AGP Executive Report

AFCON Qualifiers Call-Up: French-born Ghanaian midfielder Edwin Quarshie has earned a Central African Republic call-up for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with matches against Mauritania (Sept 24) and Burkina Faso (Sept 28). CAR Football Prep: Burkina Faso coach Amir Abdou named a 24-man squad for upcoming qualifiers and a friendly vs Argentina, with captain Bertrand Traoré still missing—CAR is listed as Burkina’s next qualifier opponent after Benin. Media & Press Freedom: The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) launched a GH¢544,000 legal support fund for Ghanaian journalists, under an EU-backed programme also implemented in the Central African Republic, aimed at helping reporters facing lawsuits and harassment. Health & Regional Risk: China is funding an $11.5m renovation of the Sino-Central African Friendship Hospital in Bangui, including an ICU and telemedicine, to reduce costly medical evacuations. Security Spillover: A report says a militia trained by Russian mercenaries in CAR is turning on the government, highlighting ongoing instability in the southeast.

Media Freedom Support: The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has launched a GH¢544,000 Legal Support Fund to help Ghanaian journalists and media houses facing lawsuits or legal harassment tied to public-interest reporting, with the fund created under the EU-backed African Media Integrity and Resilience Programme (AMIRP) also operating in Ethiopia and the Central African Republic. Regional Finance Watch: BEAC says talks with the IMF in Washington aim to revive a suspended CEMAC “regional assurances” review, with a possible December 2026 completion after October missions—an important step for future IMF programs across the monetary union. CAR Security Spillover: A report says a militia trained and armed by Russian mercenaries in CAR is now turning on the government, worsening violence in the southeast near the borders with South Sudan and the DRC. Health Cross-Border Risk: In neighboring DR Congo, officials report Ebola transmission appears to be slowing and may have peaked, though the outbreak remains deadly and has reached provinces bordering CAR. Human Stories of Deportation: A Cuban deported to the Central African Republic says he feels “kidnapped,” describing a legal limbo after being removed from the U.S. to an “extreme-risk” destination.

Russian Security Footprint in CAR: A new report says Russia’s Africa Corps and earlier Wagner networks have long traded guns and mercenaries for mineral and political leverage, with CAR repeatedly named as a key deployment hub. CAR Conflict Fallout: A militia trained and armed by Russian mercenaries in southeast CAR is now turning on the government, seizing territory and fueling accusations of atrocities. Healthcare in Bangui: China is funding an $11.5 million renovation and expansion of the Sino-Central African Friendship Hospital, adding an ICU and telemedicine to cut costly medical evacuations. Business Pressure from Power Cuts: GeCAM warns CAR’s regional neighbor Cameroon’s energy crisis is worsening for firms—electricity is scarce, expensive and unreliable—highlighting the kind of strain CAR businesses also face. Ebola Risk Across Borders: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is reported to be slowing and possibly at its peak, but a confirmed case in South Ubangi—bordering CAR—keeps regional alarm high. Media Protection: MFWA launched a GH¢544,000 legal support fund for journalists facing lawsuits and harassment, including in CAR under an EU-backed program.

Bangui Health Upgrade: China is funding an $11.5 million renovation and expansion of the Sino-Central African Friendship Hospital in Bangui, adding new buildings, an intensive care unit and a telemedicine center, plus diagnostic equipment like a scanner, to cut costly medical evacuations. Media Rights in CAR: The EU-backed African Media Integrity and Resilience Programme is supporting the launch of a GH¢544,000 Legal Support Fund by MFWA to help journalists facing lawsuits and harassment, including in the Central African Republic. CAR Security Fallout: A militia trained and armed by Russian mercenaries in CAR—Azande Ani Kpi Gbe—has turned on the government, seizing ground near gold mines and fueling accusations of attacks on Muslim communities and refugees. Regional Health Watch (Ebola): In neighboring DR Congo, authorities report over 7,000 Ebola cases and nearly 3,400 deaths, with officials saying transmission may be slowing even as new areas remain at risk. Connectivity Push: Starlink’s “direct-to-phone” service is expanding across Africa, with mobile operators using satellite links to reach areas lacking terrestrial coverage.

Ebola in the region: The Democratic Republic of Congo reported 7,022 Ebola cases and 3,398 deaths in its worst-ever outbreak, with officials saying transmission may be slowing even as the virus reaches new areas. A case was confirmed in South-Ubangi, a province bordering the Central African Republic, raising fears of spread through travel and displacement. CAR travel rules: The EU published a Schengen visa requirement list covering 51 African countries, including the Central African Republic, meaning CAR citizens must secure a visa in advance to visit any of the 29 Schengen states. CAR in sports: FIBA’s “Road to BAL” tournament is entering its seventh season, with the Central African Republic’s New Tech University Club among the qualifying teams and games hosted across multiple African cities. CAR-linked diplomacy: Sri Lanka’s UNECA envoy highlighted cassava and MSME cooperation with the Central African Republic, as part of broader Africa economic ties. Security and health staffing: Indonesia inducted 150 police personnel for MINUSCA, the UN stabilisation mission in the Central African Republic. Trade in the neighborhood: Cameroon dominates CEMAC preferential trade approvals, while the Central African Republic has far fewer approved products under the bloc’s scheme.

