AGP Executive Report

Mobile Roaming: Digi Spain has added the Central African Republic to its data-roaming offer, giving its nearly 8 million subscribers access in five more countries. Medicine Safety: A UN report says authorities seized 251 tonnes of medical products across five Central African countries, including the CAR, from 2020 to 2025, amid concerns over smuggled, diverted and unapproved medicines. Military Technology: CAR officials were among African representatives shown Russian drones, robotic systems and other military hardware during exercises in Russia. AI and Influence: An Anthropic report says Russian-linked actors used Claude to create pro-Russian content and support disinformation in Bangui, including material aired by Radio Lengo Songo.

Mobile Connectivity: Digi Spain added the Central African Republic to five new data-roaming destinations for its nearly 8 million subscribers. Medicine Safety: A UN report recorded 251 tonnes of seized medical products across five Central African countries, including the CAR, from 2020 to 2025; the haul included antibiotics, antimalarials and other medicines, though the figures do not show how much was seized in the CAR. Military Technology: CAR officials were among African observers shown Russian drones, robotic systems and other military hardware during Russia’s Center-2026 exercises. AI and Disinformation: Anthropic says Russian-linked actors used its Claude AI in Bangui to create pro-Russian content, monitor opposition figures and support disinformation campaigns.

Mobile Connectivity: Digi Spain has added the Central African Republic to its roaming offer, giving subscribers access to mobile data there alongside four other newly added destinations. Defense Technology: Central African officials were among African visitors shown Russian drones, robotic systems and other military equipment during exercises in Russia, as defense ties deepen. AI and Information Risks: An Anthropic report alleges Russian agents used Claude to create pro-Russian content for Bangui’s Radio Lengo Songo and support surveillance of opposition figures. Energy Cooperation: The CAR and Russia signed a 2026–2028 energy cooperation roadmap, alongside plans to work together on geology, infrastructure, healthcare and education.

Illicit Medicines Trade: A UNODC report warns that when medicines are scarce or too costly, illicit markets thrive across Central Africa, with authorities seizing 251 tonnes of medical products from 2020–2025 in Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, CAR and Chad—rising sharply to nearly 116 tonnes in 2024 and over 97 tonnes in 2025, using maritime, river, air and road routes. AI-Driven Disinformation: An Anthropic report says Russian-linked actors used the AI assistant Claude in Bangui to monitor opposition and generate pro-Russian propaganda for Radio Lengo Songo, highlighting how generative AI is being used for influence operations in CAR and beyond. Russian Language Push in Schools: CAR’s education minister signed an order adding Russian to secondary curricula, building on Russian House teaching in Bangui since 2024 and expanding classroom and free course offerings for students and adults. Energy Cooperation Roadmap: CAR and Russia signed a 2026–2028 energy cooperation roadmap after a Bangui meeting, including work on geology, subsoil use, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and education. Military Tech Showcased: Russia’s Center-2026 drills drew African defense officials, including CAR, with displays of drones and robotic systems and thousands of troops participating.

Illicit Medicines: A UNODC report warns that when medicines are scarce or too costly, Central Africa’s black market fills the gap—covering diverted genuine drugs, unapproved products, and smuggled pills. Regional Scale: From 2020–2025, authorities seized 251 tonnes across Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, the Central African Republic, and Chad, with seizures jumping from ~5 tonnes in 2020 to nearly 116 tonnes in 2024, then over 97 tonnes in 2025. What’s Being Seized: Intercepted items include antibiotics, antimalarials, painkillers, and controlled substances like tramadol and pregabalin. Enforcement vs Growth: UNODC cautions that bigger seizures can also reflect tougher policing, not only more trafficking. Russia Tech & Influence: Separate coverage says Russia is showcasing drones and robotic systems to African officials, while AI is also being used for pro-Russian influence in Bangui—raising new concerns about tech-enabled propaganda and surveillance. Education Shift: CAR’s education ministry has signed an order adding Russian language to secondary school curricula, building on Russian House teaching programs. Energy Roadmap: Russia and CAR signed a 2026–2028 energy cooperation roadmap after a Bangui intergovernmental commission meeting.

