AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy & Innovation: Moldova and the Republic of Chad have officially established diplomatic relations, with both sides pledging to expand cooperation not just politically and economically, but also in science and innovation. Public Health (CAR): A cholera outbreak in the Central African Republic is still spreading, with 435 suspected cases and 36 deaths reported as of July 6; health teams are focusing on hygiene, safer water, and reactivating water points around Bangui 2, Bimbo, and Mbaiki. Health Security (Regional): The Ebola response in eastern DR Congo is losing ground, with WHO modelling suggesting the real caseload may be 2–4 times higher than official figures, and many new cases detected outside known contact chains. Digital Payments: BEAC has joined PAPSS, linking CEMAC countries to instant cross-border payments in local currencies—an upgrade for faster, cheaper regional transactions. Antimicrobial Resistance: A new study in JAMA Network Open finds rising antibiotic-resistant UTIs across six African countries, including CAR, highlighting growing pressure on treatment options. Organized Crime & Drugs (CAR): Wagner remnants in CAR are reportedly running a tramadol trafficking network that funds gold and timber operations, with distribution tied to routes from Congo into Bangui and onward to Cameroon.

Opioid economy in CAR: Wagner remnants in the Central African Republic are reportedly running a tramadol trafficking network along the Oubangui River, using the drug to fund gold and timber operations and to keep fighters going—while Moscow struggles to rein them in. Public health alert: A cholera outbreak in CAR has reached 435 suspected cases and 36 deaths, with transmission linked to the Ubangi River and officials pushing hygiene, water treatment, and drainage fixes. Ebola pressure nearby: Coverage from the DRC shows Ebola still outpacing the response, with cases rising and spreading into new provinces—an urgent reminder for regional preparedness. Payments tech for CEMAC: BEAC has joined PAPSS, enabling instant cross-border payments across CEMAC in local currencies, a boost for faster trade and fintech activity. Antibiotic resistance in CAR: A JAMA Network Open study finds rising antimicrobial resistance in UTI-causing bacteria across six African countries including CAR, underscoring the need for stronger monitoring and treatment guidance. Security and governance: A new analysis highlights how overlapping state and militia security roles across Central Africa make crime and conflict more profitable and harder to resolve.

Opioid trafficking and control in CAR: Wagner remnants in the Central African Republic are reportedly running a tramadol “opioid empire” along the Oubangui River, using the drug trade to fund gold and timber operations and to sustain influence through ties to the national army and militias. Public health pressure: A cholera outbreak in CAR is still spreading, with 435 suspected cases and 36 deaths reported as of July 6, linked to Ubangi River water use and poor sanitation. Ebola response strain: Across the region, Ebola efforts are struggling—WHO modeling for DR Congo suggests the real case count may be 2–4 times higher than official figures, with many cases detected outside known contact chains. Regional payments upgrade: BEAC has joined PAPSS, enabling faster, cheaper instant cross-border payments across CEMAC—an important boost for tech-enabled commerce and fintech in CAR. Antimicrobial resistance watch: A new JAMA Network Open study finds rising antibiotic resistance in UTI-causing bacteria across six African countries including CAR, underscoring the need for better lab monitoring and treatment guidance. Security and governance: Analysts say overlapping state and militia security roles are making crime and conflict more profitable across Central Africa, complicating efforts to restore control.

Travel & Security: The U.S. expanded its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” list by adding Uganda, bringing the total to 10 African countries, warning Americans to avoid travel due to severe security and public health risks and limited consular help. Regional Finance & Payments: BEAC officially joined PAPSS, linking CEMAC to instant cross-border payments in local currencies—aiming to make transfers faster and cheaper across 28 countries. Central African Health: CAR’s cholera outbreak is still spreading, with 435 suspected cases and 36 deaths reported as of July 6, tied to Ubangi River water use and hygiene gaps. Antimicrobial Resistance: A new JAMA Network Open study found rising antibiotic-resistant UTIs across six African countries, including CAR, highlighting the need for stronger monitoring and treatment guidance. Public Health Emergency: In DR Congo, Ebola continues to outpace response efforts, with confirmed cases nearing 1,800 and spread into a fourth province, while MSF trains health workers in Nairobi for deployments. Governance & Tech Capacity: A study urges BEAC to create an emergency liquidity facility (CFA 1.7–2.3 trillion) to protect essential imports during geopolitical shocks. CAR Crime & Illicit Trade: Reports say Wagner remnants in CAR have built a tramadol trafficking network that helps fund mining and forest exploitation, with drugs reportedly smuggled via the Ubangi River.

