AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response in East Africa: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus visited Bunia in DR Congo’s Ituri as suspected Ebola cases surge, urging countries to reconsider travel bans that may discourage people from reporting early; Africa CDC says over 1,100 suspected cases are being investigated across DR Congo and Uganda, with no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, while the EAC plans an emergency virtual meeting of health ministers (June 1–2) to coordinate cross-border action. Travel Advisories and Border Moves: The UAE warned its nationals and residents to avoid travel to Uganda, DR Congo, and South Sudan unless absolutely necessary, as multiple countries tighten entry rules amid Ebola fears. South Sudan Humanitarian Pressure: UNMISS says UN financial constraints are forcing base closures and reduced peacekeeping even as insecurity and displacement continue, and separate UN reporting highlights worsening hunger needs in South Sudan. Local Security and Community Action: In Yei River County, eight members of the “45 gang” voluntarily surrendered, with authorities promising protection and urging support for vocational and farming programmes to prevent re-recruitment.

Ebola in Congo and Uganda: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited Bunia in eastern DR Congo, warning the outbreak is spreading faster than the response and urging communities to stay at the center of control efforts, while also telling countries to reconsider travel bans and border closures that may discourage people from reporting cases; the outbreak is driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain with no approved vaccine or treatment, and WHO figures cited include hundreds of suspected cases and deaths, with Uganda reporting confirmed infections linked to cross-border movement. Regional coordination: East African Community health ministers will hold an emergency virtual meeting June 1–2 to align cross-border surveillance, rapid response, and rules for possible vaccines, therapies, and diagnostics. UNMISS funding squeeze: In Juba, UNMISS said UN-wide financial constraints are forcing base closures and reduced peacekeeping personnel even as insecurity and displacement continue ahead of South Sudan’s December 2026 elections. Humanitarian need in Western Equatoria: The Western Equatoria deputy governor appealed for urgent aid for over 10,000 displaced people in Mundri East after months of conflict and cattle-related violence. Local security in Yei: Eight gang members in Yei River County surrendered voluntarily, with authorities promising protection and urging support for vocational and farming programmes. UN sanctions on South Sudan: The UN Security Council renewed South Sudan sanctions for one year, with Pakistan abstaining and renewed debate on whether sanctions help or hinder peace efforts.

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in Bunia, eastern DR Congo, urging community-led action as confirmed cases nearly doubled to 225 in days, with 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths reported; he warned travel bans and border closures discourage transparency and said the outbreak can be stopped. Public Safety and Unrest: Police fired shots to disperse crowds at an Ebola treatment centre after families tried to reclaim bodies, highlighting mistrust and tensions around safe burials. Regional Preparedness: IGAD called for urgent cross-border preparedness, while UAE, Mexico and other countries issued travel advisories or flight restrictions affecting Uganda, DR Congo and South Sudan ahead of the World Cup. South Sudan Focus: UN Security Council extended South Sudan sanctions/arms embargo, and Amnesty urged strict enforcement to protect civilians amid ongoing violence. Local Development: A Juba-Nimule highway activist renewed calls for urgent rehabilitation, saying slow work is worsening transport costs and the cost of living. Health Screening at Airports: The CDC expanded Ebola passenger screening at JFK and other major US airports for travellers arriving from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

UN Sanctions Watch: The UN Security Council renewed South Sudan sanctions for another year, extending an arms embargo, travel bans and asset freezes until May 31, 2027, while the US said progress on the 2018 peace deal has been limited and security conditions have worsened. Food Crisis: The UN warned more than 7 million people in South Sudan need urgent food aid as WFP scales up emergency response in conflict-hit areas like Akobo. Arms Embargo Debate: South Sudan said the renewed UN arms embargo leaves civilians exposed and urged sanctions to be lifted, arguing it weakens the government’s ability to protect borders and respond to armed groups. Ebola Shockwave: As Ebola spreads in eastern DR Congo, WHO reported a first patient recovery and warned the death rate could be “huge,” while countries including the US, Canada and Mexico tightened entry rules tied to the World Cup—also putting South Sudan on the list of places triggering screenings. Peacekeeping Day: UNMISS in Juba marked International Day of UN Peacekeepers by honoring 13 fallen peacekeepers from 2025, as India, Pakistan and Ghana used the day to call for sustained investment in peace.

