AGP Executive Report

Ebola Watch (DRC): The UN says the Ebola response in eastern DR Congo is still racing ahead of funding, with Secretary-General António Guterres appealing for an extra $1.1bn as confirmed cases and deaths climb (2,744 deaths reported as of Aug. 25) and resources could run out in weeks. Ebola Spread (CAR region): CAR, along with DR Congo, Uganda, Congo and South Sudan, agreed in Bangui to strengthen cross-border preparedness to stop the Bundibugyo strain and other health threats. CAR Health Support: Salesian Missions delivered over €100,000 in medical equipment to two expanded clinics in Bangui (Damala and Galabadja), boosting maternal and child health services. Peacekeeping (CAR): Cambodia is sending 184 peacekeepers to the UN mission in CAR, continuing its 20-year contribution. Mining Safety (CAR): The Church mourned victims after a gold mine collapse near the Cameroon border killed more than 100 artisanal miners, renewing calls for stronger regulation and safety. Women & Security (CAR): A Women, Peace and Security index places the Central African Republic near the bottom (score 0.36), highlighting ongoing insecurity and justice gaps.

Healthcare Support: Salesian Missions delivered over €100,000 in medical supplies to two expanded Salesian-run clinics in Bangui (Damala and Galabadja), including neonatal incubators and diagnostic tools, boosting maternal and child health services. Mining Safety & Accountability: CAR’s Catholic Church mourned more than 100 deaths after the Aug. 18 collapse of the Zamboye artisanal gold mine near Cameroon, as authorities closed the site for non-compliance and opened a judicial investigation. Peacekeeping Rotation: Cambodia is sending 184 peacekeepers to the UN mission in CAR, with Engineering Unit 864 (including 28 women) replacing the previous contingent. Ebola Preparedness (Regional): CAR and neighbors agreed in Bangui to strengthen cross-border preparedness to stop the Bundibugyo Ebola strain and other health threats. Humanitarian Fallout of Deportations: A Cuban deportee in Bangui, Yasmany Moreno de Armas, appealed for help and warned other migrants as reports continue of U.S. deportations to CAR. Regional Finance: CEMAC governments increased borrowing on the regional securities market in July, with CAR holding 4.2% of outstanding securities. Sports: CAF appointed a Central African Republic referee team for a Nations FC preliminary-round match in Mali.

U.S.-Africa Relations Under Strain: A new U.S. focus on the Iran war is raising fears of strategic distraction just as China, France, Russia, the UAE and India deepen ties in Africa—leaving African governments more room to diversify partners. Arms Control Push: At the Arms Trade Treaty conference in Geneva, Gabon’s APSU chair Roll Stephane Ngomat urged African states to sign, ratify and fully embed the treaty in national law. Deportations to CAR: A Cuban deported to the Central African Republic says he has “no criminal record” and warns other migrants as U.S. asylum seekers face “third-country” deportations to war-affected CAR. Mining Disaster Fallout: CAR’s Catholic Church mourned victims of a deadly Zamboye gold mine collapse, as debate grows over how to regulate dangerous artisanal mining. Regional Health Cooperation: CAR and neighbors agreed in Bangui to strengthen cross-border preparedness to stop Bundibugyo Ebola spread. CEMAC Debt Watch: CEMAC governments, including CAR, borrowed more on the regional debt market in July despite slightly higher costs. CAR in Global Rankings: CAR is listed among the world’s poorest by GDP-PPP per capita, and the country also appears among the most land burned by wildfires. Peacekeeping Update: Cambodia is sending 184 peacekeepers to the UN mission in CAR. Football: CAF appointed a Central African referee team for a Nations FC preliminary CAF Confederation Cup clash in Mali.

