AGP Executive Report

Maritime Security Push: Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project is set to expand to vulnerable corridors including Bakassi, after the federal government said it has delivered “zero piracy” in territorial waters for four straight years and cut Gulf of Guinea piracy by over 70%. Naval Rollout: The same push is tied to President Tinubu’s planned flag-off of the AU Combined Maritime Task Force in June, alongside new Nigerian Navy vessels and an international fleet review. Guinea Minerals Deal: China’s Chalco says it will invest about $1bn to build a 1.2 million-ton-a-year alumina plant in Guinea, with the government taking a 5% stake for free and a path to up to 35%. Health Alarm Beyond Borders: WHO-linked coverage highlights rising Ebola and hantavirus threats, with calls for stronger surveillance and faster lab response networks. Sports Focus: Sierra Leone’s U17 women’s team has departed for Togo for crucial qualifiers, while Kenya’s Harambee Stars stress mental toughness ahead of AFCON 2027.

Guinea–Mining Deal: Chalco says it will invest about $1bn to build a 1.2 million-ton-a-year alumina plant in Boffa, with a specialized port and a Guinea government stake of 5% (expandable up to 35%). Public Health Watch: A Senegal lab at Institut Pasteur de Dakar helped WHO identify a hantavirus Andes strain from a Cape Verde cruise ship case within 24 hours, showing how fast regional networks can respond. Maritime Security Push (Nigeria): President Tinubu is set to flag off the AU Combined Maritime Task Force in June, while Nigeria’s Deep Blue programme graduates 492 combat personnel and claims four years of zero piracy in territorial waters. Liberia Legal Tension: A “procedural error” over how a Supreme Court stay order was served has complicated Rep. Yekeh Kolubah’s expulsion fight. Health Basics (Ebola): WHO continues to warn as a new Ebola emergency unfolds in DRC and Uganda, with no vaccine for the rare Bundibugyo variant. Sports: Kenya’s Shikalo urges Harambee Stars to stay mentally strong for AFCON 2027.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: The WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC is spreading fast, with officials warning the numbers could rise as response ramps up—while Direct Relief prepares $2.5m in emergency medical supplies to support treatment and protect health workers. US Travel Curbs: The US is tightening rules for Americans exposed to Ebola and hantavirus, a move experts say may deter volunteers and complicate return plans. Maritime Security Push: Nigeria’s Navy says President Tinubu will flag off the AU combined maritime task force in June to tackle piracy and other Gulf of Guinea crimes, as Nigeria marks its 70th anniversary. Football Focus: Nigeria’s Flamingos have learned their likely World Cup group path—Group B with Korea DPR, Poland and Puerto Rico—while they still face Guinea in a crucial qualifier in Abidjan and Ikenne. Deportations Continue: Sierra Leone confirms the first batch of US-deported migrants arrived from multiple ECOWAS countries. Ports & Trade: Nigeria’s ports chief says the country handles over 70% of cargo for West and Central Africa, urging faster port upgrades and digital systems.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: The WHO is warning of the “scale and speed” of a fast-moving Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain with no approved vaccine or treatment, as deaths and suspected cases surge and the virus is reported to have crossed into Uganda. Health Response Under Pressure: Officials say early testing missed the outbreak because teams initially looked for a more common Ebola type, while population movement and urban spread are raising fears of wider regional transmission. Maritime Security Push (Nigeria): Nigeria says it has recorded zero piracy attacks for four years, highlighting Deep Blue training that graduated 177 personnel and expanded C4i command-and-control capacity. Migration Fallout (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone received nine deportees from the US under Trump’s crackdown, with authorities saying they will be housed temporarily and returned home. Regional Sports: Kenya and South Africa are set for tough AFCON 2027 qualifying paths after Kenya’s group draw includes Guinea and Eritrea. Mali Conflict Update: Northern Mali reports cluster munitions used in recent strikes, with unexploded bomblets posing risks to civilians.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: The World Health Organization is sounding the loudest warning yet over a fast-moving Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, with reports now putting deaths at about 131–134 and suspected cases above 500, as the rare Bundibugyo strain—without approved vaccines or treatments—spreads amid conflict and population movement; WHO chief Tedros says the “scale and speed” are deeply worrying, and the virus has already crossed into Uganda with confirmed cases and a death. Ghana on Alert: Coverage is also pushing a clear message to Ghana: the country can’t afford complacency as regional risk rises. Maritime Security Win (Nigeria): Nigeria’s NIMASA says it has recorded zero piracy attacks for four years, after training and operations under the Deep Blue project. Diplomacy: Haiti officially reopened its embassy in Benin, with flags raised side by side in Cotonou. Business & Ports (Nigeria): Dangote begins preliminary steps for the Olokola Deep Seaport plan, while investors eye refinery listing talks.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: The WHO says the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is moving with “scale and speed” that officials fear is bigger than reported, as the death toll climbs past 130 with over 500 suspected cases and new concerns grow about spread into urban areas and across borders; an American case has been flown to Germany, while countries including Jordan have tightened entry rules. Border Response: Governments are stepping up screening and preparedness measures as the world watches whether the rare Bundibugyo strain—without approved vaccines or medicines—can be contained. Maritime and Industry Push: In Nigeria, Dangote renewed investor messaging around listing plans for its refinery and kicked off preliminary work for the Olokola Deep Seaport, while regional port leaders cite $27bn+ in new projects. Sports: Nigeria’s Flamingos U17 girls depart for Abidjan for their Guinea qualifying clash, as AFCON 2027 qualifiers set Bafana’s Group D rivals.

