanzania’s Nduta refugee camp (with the last Burundian refugees leaving early Thursday and the camp officially handed over for other uses).

Economic and energy coverage also features prominently in the last 12 hours, with a major headline on Aliko Dangote’s expansion plans: multiple items say Dangote intends to extend his business footprint into power generation, targeting up to a 20,000MW plant. The evidence provided includes details that the move is framed as addressing Africa’s electricity constraints on industrialisation, though it also notes that the announcement did not specify location or timelines. Alongside this, there is also routine but notable legal coverage involving Congolese nationals in the United States: two separate sentencing write-ups describe a Congolese man sentenced to 14 years for fentanyl distribution that resulted in a death in Idaho.

Beyond these, the last 12 hours include a mix of non-Congo-specific but regionally relevant items (sports, culture, and other international news), rather than additional Congo policy developments. The Congo-specific evidence is therefore concentrated in sanctions commentary, refugee mobility/humanitarian administration, and the Dangote power-sector expansion—while other headlines in the same window appear to be broader entertainment or unrelated international reporting.

Looking slightly further back (12–72 hours ago), the same energy-and-investment thread continues with additional Congo-linked business updates, including a Perenco offshore drilling campaign in the Republic of Congo that added production after a five-well effort at Tchibouela East, and corporate/project coverage around Zanaga Iron Ore Company’s completed development strategy programme for premium DRI pellet feed concentrates. There is also continuity in the broader regional policy context: an African Energy Chamber statement urges oil-producing countries including the Republic of Congo to remain within OPEC after the UAE’s announced withdrawal—framing OPEC as a stabilising framework for African energy economies.

In the past 12 hours, coverage touching the Republic of Congo is dominated by business and energy updates, alongside a mix of sports and culture. Zanaga Iron Ore Company (ZIOC) says it has completed its project development strategy programme for its Zanaga iron-ore project in Congo-Brazzaville, including technical and commercial evaluation work for producing premium direct reduced iron (DRI) pellet feed concentrates—framing the results as “value enhancements” and increased confidence in the project’s economic potential. In parallel, Perenco reports progress on offshore operations: it completed a five-well drilling campaign at the Tchibouela East field offshore Congo, adding 6,000 barrels of oil per day, and has launched a new five-well campaign at the Masseko field. Separately, multiple items highlight energy-sector ambitions in the wider region, including a Dangote plan for a 20,000MW power project (with Congo mentioned in the context of potash/phosphate mining), and an African Energy Chamber call urging oil-producing countries including the Republic of Congo to remain in OPEC after the UAE’s announced exit.

Sports coverage in the last 12 hours is more indirect for Congo, but still notable: Orlando Pirates’ win keeps their CAF Champions League title ambitions alive, while a separate item notes a Congolese referee appointment for a CAF Champions League final first leg (Jean-Jacques Ndala). Cultural and media items also appear, including a profile of Congolese mythology being adapted into a manga prequel (“Mfinda”) and a “wrong Guy” live-TV blunder story that is not Congo-specific but is being circulated in the same news stream.

Beyond the most recent window, the broader week shows continuity in themes around Congo’s regional positioning—especially energy and institutional cooperation. The African Energy Week (AEW) agenda is referenced through APPO’s participation and discussion of the African Energy Bank (AEB), described as expected to become operational by June 2026 in Abuja, with APPO headquartered in Brazzaville. There is also ongoing attention to OPEC dynamics after the UAE’s withdrawal, including background explainers on OPEC’s membership and market influence, and a separate report that Moscow’s exports to African countries rose sharply in early 2026, listing Congo among destinations.

Overall, the strongest Congo-specific signals in the last 12 hours are project-level updates (ZIOC’s DRI-related programme completion and Perenco’s drilling results) rather than political or security breakthroughs. The rest of the coverage is largely routine—sports scheduling/appointments, cultural releases, and regional energy financing debates—though the repeated focus on OPEC participation and energy investment suggests the energy-policy environment remains a key thread connecting Congo to wider African developments.