AGP Executive Report

National Dialogue: President Félix Tshisekedi announced “national dialogue for peace, cohesion and state rebuilding,” starting with consultations across all 26 provinces and ending in Kinshasa, while excluding armed groups and foreign-backed actors like Rwanda-backed M23—an initiative already met with opposition pushback over constitutional reform and possible third-term ambitions. Ebola & School Life: As the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak passes 100 days, WHO issued updated temporary recommendations (including social measures and mobility rules), while eastern provinces prepare for Sept. 1 school reopening using a green/orange/red risk system—teachers and parents fear classrooms aren’t safe enough. Urban Mobility: Kinshasa’s long-awaited urban train is back after nearly 15 years, easing some commuting but drawing complaints over packed carriages, heat, and short stops that leave passengers scrambling. Press Under Pressure: In rebel-controlled South Kivu, authorities have restricted political broadcasting and suspended a Bukavu FM political program, prompting the Committee to Protect Journalists to call for the bans to be lifted. Rumba Heritage: Kinshasa’s La Creche bar keeps Congolese rumba alive—UNESCO-listed and still celebrated—despite neglect and power cuts that can abruptly halt the music.

Kinshasa Urban Life & Mobility: Kinshasa’s long-awaited sky-blue train is back after nearly 15 years, easing some commutes between the airport and downtown—but packed carriages, heat (no air-conditioning), and short stops are sparking complaints from riders who feel they’re paying for a service that still doesn’t work for everyone. National Dialogue & Politics: President Félix Tshisekedi announced “national dialogue” talks starting in all 26 provinces, aiming for peace and state “refoundation,” while excluding armed groups and foreign-backed actors; opposition groups quickly rejected the plan, warning it could be a route to entrench power. Ebola, Schools & Community Impact: As Ebola Bundibugyo cases rise in eastern DRC, WHO updated temporary recommendations and local authorities are preparing uneven school reopenings using green/orange/red risk zones—while teachers and parents fear unsafe conditions. Eastern DRC, Media & Rights: Rebel authorities in South Kivu have been accused of tightening control over political broadcasting, with journalists and media groups pushing back against bans and forced coverage. Culture & Memory: A new wave of commemoration for the “genocost” highlights reparations-focused remembrance efforts, keeping victims’ stories in public life.

Urban Mobility: Kinshasa’s long-awaited sky-blue urban train is back after nearly 15 years, easing some commutes but drawing complaints over packed carriages, heat, and short stops that leave riders scrambling. Higher Education Under Pressure: The Congolese government suspended academic activities for the 2026–2027 year in Goma and Bukavu, citing security risks and rivalry with AFC-M23—prompting Nobel laureate Denis Mukwege to warn of a “slow epistemicide.” National Dialogue Politics: President Félix Tshisekedi announced national dialogue consultations across 26 provinces, but opposition groups rejected the plan, accusing him of trying to entrench power and calling for protests on Sept. 15. Ebola & Daily Life: WHO updated Bundibugyo Ebola guidance, while eastern provinces prepare uneven school reopenings using green/orange/red risk zones; teachers warn classrooms may be unsafe. Culture & Memory: Congolese rumba continues to fight neglect and nostalgia, with venues like La Creche keeping the UNESCO-listed sound alive. Rebel Rule & Media: In M23-controlled South Kivu, authorities were urged to lift bans on political broadcasting after suspending a Bukavu FM program. Art as Witness: A Kinshasa exhibition by Moyengo Kadima uses paintings to denounce decades of war in the east and push unity.

Urban Mobility: Kinshasa’s sky-blue urban train is back after nearly 15 years, running from the airport to downtown and easing some pressure from gridlock—though riders complain about packed carriages, heat (no air-conditioning), and short stops that force people to jump on while moving. National Dialogue & Politics: President Félix Tshisekedi announced national dialogue talks starting in all 26 provinces, aiming for peace and state “refoundation,” but opposition groups rejected the plan, accusing him of trying to entrench power and bypass constitutional limits; they also plan protests for Sept. 15. Ebola Response & Daily Life: As the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak drags on, WHO issued updated temporary guidance, while eastern provinces prepare for school reopening with a green/orange/red risk system—teachers warn classrooms may not be safe. Peace Process in the East: DRC and the AFC/M23 agreed a roadmap for negotiations, with ceasefire verification missions underway, even as reports of abuses and restrictions on political media coverage continue. Culture & Memory: Congolese rumba—kept alive in Kinshasa venues like La Creche—faces neglect and nostalgia, even as it remains a UNESCO-listed source of pride.