AI & Disinformation in CAR: Anthropic reports Russian-linked actors in Bangui used the AI assistant Claude to monitor opposition and generate pro-Russia, anti-France radio content for Radio Lengo Songo, aiming to make propaganda “look like ordinary journalism.” Russian Language in Schools: CAR’s education minister signed an order adding Russian to secondary curricula; Partner Russian House teachers have been running classes since 2024, with growing demand from schools and free courses for adults and children. Energy Cooperation Roadmap: Russia and CAR signed a 2026–2028 energy cooperation roadmap after a Bangui meeting, also covering geology, subsoil use, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education. Malaria Research in Displacement Settings: A study on lab-confirmed malaria among febrile adults in IDP camps highlights how displacement complicates prevention and diagnosis—relevant for CAR’s own mobility challenges. Tech, Policy & Human Rights: Separate coverage warns the U.S. built “systematic” third-country deportation procedures, while Supreme Court rulings temporarily allow rapid removals—an issue that also touches CAR through reported deportation destinations.

AI & Influence Ops: Anthropic reports Russian-linked use of Claude in Bangui to monitor opposition and generate pro-Russia, anti-France radio content—showing how generative and agentic AI is industrializing disinformation. Language & Education: CAR’s Education Minister signed an order adding Russian to secondary school curricula, building on Russian House teaching that has already reached thousands of Bangui learners. Energy Cooperation: Russia and CAR signed a 2026–2028 roadmap for energy collaboration after a Bangui intergovernmental commission meeting, with plans spanning geology, subsoil use, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education. Public Health Research: A study on malaria in IDP camps highlights lab-confirmed malaria among febrile adults and key associated factors, underscoring ongoing prevention and access gaps. Regional Finance: Bangui hosts the Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days (Oct 1–3) aiming to turn small-business lending and cross-border payment debates into signed deals. Security & Humanitarian Risk: Coverage notes renewed LRA activity affecting CAR’s borders, with recent child abductions reported in eastern and south-eastern areas.

AI & Influence Operations: A new Anthropic report says Russian-linked agents in Bangui used the AI assistant Claude to monitor opposition and generate pro-Russia propaganda for Radio Lengo Songo, including content framed as “ordinary journalism.” Education Policy: CAR’s Education Minister signed an order adding Russian to secondary school curricula, building on Russian House teaching that has already reached 1,100 Bangui students in classrooms and thousands more via free courses. Energy Cooperation: Russia and CAR signed a 2026–2028 roadmap for energy cooperation after a Bangui meeting of their intergovernmental commission, with plans spanning energy, geology, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and education. Regional Finance: Bangui hosts the Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days (Oct 1–3), aiming to turn regional financing debates into signed deals for SMEs, cross-border payments and real-economy investment. Security & Justice: Coverage also flags CAR’s link to U.S. “third-country” deportations, as UN experts warn the policy is triggering a cascade of rights abuses.

AI & Disinformation: An Anthropic report says Russian-linked operators in Bangui used the AI assistant Claude to monitor opposition and generate pro-Russia propaganda for Radio Lengo Songo, including content framed as “ordinary journalism.” Education Policy: CAR’s Education Minister signed an order adding Russian to secondary school curricula; partner Russian House teachers have been training students since 2024, with growing demand in Bangui schools. Energy Cooperation: Russia and CAR signed a 2026–2028 roadmap for energy collaboration after a Bangui intergovernmental commission meeting, with plans spanning energy, geology, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and education. Regional Finance: Bangui hosts the Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days (Oct 1–3), aiming to turn regional financing debates into deals for SMEs, cross-border payments and real-economy investment. Health Watch: Africa CDC warns 10 countries, including CAR, are at risk as the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak expands; it urges stronger surveillance, lab capacity and rapid isolation at points of entry.

Education & Language Policy: CAR’s Education Minister signed an order bringing Russian into secondary school curricula, building on Russian House teaching in Bangui since 2024 and expanding classroom and free adult/child courses. Energy Cooperation: Russia and CAR signed a 2026–2028 energy co-operation roadmap after a Bangui intergovernmental commission meeting, also covering geology, subsoil use, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and education. Regional Finance in Bangui: Bankers and regulators from across Central Africa are set to meet in Bangui (Oct 1–3) for the Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days, aiming to turn financing debates into signed deals for SMEs, cross-border payments and real-economy sectors. Public Health Watch (Ebola Risk): Africa CDC warned that the expanding Ebola outbreak in DRC puts 10 countries at risk, including CAR, urging stronger surveillance, lab capacity and rapid isolation at points of entry. Health & Data Innovation: DRC is using anonymised mobile phone data to anticipate where Ebola may spread next, helping responders prepare high-risk areas before cases are detected. Security & Tech Influence: A report says Russian-linked influence operations used AI tools to generate pro-government, pro-Russia and anti-France radio content in CAR, including attempts to make outputs look like ordinary journalism.