Ebola Alarm in DR Congo: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus says the rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is spreading with “scale and speed,” after Congo reported at least 134 suspected deaths and 500+ suspected cases—with the virus reportedly moving undetected for weeks while teams tested for the wrong strain. Cross-Border Pressure: WHO points to cases emerging in urban areas, deaths among health workers, and major population movement, as Congo and neighbouring Uganda brace for wider spread. No Quick Fix: Congo is expecting an experimental vaccine shipment, but experts warn it will take time—and Bundibugyo has no approved medicines or vaccines. Wildlife Trade Warning: Separate research flags a booming live-bird trade into Asia—over a million birds from Africa in 15 years—raising fears of disease spread and biodiversity loss.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is now reported at at least 118 deaths with 390+ suspected cases, as the virus spreads into new areas including Ituri and North Kivu; WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, and Congo is opening more treatment centres while a rare Ebola strain continues to kill nearly 120. Cross-Border Alarm: The CDC says there are confirmed cases and a death in Uganda, and the US has moved to tighten travel screening and monitoring for arrivals from affected countries. Maritime Push in West Africa: Nigeria is using the PMAWCA board meeting in Lagos to sell a bigger role in regional trade, with deep-seaport approvals and upgrades—while Dangote warns of a port shortage across West and Central Africa. Food Prices Bite: In Nigeria, food inflation stays above 20% in 11 states, adding pressure to household budgets. Digital Welfare Talks (Lomé): A regional workshop in Lomé focuses on digitalizing social benefit payments across West and Central Africa.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: The WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern as cases rise to nearly 500 suspected and 116 deaths, with the Bundibugyo strain driving the spread; the UN warns the outbreak could be much larger than reported. US Response Tightens: The CDC and Homeland Security are rolling out enhanced screening and traveler monitoring, including possible entry refusals for non‑US passport holders who were in affected countries in the last 21 days, while Americans exposed are being assessed for safe withdrawal. Regional Health Pressure: Uganda has confirmed cases, and health officials say healthcare-associated transmission risks remain high. Guinea Justice Spotlight: In Conakry, the ECOWAS Court ran a sensitisation mission and external court sessions, delivering 16 decisions. Weather Disrupts Travel: Thunderstorms hit Accra, delaying and holding flights at Kotoka International Airport. Security Update: US and Nigerian forces carried out coordinated strikes against ISIS targets in Borno, killing over 20 militants.

Ebola Alert Escalates: The WHO has declared the new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and neighbouring Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, stressing it is serious but “does not meet the criteria of pandemic emergency.” Reports point to the Bundibugyo strain in Ituri province, with hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths, plus at least one confirmed case reaching Uganda and fears of wider spread as health systems brace for contact tracing and isolation. Public Health Guidance: Health officials say Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids and contaminated materials, with symptoms often starting like flu before worsening—so border closures are not the answer, rapid local response is. Regional Finance & Trade: In Liberia, BnB and MTN Liberia are running a street campaign to boost awareness of cross-border mobile money transfers across West Africa. Maritime Security: Ghana’s Navy says it rescued seven suspected stowaways from a tanker off Tema. Sports Spotlight: Ghana winger Antoine Semenyo scored a stunning FA Cup final goal for Manchester City, keeping African talent in the spotlight.