Mining Disaster Fallout: The Catholic Church in CAR is mourning more than 100 deaths after the Zamboye artisanal gold mine collapse, as authorities keep the site closed and investigations continue. Regional Ebola Preparedness: CAR, DR Congo, Uganda, Congo, and South Sudan agreed in Bangui to strengthen cross-border readiness to stop Bundibugyo Ebola spread, with WHO urging shared response since “viruses do not recognise borders.” Ebola Pressure on Neighbors: WHO says the DR Congo outbreak has slowed but not “bent the curve,” with thousands of cases and deaths, while Africa CDC warns of rapid geographic expansion. Peacekeeping Rotation: Cambodia is sending 184 peacekeepers to CAR for a UN mission rotation, replacing the previous contingent after a year-long deployment. Economic Snapshot: Global Finance ranks CAR among the world’s poorest by GDP per capita (PPP), placing it near the bottom alongside other conflict-hit states. Sports: CAF named a Central African Republic officiating team for Nations FC’s CAF Confederation Cup preliminary clash in Mali.

UN Peacekeeping: Cambodia has sent its 12th batch of 184 peacekeepers to the UN mission in the Central African Republic, replacing the previous engineering unit after a year-long deployment. Poverty Snapshot: A 2026 Global Finance ranking puts the Central African Republic among the world’s poorest by GDP per capita (PPP), at $1,437.72—second-lowest globally after Burundi—while Nigeria slips to 56th. Football (CAF): CAF named a Central African Republic referee team for the Nations FC vs FC Diarra CAF Confederation Cup preliminary first leg in Bamako on Sept. 5, with Merveil Mandekouzou-Vendafara as centre referee. Migration & Rights: Reports say the U.S. is deporting some asylum seekers to the Central African Republic despite court protections, raising allegations of abuse and concerns over “third-country” deportations. Mining Disaster: Pope Leo XIV remembered victims of a deadly gold mine landslide in CAR near Zamboye, where more than 100 people reportedly died. Health Watch: WHO and Africa CDC updates keep spotlight on Ebola in the region, with CAR listed among high-risk neighbors to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Gold Mine Disaster in CAR: The Central African Republic ordered the closure of the Zamboye gold-mining site after a landslide collapse killed more than 100 people, with authorities citing violations of mining rules and administrative directives while investigations continue. Humanitarian & Health Pressure: Pope Leo XIV used his Angelus to remember Ebola victims in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the CAR mine tragedy, urging stronger international action that involves local communities. CAR in Global Deportation Spotlight: A report says the U.S. is bypassing court protections by deporting asylum seekers to the Central African Republic, with migrants alleging abuse during “third-country” removals and questions raised about a sharp rise in U.S. funding to IOM for CAR. Sports (CAF): CAF named a Central African Republic referee team for Nations FC’s CAF Confederation Cup preliminary clash against Mali’s FC Diarra in Bamako on Sept. 5. Poverty Rankings: A new GDP-PPP per capita ranking places the CAR among the world’s poorest, listing it near the bottom globally.

Mining Safety in Focus: The Central African Republic has ordered the closure of the Zamboye gold-mining site after a landslide killed more than 100 people, citing violations of mining rules and administrative directives, with investigations ongoing into whether safety breaches contributed to the collapse. Ebola Pressure on Neighbors: As Ebola spreads in the Democratic Republic of Congo, WHO updated temporary recommendations for member states; the DRC remains at “very high” risk, while the Central African Republic is assessed as “high risk,” raising regional public health concerns. Poverty Snapshot: Global Finance’s 2026 GDP-per-capita ranking by purchasing power parity places the Central African Republic among the world’s poorest countries, with Burundi lowest and the CAR second-lowest in the list. Disarmament Update: Russia-linked reporting says more than 1,400 militants have laid down arms in CAR since August 2025, with 932 completing reintegration, involving 3R and UPC factions. Deportation Fallout: Multiple reports describe U.S. “third-country” deportations reaching CAR, with deportees saying they lack documents and freedom to leave, spotlighting humanitarian and legal worries.

Gold Mine Disaster: The Central African Republic shut the Zamboye artisanal gold site after a landslide killed more than 100 people, with officials citing non-compliance with mining standards and administrative directives as investigations continue and other workers were injured. Regional Health Alarm: Africa CDC warned that Ebola in DR Congo is spreading fast across more health zones, reporting 5,514 confirmed cases and 2,642 deaths, as the outbreak’s first 100 days show rapid geographic expansion. International Solidarity: Pope Leo XIV used his Angelus to remember both the DR Congo Ebola victims and CAR mine-collapse deaths, urging international action that includes local communities for prevention and safer mining. Disarmament Update: A Russian-linked report says more than 1,400 militants have laid down arms in CAR since August 2025, with 932 completing reintegration, involving 3R and UPC groups. Deportation Fallout: Reports from Bangui describe deported migrants from the U.S. saying they lack documents and freedom to leave, highlighting ongoing humanitarian and legal concerns around third-country removals.