Kinshasa Commuter Life: After nearly 15 years, Kinshasa’s sky-blue urban train is back, linking the airport to downtown—but riders complain about packed carriages, heat (no air-conditioning), and short stops that force people to board while the train is moving. National Dialogue Politics: President Félix Tshisekedi announced “national dialogue” talks starting in all 26 provinces, aiming for peace and state “refoundation,” but the opposition says it’s a power grab and plans protests on Sept. 15; Tshisekedi also ruled out armed groups like Rwanda-backed M23. Ebola, With People at the Center: In the Bundibugyo outbreak, WHO issued updated temporary measures (including social restrictions and mobility guidance), while health leaders stress that behind every number is a family; schools in affected eastern areas face uneven reopening plans. Rebel-Controlled Media: In South Kivu, CPJ reports M23-linked authorities have restricted political broadcasting and suspended a Bukavu FM political program. Culture Under Pressure: UNESCO-listed Congolese rumba is being kept alive in Kinshasa venues like La Creche, even as neglect and power cuts threaten the scene. Art as Witness: Artist Moyengo Kadima uses paintings to denounce decades of war and give conflict victims a voice.

National Dialogue: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a national dialogue for peace, cohesion and “state refoundation,” starting with consultations across all 26 provinces before talks in Kinshasa, while excluding armed groups and foreign-backed actors—explicitly naming Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebels. Constitutional Tensions: The move comes as critics fear a constitutional-change bill could open the door to a third term, reviving a wider fight over the 2028 succession rules. Ebola—Human Face: In the Bundibugyo outbreak, response leaders stress that behind every statistic is a person and a family, as cases and deaths keep climbing and community engagement expands. Ebola—Schools and Daily Life: With schools due to reopen on Sept. 1, eastern provinces are using a green/orange/red risk system; in “red” zones, classes shift to radio/TV and home learning, while teachers warn reopening could endanger students. Ebola—WHO Updates: WHO issued new temporary recommendations covering surveillance, care, infection control, risk communication, plus social measures and limits on gatherings and movement. Ebola—Vaccine Arrives: Ervebo doses (16,250) landed in Kinshasa, but officials note it’s approved for a different Ebola species, so a clinical trial is underway to test protection against the current strain. Press Freedom Under Rebel Rule: CPJ urged M23/AFC authorities in South Kivu to lift bans on political coverage and reinstate a suspended Bukavu FM political program. Eastern Congo—Peace Talks and Control: DRC and AFC/M23 agreed on a roadmap for negotiations under the Doha framework, while a ceasefire verification mission begins in South Kivu and reports of abuses in M23-held areas continue. Art as Resistance: A Kinshasa exhibition by Congolese artist Moyengo Kadima uses paintings to denounce decades of war and push for unity and justice.

Ebola Human Cost: Prof Pierre Akilimali, leading DRC’s Ebola response, says the rising numbers hide real people—father, child, loved relative—and warns the peak may still be ahead as community engagement improves case detection. School Life Under Outbreak: With schools due to reopen Sept. 1, teachers and parents in Ebola-hit eastern provinces fear classrooms aren’t ready; the Ministry’s green/orange/red system leaves many high-risk schools in red zones shifting to radio/TV and home learning. WHO Response Update: WHO issued new temporary recommendations for Bundibugyo Ebola, tightening surveillance, infection control, clinical care, risk communication, and adding guidance on social measures, mass gatherings, and mobility. Vaccine Arrives, Questions Remain: 16,250 doses of Ervebo landed in Kinshasa as a clinical trial begins, but officials stress it’s approved for Zaire Ebola, not Bundibugyo—so effectiveness is still being tested. Art as Witness: In Kinshasa, artist Moyengo Kadima uses paintings to denounce decades of war in the east and urge unity and justice. Press Freedom Under Rebel Rule: In South Kivu, CPJ reports M23-linked authorities have restricted political broadcasting, suspending a Bukavu FM program and host Claude Kashonga. Peace Talks Move, Violence Continues: DRC and AFC/M23 agreed on a roadmap for negotiations and ceasefire monitoring, while separate reports accuse M23 of killings, rape, torture, kidnappings, and forced recruitment in areas it holds.