Ebola Emergency: The WHO has declared the new Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, warning it does not meet “pandemic emergency” criteria and urging countries not to close borders; the outbreak is centered on Ituri’s mining areas (Mongwalu and Rwampara) with hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths, and at least one case has been reported across the border in Uganda. Security & Counterterrorism: In a major escalation, US and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by Trump as ISIS’s second-in-command, in a Sokoto operation. Politics & Diplomacy: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu returned to Lagos after France, Kenya and Rwanda, pushing global financial reform and stronger African integration at the Africa Forward Summit. Connectivity & Trade: Guinea moved ahead on the MEDUSA submarine cable with a key agreement in Conakry, while Atlantic subsea cable plans also target stronger Europe–West Africa links. Economy: Nigeria’s April inflation rose to 15.69%, driven mainly by food and transport costs.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: The WHO has declared a new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo a public health emergency of international concern, warning it is not a “pandemic emergency” and urging countries not to close borders. Cross-border spread fears: Africa CDC says the outbreak in Ituri is already linked to hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths, with one fatal case reported in Uganda after a man crossed from Congo. Security shock in Nigeria: US and Nigerian forces killed senior ISIS figure Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a joint operation in Sokoto, Trump says, dealing a blow to the group’s Africa network. Cost-of-living pressure: Nigeria’s April inflation rose to 15.69% (from 15.38%), with food inflation at 16.06%, keeping households under strain. Connectivity push for Guinea: Guinea signed the Construction and Maintenance Agreement for the MEDUSA submarine cable landing in Conakry, setting up a second major route for internet resilience.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: Health officials in DR Congo’s Ituri province say a new Ebola outbreak has already killed 87 people, with 336 suspected cases reported so far, mostly around mining towns Mongwalu and Rwampara. Cross-Border Risk: One suspected case has crossed into Uganda, where a 59-year-old man died in Kampala—raising fears of wider spread as no vaccine exists for the reported strain. Security Update: In Nigeria’s northwest, US and Nigerian forces killed senior ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a Sokoto strike, according to Trump. Migration Tragedy: A newborn migrant baby died of hypothermia after reaching Lampedusa overnight, as authorities investigate the death. Regional Politics & Economy: Tinubu returned to Lagos after France, Kenya and Rwanda, while Nigeria’s April inflation rose to 15.69% as food and transport costs stayed high. Connectivity Push: Guinea moved ahead on the MEDUSA submarine cable landing in Conakry, aiming to diversify internet routes.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: Health officials in eastern DR Congo say a new Ebola outbreak is spreading fear in Ituri, with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases reported, while Africa CDC warns the region’s cross-border movement could fuel wider spread. Cross-Border Spillover: Uganda has confirmed one imported death linked to the outbreak, raising pressure on surveillance and response along the DRC–Uganda corridor. Healthcare Workers Under Strain: A New York doctor who survived Ebola says the biggest risk now is protecting frontline staff as patients are most contagious around the time of death. Counterterror Move: In Nigeria, US President Trump says ISIS’s second-in-command was killed in a joint operation with Nigerian forces. Tinubu Back in Lagos: President Bola Tinubu returned from France, Kenya and Rwanda, with APC primaries next on the agenda. Digital Connectivity Push: Guinea signed the MEDUSA cable landing deal, aiming to diversify internet routes. Migration Update: Canary Islands data shows a 78% drop in boat arrivals so far in 2026, though officials warn May could shift.

MEDUSA Cable Deal: Guinea has signed the Construction and Maintenance Agreement for the MEDUSA submarine cable landing in Conakry, kicking off marine surveys and setting up 25 years of local operation and maintenance—another international link after ACE, aimed at steadier, faster internet. Ebola Alarm: In DR Congo’s Ituri province, Africa CDC says 65 deaths are linked to a new Ebola outbreak, with 246 suspected cases and Uganda reporting one related death; officials warn the border and insecurity could fuel spread. Inflation Pressure: Nigeria’s inflation climbed again in April to 15.69%, with food and transport costs driving the rise, while state-level food inflation peaks in Enugu, Kwara and Adamawa. Health Watch: A new study says hantavirus may linger in semen for up to six years, raising questions about sexual transmission precautions. Security & Tech: Nigeria plans to modernise defence with AI and anti-drone systems. Politics/Business: Tinubu returns to Lagos for APC primaries and continues pitching Africa’s economic integration and global finance reform.

Africa CEO Forum Momentum: Nigeria’s Tinubu is pushing investment hard in Kigali, with reports of a fresh $600m port pledge from APM Terminals and talks with the IFC on more funding for power and infrastructure. Guinea Ties: Tinubu also extended a state-visit invitation to Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya, with both sides eyeing deeper cooperation in minerals and metals. Public Health Warning: A new study says hantavirus can linger in semen for up to six years, raising calls to update guidance for male survivors. Human Rights Pressure: An African rights report warns rulings often fail to translate into justice, blaming weak enforcement and fragmented systems. West Africa Opioid Alarm: Investigations say Indian tapentadol is still reaching Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana, fueling a “zombie drug” crisis. Maritime Security & Trade: Nigeria says piracy in its waters has been eliminated, while new cable projects aim to boost Europe–West Africa connectivity.