AGP Executive Report

Deportation Crackdown: A US deportation flight carrying about two dozen migrants landed in the Central African Republic, including at least one Iranian woman, as lawyers warn the “third-country” transfers could leave people with court protections stranded in a country the US says is too dangerous to visit. Legal Fight Over Protections: Rights groups and attorneys say some deportees had “withholding of removal” in the US, with fears they could be pushed back to Iran or other home countries despite court orders. Humanitarian Alarm: The US State Department’s travel advisory for CAR—citing unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, health risks and terrorism—sits uneasily beside the transfers. Illicit Trade Spotlight: A new investigation says Dubai is a key destination for CAR conflict gold, linking gold flows to armed groups and networks tied to Russia’s Africa Corps. Economy Watch: CEMAC export earnings for CAR were hit by a sharp cocoa price slump in early 2026, dragging down agricultural export prices across the region.

US Deportations to CAR: The Trump administration has deported about 20 migrants from the US to the Central African Republic, including people from Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey and Georgia, with US officials warning Americans not to travel to CAR “for any reason” due to unrest, crime and kidnapping. Lawyers say the group includes an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other Iranian women who had received legal protection in the US, raising fears they could be forced back to the countries they fled. Third-Country Deal Backlash: Reuters and AP report the removals are tied to a “third-country” arrangement where deportees are housed in apartments in Bangui rather than immediately returned home—an approach critics call a legal loophole. Conflict Gold Trade: A new investigation says Dubai has become CAR’s “conflict gold hub,” with most declared gold exports since 2023 going to the UAE and networks linked to armed groups and smuggling; Russia’s Africa Corps is flagged as a major beneficiary. Mining Tragedy: A landslide at an illegal gold mining site in western CAR killed at least eight people, with several others reported missing. Ebola Alert Spillover: Health advisories elsewhere list CAR among high-risk Ebola travel destinations, underscoring how outbreaks across Central Africa keep triggering border screening and travel warnings.

Deportation Deal: The Trump administration is preparing a first-ever flight to the Central African Republic under a third-country deportation agreement, reportedly carrying about 20 people including Iranian asylum-seekers—two women say they face torture or persecution if sent back to Iran—plus Syrians and Afghans, with lawyers warning court protections are being bypassed. Organized Crime & Security: A new GI-TOC report says CAR has become an organized crime hub, with corruption, state fragility, and links to criminal networks—highlighting how Wagner-linked mercenaries and political-military figures profit from gold, diamonds, and logging. Mining Tragedy: At least eight artisanal gold miners died in a landslide at the Konyeme site in Nana-Mambere, with several more feared trapped; victims included a local resident and suspected Fulani foreign nationals. Sports Media Deal: New World TV expanded 2026 World Cup distribution across nine African countries via Orange’s Max it super-app, including CAR. Public Health Context: Ebola-related travel screening and advisories are being tightened across the region, with CAR listed among higher-risk countries in some guidance.

Mining Tragedy: A landslide at the Konyeme artisanal gold site in Nana-Mambere, western CAR, killed at least eight miners early Tuesday, including one local resident and seven suspected Fulani nationals; rescue teams recovered bodies and are still searching for about a dozen missing. Ebola Border Response: Trinidad and Tobago’s health authorities issued Ebola travel warnings tied to the DRC outbreak and said arrivals from Ebola-affected countries face enhanced screening and monitoring; the advisory also lists CAR among higher-risk destinations for extra caution. U.S. Deportation Deal: Reuters reports CAR has agreed to accept “third-country” deportees from the United States under Trump’s expanding migration programme, raising fresh due-process and safety concerns. Domestic Labor Curbs in Kuwait: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry restricted domestic-worker recruitment to 10 approved source countries and banned many others, including CAR, in updated Gulf labor rules. Health Crisis Watch: CAR has recorded more than 50 measles deaths since April in Vakaga, with officials citing dozens of child fatalities in Ndjiffa. Security & Illicit Economies: A new analysis says CAR has become a hub where political and military figures and transnational organized crime align to extract profits, reshaping violence and criminal markets.