Ebola Response: Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses (16,250 first shipment) landed in Kinshasa as WHO issued updated temporary guidance for the Bundibugyo outbreak, adding tighter surveillance, infection control, and new social measures while warning the risk is “very high.” Health & Daily Life: In eastern mining areas, artisanal miners keep working despite Ebola fears, pushing for nearby treatment centers as patients struggle to reach care. Peace Process & Media Freedom: DRC and the AFC/M23 agreed a roadmap for Doha-based peace talks, but rebel authorities in South Kivu are also restricting political broadcasting, suspending a Bukavu FM program and host Claude Kashonga. Conflict on the Ground: AFC-M23 captured Remeka and Katoyi in Masisi after years of FDLR control, underscoring how territorial shifts keep shaping both security and humanitarian conditions. Culture as Witness: Congolese artist Moyengo Kadima uses paintings to denounce decades of war and violence in the east, urging unity and justice through art. Reparations Memory: FONAREV’s “genocost” commemorations in Kasai spotlight remembrance and redress for victims of crimes since 1993.

Ebola Response: WHO issued updated temporary recommendations for DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, adding tighter rules on surveillance, care, risk communication, and new social measures, as cases and deaths keep climbing. Vaccine Rollout: Ervebo doses (16,250) landed in Kinshasa, while a clinical trial begins to test whether the vaccine can work against the Bundibugyo strain now spreading. Eastern Congo Security & Media: CPJ urged rebel authorities in South Kivu to lift bans on political coverage and reverse the suspension of Bukavu FM’s Claude Kashonga. Peace Talks Track: DRC and the AFC/M23 agreed a roadmap for sequenced negotiations under the Doha framework, alongside plans for ceasefire verification missions. Human Rights Claims: Kinshasa says over 300 people were killed in M23-held areas in June–July, alleging summary executions, rape, torture, kidnappings, and forced recruitment. Art & Memory: A Congolese artist used paintings in Kinshasa to denounce decades of war and give victims a voice. Culture, Identity & Citizenship: A debate on Congolese Banyarwanda citizenship and the need for political will to translate past consensus into action returned to the spotlight. Regional Mobility & Health: The government launched “Congo River Without Ebola” to stop spread along river routes toward major cities like Kinshasa and Mbandaka. Energy & Infrastructure: Angola and DR Congo discussed future joint oil exploration and agreed on power lines to link Angola’s Soyo to Inga via Matadi.

Ebola Response: WHO issued updated temporary guidance for DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, adding tighter rules on surveillance, infection control, clinical care, risk communication, and new social measures for gatherings and movement. Vaccine Arrival: 16,250 doses of Ervebo landed in Kinshasa as a clinical trial begins, while officials warn the vaccine is approved for a different Ebola strain and efficacy against Bundibugyo is still being tested. Eastern Congo Peace & Media: DRC and the AFC/M23 agreed a roadmap for peace talks, but rebel authorities in South Kivu are also restricting political broadcasting, with journalist Claude Kashonga suspended after a crackdown on coverage. Conflict on the Ground: AFC-M23 captured two key areas in Masisi after years of FDLR control, and the government accused M23-held zones of mass killings, rape, torture, kidnappings, and forced recruitment. Culture & Memory: In Kinshasa, artist Moyengo Kadima uses paintings to denounce decades of war and push for unity and justice. Arts Funding: Lubumbashi’s Picha Art and Research Center launched an urgent crowdfunding drive to keep programming alive amid fragile arts funding.