Visa Policy Shock: The US State Department expanded a B1/B2 visitor visa “bond” programme, requiring citizens from 50 countries to post KSh 1.29m–2.59m before interviews—30 of them African, while Kenya is notably not listed. Security & Justice: The ICC-listed fugitive Joseph Kony remains “active,” with reports of a LRA resurgence in CAR’s east and southeast and child abductions. Energy Cooperation: Russia and CAR signed a 2026–2028 energy cooperation roadmap after a Bangui meeting, covering energy, geology, subsoil use, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and education. Regional Finance in Bangui: Bankers and regulators from across Central Africa meet in Bangui for the Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days, aiming to push SME lending and cross-border payments into signed deals. Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC warns 10 African countries—including CAR—are at risk as DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak spreads, urging stronger surveillance, lab capacity and rapid isolation at points of entry. AI Influence Watch: A report says a Russian-linked operator in Bangui used Claude to generate pro-government, pro-Russia radio content and forged messages, raising alarms about AI-powered propaganda.

Energy & Tech Diplomacy (CAR–Russia): Russia and the Central African Republic signed a 2026–2028 energy co-operation roadmap after talks in Bangui, with plans spanning energy, geology, subsoil use, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education. Regional Finance (Bangui): Bankers and regulators from across Central Africa will meet in Bangui (Oct. 1–3) for Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days, aiming to push SME lending, cross-border payments, and financing for infrastructure and value chains into signed deals. Public Health (Ebola, DRC): Ebola has reached Sud-Ubangi in the DRC, bringing the outbreak to seven affected provinces; health teams are tracing contacts as doctors continue a strike. Health Tech (Ebola tracking): The DRC is using anonymised mobile phone movement data to forecast where Ebola could spread next, helping responders pre-position surveillance and care. Security & Governance (Military roles): A new analysis argues African militaries are taking on wider duties in peace, cyber security, intelligence, and tech defence—raising the need for stronger democratic oversight and accountability. AI Influence Ops (CAR media): A report says a Russian-linked operator in Bangui used AI to generate daily pro-government, pro-Russia, anti-France radio content and to draft forged communications. Health Risk (Ebola preparedness): Africa CDC warns 10 countries—including CAR—are at risk as cross-border movement grows, urging stronger lab capacity and point-of-entry surveillance. Malaria Research (IDP camps): A cross-sectional study from Somalia examines laboratory-confirmed malaria and related factors among febrile adults in IDP screening points. Agriculture & Trade (Russia–Niger): Russia’s energy minister says agricultural trade with Niger should expand via grain and oils/fats supplies, plus more training for agricultural specialists. Energy Access Debate: An opinion piece argues Africa’s poorest countries need energy access, not just sympathy, linking low electricity access to persistent poverty.

Energy Diplomacy: Russia and the Central African Republic signed a 2026–2028 roadmap for energy cooperation after a Bangui meeting, with plans spanning energy, geology, subsoil use, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and education. Regional Finance: Bangui hosts the Oct. 1–3 Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days, aiming to turn Central Africa’s lending and cross-border payment debates into signed deals for SMEs and real-economy projects. Ebola Watch (DRC): Two confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases were reported in Sud-Ubangi as doctors’ strikes continue, raising pressure on lab testing, contact monitoring and cross-border preparedness. Ebola Risk (CAR included): Africa CDC warned 10 countries—including the Central African Republic—are at risk as the DRC outbreak expands, urging stronger surveillance, lab capacity and rapid isolation at points of entry. AI & Media Influence: A report says a Russian-linked operator in Bangui used Claude to generate pro-government, pro-Russia and anti-France radio content that was amplified through Russian outlets—highlighting how AI can scale influence operations. Tech, Security & Health Data: The DRC is using anonymised mobile phone movement data to anticipate where Ebola could spread next, helping responders pre-position resources before cases are detected. Human Rights & Policy Tech: The U.S. Supreme Court allowed third-country deportations to resume for now, with UN experts warning this could trigger a cascade of rights abuses. Energy Access Debate: A commentary argues Africa’s poorest countries need energy access, not just sympathy, tying poverty to low electricity and heavy reliance on smoky fuels.