Ebola Update (DRC–CAR border): The Democratic Republic of Congo says its Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has likely peaked, even as confirmed cases rose to 7,022 with 3,398 deaths and 1,671 recoveries; officials point to falling daily infections (about 120 down to around 80) and note that some health zones have gone weeks without new cases. Cross-border Risk (South-Ubangi): A case has been confirmed in South-Ubangi, a province bordering the Central African Republic, raising fears that displacement and travel can move the virus beyond the original epicentre in Ituri. School Measures in Ituri: With Ebola detected in schools after classes resumed, authorities and families are focused on handwashing, smaller classes, and reducing physical contact. Regional Security Context (AU/MINUSCA): Indonesia has inducted 150 police for MINUSCA, underscoring ongoing international support for stability in the Central African Republic. CAR in the Mobility/Travel Mix: Malaysia’s new eVisa list for social travel includes Central African Republic citizens, adding another practical travel hurdle for people in the region.

Ebola Crisis in the Region: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 7,000 cases, reaching 7,022 with 3,398 deaths, and officials say the spread may have peaked even as the virus keeps moving—now confirmed in a seventh province, Sud-Ubangi, far from the original epicentre and bordering the Central African Republic. CAR in the Spotlight: Malaysia’s new eVisa rules list Central African Republic citizens among 20 African countries required to get an eVisa before visiting, a reminder of how CAR travel and mobility are being tightened abroad. Security and Peacekeeping: Indonesia has inducted 150 police officers for MINUSCA, its newest Garuda Bhayangkara contingent, set for deployment in the Central African Republic for 12–14 months. Trade Watch: Cameroon dominates CEMAC’s preferential trade approvals with 72% of approved products, while the Central African Republic has just two companies and 14 products in the scheme. Digital Threats: A report says authoritarian regimes are using AI tools like Anthropic’s Claude for propaganda and surveillance, including activity linked to Africa.

Ebola Crisis in the Region: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s worst-ever Ebola outbreak has surged past 7,000 cases, reaching 7,022 with 3,398 deaths, and officials say the outbreak may have peaked in early August even as it keeps spreading. Cross-Border Alarm for CAR: A new confirmed case was detected in South-Ubangi, a northwestern province bordering the Central African Republic, after a man traveled through multiple provinces and even abroad before returning—raising fears of many contacts and wider risk. School and Community Pressure: In Ituri, where most cases remain, Ebola has been detected in schools after students returned, prompting hand-washing rules, smaller classes, and tighter contact limits. AI Misuse Warning with African Reach: Separately, Anthropic says authoritarian regimes are using its Claude AI for propaganda and surveillance, including influence operations linked to activity in Africa. CAR-Linked Development Watch: A&S Resources says it has secured $6 billion to build a railway connecting Central African Republic mining assets to Cameroon’s Kribi port, but key route and financing details remain unclear.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: DR Congo says its deadliest Ebola outbreak has passed 7,000 cases, reaching 7,022 with 3,398 deaths and 1,671 recoveries, and officials claim the peak may have been reached in late August. Cross-Border Alarm for CAR: The virus has now been confirmed in a seventh province, South-Ubangi, which borders the Central African Republic, after a man who traveled through South Kivu, Rwanda, Uganda and several provinces died in Gwaka—raising fears of many contacts via road and river routes. School Transmission Worries: In Ituri, Ebola has been detected in schools after students returned, prompting hand-washing rules and tighter classroom limits. Regional Peacekeeping Link: Indonesia inducted 150 police officers for MINUSCA, the UN mission in the Central African Republic, with deployment planned for 12–14 months.

Ebola Crisis at CAR Border: DR Congo’s deadliest-ever Ebola outbreak has crossed 7,000 cases, reaching 7,022 infections with 3,398 deaths, and officials say the spread may already be peaking. The virus has now been confirmed in a seventh province, South-Ubangi, which borders the Central African Republic—raising fears of wider regional exposure as health teams track contacts across hard-to-reach areas. School Transmission Worries: In Ituri, where most cases remain, Ebola has been detected in schools after students returned, prompting new hand-washing rules and tighter classroom limits. CAR Peacekeeping Support: Indonesia has inducted 150 police officers for the UN mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), with deployment planned to Bangui for about 12–14 months.

Ebola in Congo, spillover risk for CAR: DR Congo’s deadliest Ebola outbreak has surged past 7,000 cases, with 7,022 confirmed infections and 3,398 deaths, and now reached a seventh province. Public health spread westward: The new case was confirmed in Sud-Ubangi (northwest), far from the Ituri epicentre, after a 23-year-old man traveled through multiple provinces and across Rwanda and Uganda before returning; officials fear many contacts via road and river routes. School and community measures: In Ituri, where most cases remain, authorities have tightened school rules after the post-holiday return, including hand-washing and limiting classroom sizes. MINUSCA troop support: Indonesia inducted 150 police for deployment to MINUSCA’s 8th Formed Police Unit, with officers set to serve in Bangui for 12–14 months. CAR-linked business angle: A report says India Exim Bank is backing a proposed rail plan to link CAR mines to Cameroon’s Kribi port, though key route and financing details remain unclear.