Ebola Response at US Entry Points: The CDC has expanded “public health entry screening” for travelers from Ebola-affected DRC, Uganda and South Sudan to JFK, joining Washington-Dulles, Atlanta and Houston, with non-citizens facing tighter entry rules. UN Peacekeeping Day in Juba: UNMISS marked International Day of UN Peacekeepers by paying tribute to 13 fallen peacekeepers, warning that peace needs political compromise amid insecurity and financial pressure. Sanctions and Peace Process: The UN Security Council renewed South Sudan sanctions, including an arms embargo, while the US blamed President Kiir and other leaders for stalled peace benchmarks. Humanitarian Alarm — Food: The UN says 7.2 million people in South Sudan need urgent food assistance as violence, displacement and economic hardship worsen. Local Health Quality Push: South Sudan’s Ministry of Health, with WHO support, convened stakeholders to validate the National Quality of Care Policy and Strategy. Ebola Preparedness Training: Morobo County launched border-focused Ebola preparedness training for frontline workers to strengthen detection, treatment centres and community engagement. Chinese Support in Juba: A Chinese medical team and construction firms donated supplies to two Juba orphanages, including school materials and health follow-up.

Ebola & Borders: Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo as Ebola fears rise, with officials citing the growing risk of importing the virus; the DRC is reporting over 900 infections and more than 200 deaths, while Uganda says it has confirmed cases and stepped up screening and isolation. World Cup Travel Rules: The US, Mexico and Canada have aligned Ebola travel measures ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026, including Canada’s 90-day entry ban on residents from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan and a 21-day quarantine for arrivals; the US is expanding enhanced airport screening, with JFK joining other hubs. Kenya Quarantine Plan: The US is setting up an Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans exposed but not yet showing symptoms, with operations expected to begin soon. Regional Preparedness: Nigeria’s NCDC has placed multiple states on high Ebola alert, urging readiness as the outbreak spreads across East and Central Africa. South Sudan Angle: WHO officials say South Sudan has no suspected or confirmed cases, but testing capacity concerns remain as regional measures tighten.

Ebola Response in East Africa: Kenya has given the U.S. written go-ahead to set up a quarantine facility for Americans exposed to Ebola, with the plan reportedly using land at a military base in Laikipia as the WHO chief travels to the DRC epicentre and regional surveillance ramps up. Funding Pressure: Africa CDC says pledges to fight the outbreak have nearly halved since Monday, dropping from about $500m to around $290m, as cases in the DRC climb to over 1,000 suspected. Travel Rules Tighten for World Cup: The U.S., Canada and Mexico have aligned Ebola travel measures for people coming from the highest-risk African regions ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026, while the U.S. expands enhanced airport screening for arrivals from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. Regional Health Strain: In the DRC, suspected cases are reported at 1,077 with hundreds of suspected deaths, and insecurity plus misinformation are hampering containment, as UNICEF urges stronger community engagement to protect children and families. South Sudan Politics: Ambassador Garang Deng Aguer rejects claims that tribalism drives arrests and military actions, saying political control and targeting opponents—regardless of tribe—are behind current tensions.