Public Health: A cholera outbreak in the Central African Republic has spread across Bangui 2, Bimbo and Mbaiki, with 435 suspected cases and 36 deaths as of July 6, linked to the Ubangi River; authorities are pushing hygiene, water treatment and borehole repairs while communities call for better drainage. Regional Payments: BEAC has joined PAPSS, enabling faster cross-border instant payments across CEMAC in local currencies, connecting 28 countries and hundreds of banks/fintechs—an upgrade for trade and remittances. Antimicrobial Resistance: A new study in JAMA Network Open reports rising antibiotic resistance in UTI-causing bacteria across six African countries including CAR, warning that first-line treatments are losing effectiveness. Ebola Watch (DRC): Congo’s Ebola response is falling behind as confirmed cases near 1,800 and the outbreak spreads into a fourth province; WHO says the real case count may be 2–4 times higher. Security & Health Risks: Reports from CAR describe Wagner-linked networks profiting from tramadol trafficking, using the opioid trade to fund mining and influence—raising serious public health and enforcement concerns.

Cholera Update (CAR): Central African Republic health officials say cholera has killed at least 27 people and recorded 253 cases in two weeks, with the outbreak centered in Bimbo and spreading to multiple Bangui districts and five health districts overall; response teams are pushing safe water, handwashing, and faster access to care. Ebola Watch (DR Congo): Two months after WHO flagged the DRC Ebola emergency, the outbreak is still outpacing response efforts, with WHO modeling suggesting the real case count may be 2–4 times higher than reported and fatalities rising as transmission spreads into a fourth province. Antimicrobial Resistance (Health): A new JAMA Network Open study tracking urinary tract infection bacteria across six African countries—including CAR—finds high and increasing antibiotic resistance, warning that treatment choices and monitoring need strengthening. Payments & Fintech (CEMAC): BEAC has joined PAPSS, linking Central Africa to instant cross-border payments in local currencies and expanding access for banks and fintechs across 28 countries. Security & Public Health Risks (CAR): Reporting says Wagner remnants in CAR have built a tramadol trafficking network, using the drug trade to fund mining and influence—raising concerns for addiction and health harms alongside instability.

Cholera Watch: A fast-moving cholera outbreak in the Central African Republic has reached 435 suspected cases and 36 deaths as of July 6, with transmission linked to the Ubangi River and health districts including Bangui 2, Bimbo and Mbaiki; officials are pushing handwashing, water treatment, and reactivating boreholes, while residents ask for better drainage. Public Health Research: A new JAMA Network Open study tracking urinary tract infections across six African countries (including CAR) finds high and rising antimicrobial resistance, warning that first-line antibiotics are losing effectiveness and that monitoring is still too limited. Digital Payments: BEAC has joined PAPSS, bringing instant, local-currency cross-border payments to CEMAC countries and improving the odds of faster, cheaper transactions for businesses and people across the region. Health Systems Training: MSF is running Ebola simulation training in Kenya to prepare clinicians for deployments in DR Congo and nearby risk areas, focusing on protective gear and community engagement. Security & Illicit Trade: Reports say Wagner remnants in CAR have built a tramadol trafficking network, using the drug trade to fund mining and maintain influence—highlighting how tech, logistics, and supply chains can fuel public-health crises. Education Access: New data shows over 100 million African children and adolescents remain out of school, with progress stalling as population growth outpaces participation.