Gold Mine Tragedy: The Central African Republic ordered the closure of the Zamboye gold-mining site after a collapse killed more than 100 people, citing violations of mining standards and administrative directives as investigations continue and more workers were reported injured. Mining Safety Push: Nigeria’s African Minerals Strategy Group urged stronger regulation and safer conditions for artisanal miners, saying illegal and unregulated mining is putting lives at risk while depriving countries of revenue. Pope’s Call: Pope Leo XIV used his Angelus to mourn the CAR mine disaster and pray for victims, while also urging stronger international action on the Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Deportations Spotlight: Reports say U.S. deportation flights have sent people to the CAR under “third-country” deals, with deportees describing being left without documents and unable to leave, raising fresh humanitarian and legal concerns. Disarmament Update: Russia-linked mediation efforts report that more than 1,400 militants have laid down arms in the CAR since August 2025, with 932 completing reintegration.

Gold Mine Disaster: The Central African Republic has shut the Zamboye gold-mining site in the west after a collapse killed more than 100 people, with the mines minister citing violations of mining standards and administrative directives while investigations continue and more workers were injured. Mining Safety Push: The tragedy has reignited calls across the region for stronger rules and safer conditions for artisanal miners, with African mining leaders warning that illegal, unregulated work keeps costing lives. International Attention: Pope Leo XIV used his Aug. 23 Angelus to pray for CAR’s mine-collapse victims and urged safety and respect for the law at mining sites. Disarmament Update: Russia-linked mediation helped more than 1,400 militants lay down arms in CAR over the past year, with 932 completing reintegration, according to a Russian security report. Ebola Preparedness: The UN says it has released $3 million to bolster Ebola readiness in CAR, citing rising risk after confirmed cases in DRC border provinces. Deportation Fallout: Multiple reports describe U.S. “third-country” deportations sending people to CAR, including claims of being held without documents and not knowing their status.

Gold Mine Safety & Accountability: The Central African Republic shut down the Zamboye artisanal gold site after a deadly collapse near the Cameroon border, with the government citing “non-compliance” with mining standards and directives as investigations continue and rescue teams look for survivors. Humanitarian & Health Watch: UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher released $3 million to boost Ebola preparedness in CAR, citing rising spread risk from neighboring DRC, where confirmed cases have surged past 5,200 and officials warn the real toll may be far higher. Pope’s Message on CAR Tragedy: Pope Leo XIV used his Angelus to pray for Ebola victims in the DRC and for those killed in CAR’s mining disaster, urging stronger prevention efforts involving local communities. Migration Pressure on CAR: Reports say the U.S. has deported migrants to CAR under “third-country” deals, with deportees describing fear and confusion after being sent to a country the U.S. warns is unsafe to travel to. Regional Context: Africa CDC warned the DRC Ebola outbreak could be up to three times larger than official counts, while CAR’s closure of the mine highlights ongoing risks from weak oversight of informal mining.

Gold Mine Disaster: The Central African Republic shut down the Zamboye artisanal gold site after a landslide collapse killed more than 100 people, with Mines Minister Rufin Benam Beltoungou citing non-compliance with mining standards and administrative directives; officials say the mine was already closed, but illegal miners continued working, while rescuers struggled with limited equipment and expertise. Mining Safety Push: African Minerals Strategy Group chair Dele Alake called the deaths a “profound tragedy,” urging stronger regulation and safer conditions for artisanal miners to stop illegal mining from costing lives. Ebola Preparedness: The UN allocated $3 million to boost Ebola readiness in CAR, citing rising risk after DR Congo’s outbreak surged; the funds target surveillance, isolation capacity, community engagement, and water access. US Deportations Spotlight: Reports say the US has deported people to CAR despite a “do not travel” advisory, with deportees describing suffering and lack of documents after arriving in Bangui under third-country removal arrangements.