Ebola Response and Travel Curbs: The Trump administration says Americans exposed to Ebola while abroad will be sent to a new quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya, with officials working with Kenya and U.S. agencies; details on the site and Kenyan sign-off remain unclear, while Kenya’s health ministry says talks are ongoing. DRC Outbreak Worsens: In the Democratic Republic of Congo, suspected cases have surged past 1,000, with health officials reporting 1,077 suspected cases and 121 confirmed infections since mid-May, as WHO warns conflict is blocking response efforts. Regional Border Measures: Uganda has ordered the immediate closure of its border with Congo, and other countries have tightened entry rules and screenings as fears grow of wider spread. Local Precaution in South Sudan: South Sudan’s Catholic authorities issued an Ebola alert, urging vigilance as Uganda closes its border with DR Congo. Health Capacity Building: IGAD launched a $31.9m pandemic preparedness project to strengthen cross-border surveillance, labs, and emergency health workforce across the region.

Ebola Response: The U.S. says it will quarantine and treat Americans exposed to Ebola in a new facility in Kenya, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio insists the U.S. will not allow any Ebola cases to enter; the CDC is also asking staff to volunteer for airport screening as travel restrictions spread. Regional Health Pressure: Uganda ordered an immediate closure of its border with the DRC as WHO warns eastern Congo faces a “catastrophic collision of disease and conflict,” with violence blocking access to care. Travel Curbs Across Borders: Canada and the Bahamas announced temporary entry bans and 21-day isolation rules for travellers linked to DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. South Sudan Security: The South Sudan army accused opposition forces of attacking positions in Jonglei and Central Equatoria, saying troops remain on defensive alert and urging recommitment to the 2018 ceasefire. Energy Deal in Juba: South Sudan’s Energy Ministry signed an MoU with NELSAP-CU to lead resource mobilization for studies on the Grand Fulla Hydropower Project.

Ebola Border Crackdown: India has tightened airport Ebola rules after WHO flagged the Bundibugyo outbreak in parts of Africa as a public health emergency, with the DGCA issuing new SOPs for arrivals and transits from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, including mandatory self-declaration and screening. Bengaluru Scare Ends: In a separate case, India quarantined a 28-year-old Ugandan woman in Bengaluru for suspected Ebola—then tests came back negative, though she was kept under observation. Canada Turns Up Pressure: Canada also announced tougher measures, including a 21-day self-isolation requirement for people arriving from affected areas and a temporary pause on immigration decisions tied to the outbreak. US-Kenya Plan: Reports say the Trump administration is considering sending Ebola-exposed Americans to Kenya for quarantine and treatment instead of bringing them home.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: The International Rescue Committee warns the DR Congo–Uganda Ebola outbreak could become “the deadliest on record” as conflict, fast spread and global health funding cuts leave responders behind; deaths now top 220 and suspected cases are over 900, with the virus reaching major hubs like Goma and Kampala. Cross-Border Response: Switzerland pledged $3.8m to support DR Congo containment, while new travel rules are tightening: US airports are expanding Ebola screening, and Houston’s Bush Intercontinental joins Atlanta and Washington Dulles as a designated entry point. World Cup Fallout: DR Congo’s football federation has asked FIFA for ticket refunds after US visa suspensions and entry limits disrupt fan travel for the 2026 World Cup. South Sudan Local Updates: In Juba, UNMISS launched a youth peace campaign, while Central Equatoria ordered night patrols and surprise checks ahead of Eid; Jonglei also arrested an SSPDF officer after a Bor river port grenade blast killed one and injured eight. Other Health Alerts: West Kordofan reports cholera deaths rising to 40, as measles concerns grow in East Darfur.

Ebola Alarm Escalates: WHO chief Tedros says the outbreak is “outpacing” response as Congo’s suspected cases surge past 900 and suspected deaths hit 220, with no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain. Regional Pressure: South Africa’s Ramaphosa warns weak border controls and cross-border movement are fueling spread, while WHO urges Congo’s neighbors to act immediately. Security Hits Response: Gunmen attacked a Congo hospital treating Ebola patients, and families have burned treatment tents and centers, with some patients fleeing. Global Screening Tightens: India says it has no cases but is boosting airport, seaport and land-border checks; South Korea adds Ethiopia and Rwanda to priority quarantine; the US expands mandatory Ebola screening at Atlanta’s airport for travelers from affected countries. Human Rights & Other News: HRW urges UK and others to hold the UAE accountable for alleged support to Sudan’s RSF. Diplomacy: South Korea hosts a Seoul meeting with 50+ African foreign ministers next week to strengthen ties.