Academic Freedom Watch: A new global ranking flags steep declines in academic freedom, with Nicaragua, Myanmar, and Afghanistan leading the drop since 2015—while the U.S. falls sharply too, a reminder that research and teaching can be pulled under political pressure. Regional Payments Tech: BEAC has joined PAPSS, bringing instant, local-currency cross-border payments to CEMAC countries—an upgrade for faster trade and fintech connections across Central Africa. Health & Antibiotic Resistance: A JAMA Network Open study finds rising antimicrobial resistance in UTI-causing bacteria across six African countries, including CAR, raising the stakes for smarter antibiotic use. Ebola Preparedness: MSF is training health workers in Kenya using a simulation centre to speed up response as DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak spreads into more provinces. Ebola Outbreak Update: Confirmed Ebola cases in DR Congo have topped 1,800 and reached a fourth province, with deaths mounting as surveillance and community outreach intensify. Cholera in CAR: CAR reports 27 cholera deaths and 253 cases in two weeks, centered around Bimbo with spread to multiple Bangui districts—health officials urge safe water and handwashing. Security, Drugs & CAR: The Wall Street Journal reports Wagner remnants running a tramadol trafficking network in CAR, using opioid sales to fund mining and maintain influence. Digital Divide: A report argues Africa’s digital gap is mainly affordability, not coverage—smartphone costs keep billions offline, including in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Digital Payments Boost: BEAC has officially joined PAPSS, bringing instant cross-border payments in local currencies to the CEMAC region and connecting 28 countries, 190+ banks/fintechs, and 16 payment switches—an important step for faster trade across Central Africa. Health Threat Watch: A JAMA Network Open study reports rising antibiotic-resistant UTIs across six African countries, including the Central African Republic, with high resistance to common first-line drugs—raising pressure on local lab monitoring and treatment guidelines. Ebola Preparedness in the Region: MSF is training health workers in Kenya for the fast-growing Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, using simulation labs and PPE drills to improve readiness for deployments. Ebola Escalation: DR Congo’s outbreak has surpassed 1,800 confirmed cases and spread into a fourth province, with hundreds of deaths and continued efforts to strengthen surveillance and community outreach. Cholera Update (CAR): CAR’s outbreak response reports 27 cholera deaths and 253 cases in two weeks, centered in Bimbo (Bangui area) with spread to multiple health districts. CAR Drug Economy: The Wall Street Journal reports Wagner remnants in CAR are running a tramadol trafficking network that funds mining and forest exploitation—highlighting a tech-adjacent public health and security risk tied to illicit drug supply chains. Water & Access Gap: A global report highlights how clean tap water depends on governance and geography, while other regions struggle—an angle that matters for CAR’s infrastructure and public health planning. Education Pressure: New analysis finds over 100 million African children and adolescents remain out of school, with progress stalling as population growth outpaces school participation.

Ebola Response in Focus: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 1,800 confirmed cases and spread into a 4th province, while MSF is training health workers in Nairobi with mock labs and protective-gear simulations to speed up real-world care. CAR Public Health Alert: Cholera has killed at least 27 people in the Central African Republic in two weeks, with 253 cases reported across multiple Bangui districts and nearby health zones. Antibiotic Resistance Watch: A JAMA Network Open study using lab isolates from CAR and other African countries finds rising antimicrobial resistance in common UTI bacteria, with very high resistance to first-line antibiotics—raising pressure on treatment guidelines. Security & Tech-Linked Illicit Trade: Reports say Wagner remnants in CAR have built a tramadol trafficking network that helps fund mining and forest exploitation, showing how organized crime can undermine governance and health systems. Regional Industry & Infrastructure: Algeria’s GICA is planning a cement plant in Chad, aiming to cut logistics costs and support building demand across landlocked Central African markets including CAR.

Ebola Response in Focus: The DRC Ebola outbreak keeps widening, with confirmed cases reported above 1,800 and spread into a fourth province, while MSF is training health workers in Kenya using a mock treatment centre to prepare teams for real field conditions. Public Health in CAR: CAR’s cholera situation is worsening too, with health officials reporting 253 cases and 27 deaths over two weeks, centered around Bimbo in Ombella-M’Poko and now reaching more districts in Bangui. Digital Inclusion for Africa: A new report argues the digital divide is mainly an affordability problem, not missing mobile coverage—smartphone costs keep many Africans locked out of online services. CAR Security & Tech-Linked Crime: The Wall Street Journal reports Wagner remnants in CAR are running a tramadol trafficking network that helps fund mining and forest exploitation, with tablets reportedly sold at high doses across the country. Regional Tech/Industry Watch: Algeria’s GICA is planning a cement plant in Chad, aiming to cut logistics costs and support building demand across landlocked Central African markets, including CAR.