Ebola Border Alert: Trinidad and Tobago’s Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe says Ebola precautions are now in force, urging people to avoid travel to Ebola-affected countries in Central and East Africa—specifically the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan—while anyone who has visited or transited there will face enhanced screening and possible quarantine/monitoring on arrival. CAR in the Risk List: The same advisory also flags the Central African Republic as one of nine additional high-risk countries identified by the Africa CDC for extra caution. Deportation Deal Fallout: Reuters reports the Central African Republic has agreed to accept “third-country” deportees from the United States under Trump’s expanding removals programme, with details still unclear but with IOM expected to assist on arrival. Mining Tragedy: In western CAR, a landslide at the Konyeme artisanal gold site in Nana-Mambere killed at least eight miners, including a local resident and suspected Fulani foreign nationals, as rescue teams continue searching for missing people. Labour Rules Abroad: Kuwait’s new domestic worker recruitment circular restricts hiring to 10 approved source countries and bans recruitment from 27 others, including CAR, as Gulf states tighten labour corridors.

Deportation Deal: The Central African Republic has agreed to accept “third-country” migrants deported from the United States, in a Bangui deal discussed May 18; details on numbers and timing weren’t released, but the International Organization for Migration is expected to help on arrival. Mining Tragedy: A landslide at the Konyeme artisanal gold site in Nana-Mambere killed at least eight miners early Tuesday, including one local resident and seven suspected Fulani nationals, with more people feared missing as rescue teams continue. Ebola Preparedness: With WHO declaring the DRC/Uganda Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, CAR is listed among high-risk countries and regional health authorities are pushing tougher travel screening. Labour Rules Impact: Kuwait’s new domestic-worker recruitment rules allow hiring from only 10 countries and ban many others, including the Central African Republic, tightening access for would-be migrants. Football Friendly: Angola beat CAR 3-0 in a friendly in Casablanca, as both sides continue World Cup build-up.

Illegal mining tragedy: A landslide at the Konyeme illegal mining site in western CAR killed at least 8 people overnight, including a local resident and seven suspected Fulani foreign nationals; search and rescue is ongoing. Health crisis: More than 50 people have died from measles in CAR since April, with 56 deaths reported in one Ndjiffa village in Vakaga, mostly children. Migration and deportations: Reuters reports CAR has agreed to accept “third-country” deportees removed from the U.S., discussed during a May 18 Bangui meeting; details on numbers, nationalities, and timing are unclear, and rights groups warn the deals may bypass U.S. court protections. Sports (CAR in focus): CAR play Angola in a friendly today, with the team coming off recent results including a 1-1 draw with Togo on June 5.

Health Crisis: More than 50 people have died from measles in the Central African Republic since April, with local officials reporting 56 deaths in the village of Ndjiffa in Vakaga, mostly children, and the government yet to issue an official response. Migration & Rights: Reuters reports CAR has agreed to accept “third-country” migrants deported from the United States, discussed during a May 18 Bangui meeting; details on numbers and timing are unclear, while rights groups warn the deals may bypass U.S. court protections. Peacekeeping Spotlight: An analysis says AU peacekeepers face deadly risks but often lack recognition and support, as MINUSCA continues to operate in CAR amid ongoing attacks. Regional Development: Cameroon’s Edéa–Kribi–Lolabé–Campo rail corridor deal includes CAR as part of the wider hinterland connectivity push via Kribi’s logistics hub. Sports (CAR in focus): Angola vs CAR friendly coverage is live as the national team prepares for upcoming matches.

Third-Country Deportations: The Central African Republic has agreed to accept migrants deported by the United States under a “third-country” arrangement, with the International Organization for Migration expected to help on arrival; details like numbers and timing remain unclear, but the deal was reportedly discussed during a May 18 meeting in Bangui with a US delegation led by Christian Jové Ehrhardt, while rights groups warn the setup can bypass US court protections. UN Peacekeeping Losses: UN Secretary-General António Guterres marked International Day of UN Peacekeepers by honoring fallen personnel, including MINUSCA-linked deaths in the Central African Republic, with posthumous Dag Hammarskjöld Medals awarded to peacekeepers from other countries who served in CAR and beyond. MINUSCA Air Support Extended: Tunisia’s Official Gazette says a UN-backed military air transport unit deployed in the Central African Republic will be extended for another year starting July 1, 2026, continuing support for MINUSCA operations. Ebola Watch: Health authorities and partners are stepping up Ebola preparedness across the region, with CAR listed among countries considered at risk for transmission.