Press Freedom Under Fire in Rebel East: CPJ says M23/AFC authorities in South Kivu are banning political coverage and suspending Bukavu FM host Claude Kashonga, pushing stations to focus on AFC/M23 activities and “peace” themes. Ebola Response Tightens: WHO issued updated temporary recommendations for Bundibugyo Ebola, adding stronger surveillance, infection control, risk communication, plus social measures, mass gatherings limits, and mobility guidance. Vaccine Arrives, But Questions Remain: 16,250 Ervebo doses landed in Kinshasa as cases and deaths climb; officials stress trials are needed because Ervebo is approved for a different Ebola species. Peace Talks Move Forward: Kinshasa and AFC/M23 agreed on a sequenced roadmap for negotiations under the Doha framework, with a ceasefire verification mission starting in South Kivu. War’s Human Cost in the East: The government alleges hundreds killed, rapes, torture, kidnappings, forced recruitment, and illegal levies in M23-held areas in June–July. Art as Resistance: Congolese painter Moyengo Kadima uses exhibitions in Kinshasa to denounce decades of war and urge unity. Culture & Style Spotlight: DR Congo Fashion Week in Kinshasa spotlights La Sape dandyism, linking heritage across both Congos. Mining, Mobility, and Ebola Risk: Reports highlight artisanal miners continuing work despite virus danger, complicating containment efforts. Reparations Commemorations: FONAREV marks “genocost” remembrance in Kasai, calling for “identify, support, and provide redress.” Constitutional Tension: A fight over the 2028 vote is reshaping politics as Tshisekedi’s succession rules face renewed debate. Cultural Funding Strain: Lubumbashi’s Picha Art and Research Center launches an urgent crowdfunding drive to keep programming alive amid fragile arts support.

Ebola Response Update: WHO issued updated temporary recommendations for DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, adding tighter surveillance, case detection, infection control, clinical care, and risk communication, plus new rules on social restrictions, mass gatherings, and domestic mobility. Press Freedom Under Rebel Rule: In M23/AFC-controlled South Kivu, authorities ordered media to stop political broadcasting and suspended Bukavu FM’s political program host Claude Kashonga, drawing a CPJ call to lift the bans. Peace Talks Roadmap: DR Congo and the AFC/M23 agreed in Geneva on a sequenced roadmap for Doha Framework negotiations, including a standardized way to report ceasefire violations and steps to operationalize ceasefire monitoring. Vaccine Reality Check: Ervebo doses (16,250) arrived in Kinshasa, but officials and experts stress it’s approved for Zaire Ebola, while Bundibugyo efficacy is still being tested. Art as Witness: Congolese artist Moyengo Kadima is using paintings to denounce decades of war and violence in the east, turning exhibitions into a call for unity and justice. Culture & Style: DR Congo Fashion Week in Kinshasa spotlighted La Sape dandyism, linking shared heritage across the two Congos through bold contemporary fashion. Reparations Commemoration: In Kasai, FONAREV is pushing annual “genocost” remembrance with a “Never alone again” message, focusing on identifying victims and supporting redress.

Constitutional showdown: Kinshasa’s fight over the rules for what happens after President Félix Tshisekedi’s 2028 exit is heating up, with opposition warning that constitutional reform could quietly reopen the door to a third term. Peace process, step by step: DRC and the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 agreed in Geneva on a roadmap for sequenced peace talks under the Doha framework, including a standardized way to report ceasefire violations and a mechanism to track progress. Ceasefire checks in the east: A verification mission is now underway in South Kivu to monitor alleged ceasefire breaches, with teams moving toward Minembwe, Uvira and Kalehe. Ebola—vaccines arrive, but strain mismatch looms: Ervebo doses (16,250) landed in Kinshasa as cases and deaths keep climbing; officials warn the vaccine is approved for Zaire ebolavirus, while the outbreak is linked to Bundibugyo—so efficacy is still uncertain. Culture as resistance: In Kinshasa, artist Moyengo Kadima is using paintings to denounce decades of war in the east and urge unity and justice. Mining and Ebola risk: Artisanal miners say they keep working despite the virus, calling for nearby treatment options as evacuations fail and families pay the price. Arts funding pressure: Lubumbashi’s Picha Art and Research Center launched an urgent crowdfunding drive to keep exhibitions, training and the Lubumbashi Biennale alive amid fragile support. Fashion & identity: DR Congo Fashion Week in Kinshasa spotlighted La Sape dandyism, linking style to shared heritage across the two Congos.