Ebola Response in Focus: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps accelerating, with confirmed cases now reported above 1,800 and spread into a fourth province, as international partners ramp up support. Training for the Front Line: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is running an Ebola simulation centre near Nairobi to prepare doctors and nurses for deployments in Congo and nearby risk areas. CAR Health Alert: CAR reports 27 cholera deaths and 253 cases over two weeks, with transmission ongoing around Bangui and spreading to more health districts—officials urge safe water and handwashing. Illicit Tech & Trade Risks: A Wall Street Journal investigation says Wagner remnants in CAR have built a tramadol trafficking network that helps fund mining and forest exploitation, with tablets reportedly widely sold and smuggling routes linked to the Ubangi River. Regional Industry Push: Algeria’s GICA is exploring a new cement plant in Chad, aiming to cut logistics costs and potentially supply landlocked Central African markets including CAR.

Ebola Response Training: MSF has launched an Ebola simulation centre on the outskirts of Nairobi to prepare doctors, nurses and clinicians for the fast-growing Democratic Republic of Congo outbreak, using beds, protective gear and a mock lab while trainees practise PPE and community engagement as misinformation fuels fear and attacks on health workers. Outbreak Update: Congo’s Health Ministry reports Ebola cases have climbed to 1,830 with 648 deaths, and the virus has spread into a fourth province, prompting faster detection, stronger surveillance and new international funding. CAR Public Health: Central African Republic health officials say cholera has killed 27 people and recorded 253 cases in two weeks, with transmission still active across multiple Bangui districts and nearby health zones. Illicit Drugs & Security: The Wall Street Journal reports Wagner remnants in CAR have built a tramadol trafficking network that helps fund mining and forest exploitation, with tablets reportedly sold at far above typical doses.

Public Health: Cholera is spreading in the Central African Republic, with CAR reporting 253 cases and 27 deaths over two weeks, centered in Bimbo (Bangui area) and now reaching five health districts—health officials urge safe water and handwashing. Ebola Preparedness: In Nairobi, MSF is training doctors and nurses for the fast-growing Ebola outbreak in DR Congo using realistic simulation drills, as cases rise past 1,800 and the virus spreads into a fourth province. Health Research: Africa CDC says a clinical trial for the Bundibugyo Ebola strain has started, aiming to test antiviral therapies where no licensed vaccines or targeted treatments exist yet. Security & Tech-Linked Crime: A Wall Street Journal report says remnants of Russia’s Wagner network have built a tramadol trafficking operation in CAR, using profits to fund mining and forest exploitation—highlighting how illicit drug supply chains can sustain armed influence.

Ebola Update: The DRC Ebola outbreak has surged to 1,830 confirmed cases and 648 deaths, now spreading into a fourth northeastern province (Haut-Uele), as health authorities push faster detection and stronger community outreach. Training for Frontline Care: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is running Ebola simulation training in Kenya, using mock labs and protective gear drills to prepare clinicians for the realities of working in conflict-hit, misinformation-prone areas. CAR Cholera Alert: Central African Republic health officials report 27 cholera deaths and 253 cases in two weeks, with lab-confirmed cases rising and spread now reaching five health districts, including multiple areas in Bangui. Clinical Research Boost: Africa CDC says a clinical trial targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola strain has officially started, aiming to test antiviral therapies and improve survival where no licensed tools currently exist. Refugee Tech & Health Skills: In CAR’s Birao area, Sudanese students in exile—including a pharmacy student in Korsi camp—are using medical knowledge to support newcomers, highlighting how education and health skills keep communities resilient. Security Cooperation: Nigeria’s army chief convened African land forces leaders in Port Harcourt, calling for a unified front against terrorism and cross-border threats, with CAR among the delegations.

Ebola Update: The DRC Ebola outbreak has surged past 1,800 confirmed cases (1,830), with 648 deaths, and now spread into a 4th northeastern province after fatal cases were reported in Haut-Uele’s Wamba health zone. Health Response: Donors have pledged $910 million for the response across Congo and neighboring Uganda, where 20 cases have been reported. Training for Frontline Care: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is running an Ebola training centre in Kenya with mock labs and protective gear to prepare clinicians for deployments in high-risk, misinformation-prone settings. CAR Cholera Watch: In the Central African Republic, health officials report 27 cholera deaths and 253 cases over two weeks, centered in Bimbo (Bangui area) with spread to five health districts; authorities urge safe water and handwashing. CAR in the Spotlight: A story from Birao and Korsi refugee camp highlights Sudanese students trying to restart education amid displacement pressures. Security & Tech-adjacent Governance: Nigeria’s army chiefs meeting in Port Harcourt pushes a unified continental front against terrorism—CAR is listed among participating countries.