Ebola Watch (DRC): Two confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases were reported in Sud-Ubangi, the seventh DRC province hit, as doctors’ strike continues and contact tracing ramps up after lab confirmation. Public Health Risk (CAR): Africa CDC flagged the Central African Republic among 10 countries at risk of Ebola spread, urging stronger surveillance, lab capacity, and rapid isolation at points of entry. Energy Cooperation (CAR): Russia and CAR signed a 2026–2028 roadmap for energy cooperation after a Bangui meeting, expanding work across energy, geology, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education. Regional Finance (Bangui): Bangui hosts Oct. 1–3 “Bangui Financial Days” and “CEMAC Bankers’ Days,” aiming to turn Central African financing debates into signed deals for SMEs, infrastructure, agriculture, value chains, and cross-border payments. Tech & Influence (CAR): A report says a Russian-linked operator in Bangui used AI to generate pro-government, pro-Russia radio content and even draft forged messages—showing how AI can scale information operations. Humanitarian Tech (DRC): The DRC is using anonymised mobile phone data to map population movement and help predict where Ebola could appear next, supporting earlier preparedness.

Bangui Finance Dealmaking: Bankers, regulators and investors from across Central Africa are set to meet in Bangui from Oct. 1–3 for the Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days, aiming to turn financing debates into signed deals—especially for SMEs, cross-border payments, infrastructure and agriculture. Russia–CAR Energy Roadmap: Russia and the Central African Republic signed a 2026–2028 roadmap for energy cooperation after a Bangui meeting, also covering geology, subsoil use, infrastructure, healthcare and education, with the next session planned in Russia. Ebola Preparedness via Mobile Data (DRC): The DRC is using anonymised mobile phone movement data to forecast where Ebola could spread next, helping teams pre-position surveillance and response as cases rise across provinces. Ebola Risk Spreads Regionally (Africa CDC): Africa CDC warns that 10 countries—including the Central African Republic—are at risk of Ebola as the outbreak expands in the DRC, urging stronger lab capacity and point-of-entry readiness. AI-Driven Influence in CAR: A report says a Russian-linked operator in Bangui used AI to generate pro-government, pro-Russia and anti-France radio content and even draft forged communications—showing how AI can scale propaganda. Energy Access vs Poverty: A policy piece argues Africa’s poorest countries, including the CAR, need energy access to cut extreme poverty, highlighting how lack of electricity and reliance on smoky fuels keep health and development stuck. Tech & Security Tradeoffs: A broader analysis warns that AI is becoming an instrument of power—supporting propaganda, cyber operations and surveillance—raising new risks for governance and safety. Deportation Policy Fallout (US, with CAR links): Multiple reports focus on the US Supreme Court allowing third-country deportations to resume for now, with critics warning of rights abuses; the policy has reportedly sent people to the CAR among other countries.

Energy Access & Poverty: A new analysis argues Africa’s poorest countries—including the Central African Republic, where about 72% live below the extreme poverty line—can’t wait for “empathy” on energy; lack of electricity and reliance on smoky fuels keep poverty and health risks locked in. CAR–Russia Energy Roadmap: Russia and CAR signed a 2026–2028 energy cooperation roadmap after a Bangui meeting, also covering geology, subsoil use, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education, with a second commission session planned in Russia. Ebola Preparedness (Africa CDC): Africa CDC warns 10 countries at risk of Ebola as the DRC Bundibugyo outbreak nears 8,000 cases, naming CAR among them and urging stronger surveillance, lab capacity, and rapid isolation at points of entry. Malaria in Displacement Settings: A study on laboratory-confirmed malaria among febrile adults in IDP camps highlights how displacement, overcrowding, and weaker access to prevention and care can raise transmission risk. AI Influence in CAR Media: A report says a Russian-linked operator in Bangui used Claude to generate pro-government, pro-Russia, anti-France content for a CAR radio station—aiming to make it look like ordinary journalism. CAR Tech/Trade Link: Russia’s energy minister is set for working visits in CAR, including meetings tied to a trade, economic, scientific, and technical cooperation commission.