Ebola Watch: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 7,000 cases and reached a seventh province, Sud-Ubangi, far from the original epicenter, after a man who traveled from South Kivu through Rwanda and Uganda died in Gwaka; officials say the Bundibugyo strain was detected and contacts are being traced, with Sud-Ubangi bordering the Central African Republic—raising cross-border alarm. Regional Health Pressure: Africa CDC warns the outbreak is still spreading beyond Ituri, with cases rising in North Kivu and Haut-Uele, even as transmission in the original area slows. CAR Economic Link: A&S Resources says it has secured $6 billion to build a 1,350-km railway connecting Central African Republic mining assets to Cameroon’s Kribi port, though key route and financing details remain unclear. Peacekeeping Personnel: Indonesia inducted 150 police for MINUSCA, set for deployment in CAR for 12–14 months. Women’s Livelihoods in CAR: UN Women-backed village savings groups in Mobaye are helping women turn small savings into school fees and small businesses.

Ebola Cross-Border Alarm: DR Congo’s record-breaking Ebola outbreak has surged into a seventh province, Sud-Ubangi, which borders the Central African Republic, after a man who traveled through multiple countries and provinces tested positive; authorities say dozens of contacts have been identified and quarantined, with fears the virus could spread further. CAR-Linked Finance Watch: India Exim Bank is reported to be financing a proposed $6bn, 1,350-km railway to link CAR mining assets to Cameroon’s Kribi port, but key details like routes, costs in Cameroon, and loan terms remain unclear. Women’s Livelihoods in CAR: In Mobaye, UN Women supports village savings groups helping women turn small savings into school fees, businesses, and farming—part of a peacebuilding reintegration effort for former combatants. Regional Trade Boost: CEMAC approved 120 more Cameroonian products for preferential trade, expanding access across the bloc that includes CAR.

Women’s Livelihoods in CAR: In Mobaye, women are turning small savings into school fees, businesses and livestock support through UN Women-backed Village Savings and Loan Associations under the SEDOUTI project. UN Peacekeeping Rotation: Cambodia has deployed 184 engineering personnel (including about 30 women) to the Central African Republic to replace an earlier Cambodian engineering unit, continuing demining, unexploded ordnance clearance and infrastructure work. CAR in Regional Trade: CEMAC approved 120 more Cameroonian products for its preferential trade regime, expanding access across the bloc that includes the Central African Republic. CAR and Deportations: Two Cubans deported to the Central African Republic say they were sent without a criminal record and describe difficulties reaching families, as more deportees are reportedly expected. Sports Spotlight: A FIFA Series in Colombo featured the Central African Republic among teams from multiple confederations, highlighting the country’s growing football exposure.

CEMAC Trade Boost: Cameroon’s trade ministry says 14 firms have been cleared to market 120 more products under the CEMAC preferential regime, bringing beneficiaries to 91 companies covering 1,328 products across the bloc that includes the Central African Republic. CAR Women’s Livelihoods: In Mobaye, UN Women supports village savings and loan groups that help women turn small weekly savings into school fees, farming, livestock, and business projects—part of a peacebuilding reintegration effort. UN Peacekeeping Rotation: Cambodia has deployed 184 engineering personnel to the UN mission in the Central African Republic, replacing 184 Cambodian engineers who finished demining, unexploded ordnance clearance, and infrastructure work. Deportations and Family Links: Two Cubans deported to the CAR say they were sent without a criminal record and describe difficulties reaching families, while another deportee says social media helped locate relatives and warn more arrivals are coming. Regional Finance Push: BEAC is expanding interoperable digital payments across CEMAC, including a QR system routed through GIMACPAY, aiming for higher financial inclusion by 2029 and 2032.

UN Peacekeeping Rotation: Cambodia has deployed 184 engineering personnel (including about 30 women) to the Central African Republic to support a UN mission, replacing another 184-strong Cambodian engineering unit that completed demining, unexploded ordnance clearance and infrastructure work. Deportation Fallout: In Bangui, two Cubans deported to the Central African Republic say they were sent without proper orders and describe violence and communication barriers, while another deportee is trying to help fellow migrants reunite with families through a liaison effort. Regional Finance Push: The Bank of Central African States (BEAC) is expanding interoperable digital payments across CEMAC, including a CEMAC QR system meant to speed trusted transactions and boost financial inclusion. Justice in the Region: A Chadian court sentenced rebel leader Abdoulaye Miskine to 15 years over crimes tied to militia violence affecting the CAR–Chad border. Human Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Council’s 63rd session opens in Geneva, with the Central African Republic listed among countries expected to be discussed.