Ceasefire Verification: A mission to verify the DRC–Rwanda-backed M23 ceasefire has started in South Kivu, with teams traveling by UN helicopter to Minembwe, Uvira and Kalehe, as both sides keep silent while a roadmap for talks is being pushed. Peace Talks Roadmap: Kinshasa and AFC/M23 agreed in Switzerland on sequenced steps under the Doha framework, including a mechanism to review commitments and a standardized way to report ceasefire violations. Human Rights Claims: The DRC says M23-held areas saw over 300 killings in June–July, alleging summary executions, bombings, rape, torture, kidnappings and forced recruitment, alongside illegal levies on education and health. Ebola—Vaccine Rollout: More than 16,000 Ervebo doses arrived in Kinshasa as the outbreak accelerates, with WHO warning infections are spreading faster and wider than before. Ebola—Rising Burden on Families: UNICEF reports children make up about a third of reported Ebola deaths, even as pediatric care and referral systems strain under overcrowding and limited capacity. Ebola—Mining Reality: Artisanal miners keep working despite Ebola risks, citing displacement, lack of treatment and the need for local care points near mines. Culture Under Pressure: In Kinshasa, artist Moyengo Kadima uses paintings to denounce decades of war and call for unity and justice. Arts Funding: Lubumbashi’s Picha Art and Research Center launched an urgent crowdfunding drive to keep exhibitions and training alive amid fragile arts financing. Fashion & Identity: DR Congo Fashion Week spotlights La Sape dandyism, linking Congo-Kinshasa and Congo-Brazzaville through bold style and cultural legacy.

Art & Peacebuilding: In Kinshasa, painter Moyengo Kadima uses exhibitions to denounce decades of war in eastern DR Congo, urging unity and justice while giving victims a voice. Ebola & Livelihoods: In Iga-Barrière, artisanal miners keep working despite Ebola risk, saying they lack access to treatment, vaccines, disinfectants, and even nearby care—turning daily survival into a public-health crisis. Peace Process: After five days of talks in Switzerland, the DRC government and AFC/M23 agreed a roadmap for sequenced peace negotiations, including a mechanism to track ceasefire violations and steps to operationalize verification. Ebola Response Push: Ervebo vaccine deliveries (16,000+ doses) arrive in Kinshasa as WHO warns the outbreak is spreading faster and wider; UNICEF also flags that children make up a growing share of deaths. Cultural Life: DR Congo Fashion Week spotlights La SAPE dandyism, celebrating shared heritage across the two Congos through bold style and music. Arts Funding: Lubumbashi’s Picha Art and Research Center launches an urgent crowdfunding drive to keep training and exhibitions alive amid fragile arts financing.

Art as witness: In Kinshasa, painter Moyengo Kadima is showing works that denounce decades of war in eastern DR Congo, urging unity and justice through images of victims’ suffering. Ebola on the move: In Iga-Barrière, artisanal miners keep working despite Ebola risk, calling for a local treatment center as displacement and mining routes complicate care. Peace talks, fragile ground: Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 agreed a roadmap for negotiations under the Doha framework, including a ceasefire-violation reporting method and steps to operationalize verification—while fighting and drone claims continue. Ebola response ramps up: Ervebo vaccine deliveries reached Kinshasa (16,250 doses), and the government launched “Congo River Without Ebola” to strengthen surveillance along the Congo River corridor. Children hit hardest: UNICEF reports children make up about one-third of Ebola deaths, with pediatric care under pressure. Funding for culture: Lubumbashi’s Picha Art and Research Center launched an urgent crowdfunding push to keep artist programs alive. Fashion & identity: Kinshasa’s DR Congo Fashion Week spotlighted La SAPE dandyism, linking Congo-Kinshasa and Congo-Brazzaville through style and music.