Ebola Crisis Escalates: WHO chief Tedros says the DRC outbreak is “extremely serious” and spreading faster than response teams, with 101 confirmed cases and 10 confirmed deaths, but “more than 900” suspected cases and 220 suspected deaths—while WHO warns there are still no approved vaccines or treatments for this Bundibugyo strain. Violence Hits Care: Gunmen attacked a Congo hospital treating Ebola patients, forcing staff to evacuate during heavy gunfire as grieving families demanded bodies. Regional Alarm: Africa CDC says 10 countries are at risk, urging neighbors to act immediately; Uganda confirms new cases and WHO urges Congo’s neighbors to move fast. Global Response Tightens: South Africa pledges $5m; the U.S. expands airport screening (including Atlanta) and adds travel restrictions. South Sudan Court Drama: Suspended petroleum minister Puot Kang Chol tells a Juba court he was denied proper medical care in detention and alleges pressure to abandon Riek Machar. Local Governance: Juba County investigates illegal plot allocations inside the Luri sewage site. India Precaution: India steps up Ebola screening at entry points, stressing no cases reported.

Ebola Surge in Congo: Confirmed Ebola cases in DR Congo have now passed 100, with the outbreak active in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu and more than 900 suspected cases reported; Uganda also announced 3 new cases, bringing its total to 5. Response Hit by Violence: WHO says fighting is forcing people to flee, disrupting contact tracing, while mobs have attacked treatment sites—patients fled and some suspected cases went missing. Global Alarm, Airport Checks Expand: The U.S. has added Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson to enhanced Ebola screening for arrivals from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, joining Washington Dulles; India and other countries issued travel advisories. Regional Risk Watch: Africa CDC warns 10 countries are at high risk of spread, including Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan. Local Governance: In Juba, South Sudan’s tax authority warned against illegal tax exemptions and political interference, pushing exemptions to be legally grounded and publicly visible online.

Ebola Surge in Congo: DR Congo’s health authorities raised the Ebola death toll to 204 and 867 suspected cases, after WHO earlier put the national risk at “very high,” warning the virus is spreading fast in conflict-hit eastern provinces. Treatment Centers Attacked: In Mongbwalu, residents burned a Doctors Without Borders tent at a health center; 18 suspected patients fled and are unaccounted for, while another treatment site was also set ablaze in the region. Regional Spread Fears: Africa CDC says 10 countries are at high risk, naming Kenya, South Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Angola, Zambia, Burundi, CAR and Congo Republic. No Vaccine for Bundibugyo: The outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no approved vaccine, making containment harder. Global Response Tightens: India advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, and the US expanded Ebola entry screening to Atlanta for travelers returning from affected countries.

Ebola Alarm Escalates: India has told citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan after WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with Africa CDC warning that 10 more African countries are at risk as cross-border movement and insecurity grow. Border Screening Tightens: India says it’s boosting airport checks for travellers arriving from affected areas, while the WHO’s emergency guidance pushes countries to detect and manage people with unexplained fever at points of entry. On-the-Ground Chaos in Congo: In eastern DRC, residents have burned a second Ebola treatment tent, and 18 suspected patients fled into the community—adding fresh pressure on already strained response teams. Regional Spillover Fears: Africa CDC’s risk list includes Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia. Humanitarian Context: Separate reporting also highlights how hunger is increasingly used as a weapon of war, worsening vulnerability during outbreaks. Recognition Beyond Health: Meanwhile, India’s Major Abhilasha Barak—serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon—was named a UN military gender advocate award winner for work with women and girls.