Third-Country Deportations: Reuters reports the Central African Republic has agreed to accept migrants deported by the United States under “third-country” deals, discussed during a May 18 meeting in Bangui; details like numbers and timing were not provided, but rights groups warn the arrangement can bypass U.S. court protections while Washington says the process is lawful. Ebola Response: UNICEF says it is rapidly scaling up support for the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and nearby countries, dispatching more than 100 metric tons of emergency supplies including protective gear, medicines, and water and sanitation materials, as officials describe the situation as a race against time. UN Peacekeeping Losses: The UN marked International Peacekeepers Day with posthumous honours for peacekeepers linked to MINUSCA, including Zambian troops, and also announced Dag Hammarskjöld Medal awards for personnel who died serving in UN missions that include the Central African Republic. Regional Security/Operations: Tunisia’s official decree extends a UN-backed military air transport unit deployment in the Central African Republic for another year starting July 1, 2026, supporting MINUSCA. Sports (CAR): CAR’s U18 basketball team qualified for the 2026 AfroBasket final round after Zone 4 action in Malabo, with the Central African Republic among the teams competing.

US Deportations Deal: The Central African Republic has agreed to accept “third-country deportees” sent by the United States, according to two sources, with talks held in Bangui on May 18 between CAR officials and a US delegation led by Christian Jové Ehrhardt; details like numbers and timing remain unclear, while critics say the arrangement can bypass US immigration court protections. MINUSCA Frontline Life: A Senegalese MINUSCA quick-reaction force helped push back attackers and prevent rebels from seizing Zémio, while peacekeepers also support refugees and community rebuilding, including joint football activities in the west. Peacekeeping Honours: UN ceremonies in New York posthumously awarded Dag Hammarskjöld Medals to peacekeepers from multiple countries serving in Africa, including MINUSCA-linked deaths. Regional Water Security: The EU and Germany launched the Lake Chad Water Management Action (LACHAWAMA) in Bangui, aiming to strengthen shared water governance, climate resilience, and stability across the basin. Health Watch (Ebola): A St. Vincent and the Grenadines travel advisory lists CAR among countries flagged for Ebola transmission risk, with enhanced screening and quarantine measures planned. Sports (CAR): CAR’s U18 team is in Zone 4 qualifiers, and CAR also plays Togo in a friendly as part of the week’s football coverage.

US–CAR Deportation Deal: The Central African Republic has agreed to accept “third-country deportees” sent by the United States, with talks reportedly held in Bangui on May 18; details on timing and first flights remain unclear, while US Senate Democrats and rights groups warn the arrangement could bypass US immigration-court protections. Peacekeeping Honours: UN memorial ceremonies in New York saw posthumous Dag Hammarskjöld Medals awarded to peacekeepers linked to the region, including deaths tied to MINUSCA in the Central African Republic. MINUSCA Support Extended: Tunisia’s Official Gazette published a decree extending a UN-backed CAR military air transport unit for another year from July 1, 2026, continuing support for MINUSCA. Sports (CAR in focus): CAR’s U18 team competed in Zone 4 AfroBasket qualifiers in Malabo, while a CAR vs Togo friendly drew attention with live score updates circulating. Regional Health Watch: Africa CDC flagged the Central African Republic among countries at risk amid Ebola concerns, as preparedness and screening measures are discussed across the region.