Gold Mining Disaster: Central African Republic authorities temporarily closed the Zamboye artisanal gold mine near the Cameroon border after a landslide killed at least 49 people, with local sources and rescuers reporting a toll that could be around 100 and many still missing; Mines Minister Rufin Benam-Beltoungou said access was barred and a judicial investigation opened, as heavy rains and further collapses hampered rescue efforts. Mining Safety Push: Nigeria’s African Minerals Strategy Group chair Dele Alake urged stronger regulation and safer conditions for artisanal miners, saying the tragedy shows illegal mining is putting lives at grave risk. Ebola Preparedness: The UN allocated $3 million to bolster Ebola readiness in CAR, citing rising risk after confirmed cases in neighboring DR Congo; the funding is set for surveillance, isolation capacity, community engagement and water access. U.S. Deportations Fallout: The U.S. has deported migrants to dangerous third countries, including CAR, where a Level 4 travel advisory warns of unrest and kidnapping risks; CBS reported one Cuban deportee in Bangui saying he only learned of the destination after arrival. Regional Health Context: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 5,200 cases, and Africa CDC warned the real number may be far higher, raising concern for cross-border spread.

Gold Mine Disaster: Central African Republic authorities have temporarily shut the Zamboye artisanal gold mine near the Cameroon border after a landslide killed at least 49 people, though local sources and rescuers say the toll could be around 100 with many still missing; Mines Minister Rufin Benam-Beltoungou says 34 Central Africans, 13 Cameroonians and two Chadians died, while prosecutors investigate tunnels collapse, illegal mining and safety breaches as heavy rains and further collapses hamper rescue. Ebola Preparedness: The UN has approved $3 million for Ebola readiness in CAR, citing rising risk after Ebola cases surged in neighboring DR Congo; the funding is meant to strengthen surveillance, isolation capacity, community outreach and water access. Ebola Regional Threat: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 5,200 confirmed cases and 2,500 deaths, and Africa CDC warns the real number may be far higher, with an emergency push to tighten monitoring along the Congo River corridor to protect major cities and reduce spillover risk to CAR. Deportations to CAR: The Trump administration’s “third-country” deportation drive continues to raise alarm, including reports of people being sent to the Central African Republic despite safety concerns, with detainees describing suffering and uncertainty after learning of their destination only after arrival. Mining Safety Push: Africa’s artisanal mining lobby group AMSG condemned the Zamboye deaths and urged stronger regulation and safer conditions, saying no one should die for mineral profits.

Ebola Preparedness Boost: The UN has released $3 million to strengthen Ebola readiness in the Central African Republic, citing rising risk after Ebola cases were confirmed in DRC provinces bordering CAR; the money will back surveillance, isolation capacity, community outreach, and safe water access. Ebola Death Toll in Region: In the wider outbreak, DRC officials say Ebola deaths have passed 2,500 and cases have climbed above 5,200, while Africa CDC warns the real scale may be far higher due to under-detection. Gold Mine Disaster: CAR authorities have temporarily closed the Zamboye artisanal gold mine near the Cameroon border after a landslide collapse, with the official death toll at 49 (including Central Africans, Cameroonians, and Chadians) while local sources fear around 100 or more as searches continue and rescue work is hampered by limited equipment. Deportation Deal Fallout: CAR is among African countries named in U.S. “third-country” deportation arrangements, as Liberia receives the first batch of deportees under a plan allowing asylum applications there—raising fresh humanitarian and legal concerns across the region.

Mining Disaster: The Central African Republic has temporarily shut the Zamboye (Zamboï) artisanal gold mine near the Cameroon border after a landslide buried miners, with the official death toll put at 49 by Mines Minister Rufin Benam-Beltoungou (34 Central Africans, 13 Cameroonians, 2 Chadians). Human Toll: Local sources and miners’ families say the real figure could be around 100, with many still missing as rescuers recover bodies but struggle with limited equipment and expertise. Response and Security: Access to the pit was barred and security reinforced, including personnel linked to the Russian Wagner group, while heavy rains and ongoing collapses forced rescue efforts to pause. Cross-Border Impact: Authorities say the incident involved workers from both sides of the border, and Cameroon is preparing to receive injured people. Accountability: A judicial investigation is underway to determine what caused the tunnel collapse and who was operating the site.