UN Peacekeeping Honours: The UN posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to three Zambian MINUSCA soldiers—Corporal Steve Muloke Sakachoma (killed June 20, 2025) and Staff Sergeant Alick Banda (died Dec 29, 2025)—as well as three Cambodian peacekeepers killed in South Sudan and the Central African Republic in 2025, underscoring how deadly MINUSCA service remains. Regional Sports: Chad booked the 2026 U18 AfroBasket final-round spot after beating Gabon 85–58 in Malabo; the Central African Republic reached the knockout stage but fell 71–64 to Gabon. Health & Borders: Africa CDC and WHO launched a joint Ebola preparedness and response plan for six months, while St Vincent and the Grenadines issued an Ebola travel advisory naming CAR among higher-risk destinations. Water & Stability: The EU and Germany launched the Lake Chad Water Management Action in Bangui, with CAR as a key partner, aiming to strengthen shared water governance and climate resilience. Humanitarian Pressure: The Norwegian Refugee Council again flagged Sudan and the DRC among the world’s most neglected displacement crises, with CAR repeatedly cited as part of a wider pattern of underfunding.

UN Peacekeeping Tributes: Two Zambian MINUSCA soldiers, Staff Sergeant Alick Banda and Corporal Steve Muloke Sakachoma, were honoured posthumously by the UN in New York for their service in the Central African Republic. Human Rights & Security: A UN expert warned that CAR’s persistent violence continues despite a peaceful election, citing attacks on civilians, extortion, forced displacement and conflict-related sexual violence, and urged stronger protection and accountability. Impunity Trap: Separate reporting highlights how weak governance and impunity keep the violence cycle going, with widespread abuses including killings, torture, arbitrary detention and attacks on humanitarian workers. Health Preparedness (Ebola): Africa CDC flagged the Central African Republic among countries at risk as Ebola response efforts ramp up across the region. Regional Development: The EU and Germany launched a €11.25m Lake Chad water management initiative in Bangui, aiming to improve water governance, climate resilience and stability across the basin. Sports: CAR’s national team played Togo in a friendly, while Remo Stars goalkeeper Alladoum Francis Kolimba was recalled to the CAR squad.

Ebola Preparedness in CAR: Africa CDC warned that the Central African Republic is at risk from the current Ebola outbreak, as health agencies push for faster response and stronger cross-border controls. Maternal Health Under Strain: Refugee women in CAR—especially those fleeing Sudan—are facing rising danger in pregnancy and childbirth as clinics struggle and funding cuts reduce staffing and outreach. Human Rights and Impunity: A UN expert raised alarm over persistent violence in CAR, urging authorities to protect civilians and bring perpetrators to justice, warning that weak governance and impunity keep the cycle going. Regional Water Security: The EU and Germany launched a Lake Chad water management programme in Bangui, with CAR playing a key role in shared water governance to support stability and climate resilience. Peacekeeping Spotlight: UN reporting highlights how Minusca helped broker a local peace deal near Birao, enabling thousands of displaced families to return home. Sports Note: CAR’s national team recalled Remo Stars goalkeeper Alladoum Francis Kolimba ahead of upcoming friendlies, including matches versus Togo.

Maternal Health Crisis in CAR: Refugee women fleeing Sudan’s war in CAR’s north are facing rising risks in childbirth as clinics close and aid funding—linked to US cuts—shrinks, with cases like Maude Ahmad Fadala in Birao forced to give birth on the roadside after walking for hours without transport or skilled care. Human Rights & Impunity: A UN human rights expert warned that persistent violence in CAR continues despite the December election, citing attacks on civilians, extortion, forced displacement and conflict-related sexual violence, and urged authorities to bring perpetrators to justice and strengthen rule of law. Peace & Local Stability: UN peacekeeping in CAR’s border area near Birao helped broker a local peace deal between CAR and Sudanese communities, enabling nearly all displaced families to return home after intercommunal fighting. Regional Water Security: The EU and Germany launched a €11.25m Lake Chad Water Management initiative in Bangui, with CAR as a key partner, aiming to improve shared water governance, climate resilience and stability. Finance Oversight: Banking regulators met in Yaoundé to strengthen prudential cooperation across Africa, including CEMAC regulators from CAR, as digital finance and new instruments raise risks. Neglected Displacement Spotlight: The Norwegian Refugee Council again ranked Sudan and the DRC among the world’s most neglected displacement crises, highlighting a wider pattern that has repeatedly included CAR. Sports Note: CAR’s national team recalled Remo Stars goalkeeper Alladoum Francis Kolimba ahead of friendlies against Togo and Angola.