AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response Hits a Wall: WHO says there’s no vaccine ready for the current Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and Uganda, with production of the most promising candidate expected to take 6–9 months—so the focus is now on treatment centres, detection and isolation, even as conflict and aid cuts strain health systems. Sudan Frontline Logistics: In Sudan, the UN reports the Delling–Habila aid road in South Kordofan has reopened after months of disruption, but drone strikes and shelling continue to hit towns like Delling and El Fula, damaging facilities and supplies. Red Sea Pressure Builds: Ethiopia again accuses Egypt of blocking its Red Sea access efforts, while the wider region keeps treating ports and corridors as strategic leverage. Capital Markets Push: Kenya’s Nairobi Securities Exchange lists its first infrastructure fund, aiming to fund projects locally and reduce reliance on costly external borrowing.

Sudan’s Missing and Unmarked Graves: A new AP report puts faces to the scale of Sudan’s war losses, saying more than 8,000 people are missing and many are believed buried in unmarked graves after Khartoum’s retaking. Red Sea Pressure: A separate week of coverage keeps spotlighting the Red Sea as a rivalry zone where ports, bases and shipping routes can quickly reshape trade and energy flows. Aid Under Strain: With humanitarian budgets squeezed, a Geneva-based commission warns that cuts could drive up deaths and says affected communities must have a say in response. Ebola Response in Congo: Health agencies are racing to find medical options for the Bundibugyo strain in eastern DRC, where no approved vaccines or treatments exist yet. Africa Day Context: Commentary marks May 25 as a reminder that conflicts, inequality and weak governance are still delaying progress.

Humanitarian Funding Shock: In Geneva, humanitarian expert Karl Blanchet warned that U.S.-led aid cuts are turning today’s shortages into a “political and moral failure,” with a Lancet-linked estimate of up to 14 million avoidable deaths by 2030 unless affected communities and local actors are put at the centre of response. Ebola Response in Motion: Global health agencies are racing to find options for the Bundibugyo strain in eastern DRC, where no approved vaccines or treatments exist; experimental candidates are being assessed for emergency use as cases rise. Sudan’s Civilian Toll: A drone strike on a crowded market in West Kordofan killed 28 people and wounded dozens, underscoring how civilians keep paying the price as the war grinds on. Hormuz Pressure on Food Prices: UN/FAO warnings say disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global food price crisis within a year, starting with fertilizer and energy costs. Regional Security Watch: Rwanda’s Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga has taken over as Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force, as external support declines.

Sudan War’s Civilian Toll: A drone strike hit a crowded market in Ghubaysh, West Kordofan, killing 28 people and wounding dozens, with rights groups blaming the army and Sudan’s forces denying responsibility and saying they target only “military objectives.” Humanitarian Pressure: The attack lands as monitors warn nearly 20 million people in Sudan face acute hunger, with markets and clinics repeatedly struck across the conflict’s shifting frontlines. Regional Security Shockwaves: The wider Middle East remains volatile as Iran tightens control around the Strait of Hormuz with island checkpoints and passage arrangements, while shipping professionals weigh leaving Dubai for safer hubs. Health & Preparedness: In the background of the Ebola surge, the US is working with San Diego biotech Mapp Biopharmaceutical to make an experimental antibody available for high-risk exposure cases, including links to Sudan virus research.

Sudan Drone Toll: A drone strike hit a crowded market in Ghubaysh, West Kordofan, killing 28 people and injuring dozens, according to a medical source and local rights group Emergency Lawyers. Battlefield Blame Game: The Sudanese Armed Forces denied targeting civilians, saying strikes focus on “military objectives,” while witnesses and activists point to the army as the attacker. Wider Pattern: The attack lands amid a surge in drone warfare across Sudan, with UN-linked reporting describing escalating civilian harm and deepening displacement and hunger. Regional Ripples: In parallel, Qatar Airways announced new service to Port Sudan starting July 2, adding three weekly flights as the airline expands its African network—an economic lifeline for a city still shaped by war. Diplomacy Watch: Egypt and the UK also held talks in London on regional files, including efforts to contain escalation tied to the US-Iran dialogue.

Sudan War Update: A drone strike on a crowded market in Ghubaysh, West Kordofan, killed 28 people and injured dozens, according to witnesses and a local rights group; the Sudanese army denies targeting civilians, saying it hit RSF vehicles instead. Aviation & Trade: Qatar Airways is adding Port Sudan to its African network with three weekly flights starting July 2, while also rebuilding Cape Town frequencies and expanding routes across the continent. Governance & SDGs: Lagos State reaffirmed its push for evidence-based, data-driven delivery to accelerate SDG progress, integrating information across ministries and agencies. Women’s Economic Rights: A new study highlights how restrictions on women’s work and economic decisions still persist across many countries, even where progress is being made. Regional Context: The week’s coverage also points to rising drone use and intensifying conflict risks across Sudan as drought and humanitarian pressure deepen.

Sudan War Update: A drone strike hit a crowded market in Ghubaysh, West Kordofan, killing 28 people and wounding dozens, according to local rights groups and witnesses; Sudan’s army denies targeting civilians, saying it struck RSF vehicles near the market. Humanitarian Pressure: The same week’s reporting keeps spotlighting the wider cost of the conflict, with Khartoum’s “cautious return” of residents still uneven and recovery patchy. Public Health Watch: In eastern Congo, WHO says it’s deeply concerned about the “scale and speed” of a rare Ebola outbreak after suspected deaths rose to at least 134 and cases topped 500. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt met Britain in London to discuss African development and push for a humanitarian truce in Sudan toward a comprehensive ceasefire. Aviation & Trade: Qatar Airways plans to add flights to Cape Town and launch Port Sudan services as it rebuilds routes disrupted by the Iran war.

Sudan Accountability Shock: A Sudanese RSF commander linked to filmed civilian killings in al-Fashir has reportedly returned to active combat duty, despite RSF denying his release and saying a special court will try him—raising fresh alarm over justice and human rights as the war grinds on. Inflation Pressure: Sudan’s annual inflation jumped to 45.84% in April as the pound weakened, with urban prices rising faster than rural ones—fueling higher costs for food, transport and essentials. Food Cost Crunch: Food inflation stayed above 20% in 11 states, and national food inflation edged above headline inflation again, pointing to renewed strain on household purchasing power. Regional Connectivity: Qatar Airways announced expanded African routes and frequencies, including a new Port Sudan service from July 2, as airlines bet on trade and travel links despite regional instability. Ebola Emergency: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has been declared a public health emergency of international concern, with cases reported spreading to Uganda. Middle East Tech Clampdown: Iran’s prolonged nationwide internet blackout—now around 80 days—continues to disrupt education, commerce and access to news.

Sudan Accountability Shock: A Sudanese RSF commander accused in widely shared footage of executing civilians has reportedly returned to active combat duty, despite RSF denying his release and saying a special court will try him—fresh pressure on accountability as the war grinds on. Inflation Watch: Sudan’s annual inflation jumped to 45.84% in April as the pound weakened, with urban prices rising faster than rural. Humanitarian Strain: UNHCR says it will cut more jobs and reform as funding falls, even as displacement needs keep climbing. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt’s FM Abdelatty reiterated support for Libya’s unity and urged a Sudan-led political process while rejecting parallel entities. Connectivity & Trade: Qatar Airways plans to expand African routes, including new Port Sudan flights from July. Health Alert: WHO declared Ebola in DR Congo a public health emergency of international concern, raising cross-border risk fears.

Sudan’s War Returns to the Pitch: Football is back in Khartoum after years of shutdown, with the domestic league staging first matches at battered stadiums like Kober Stadium, where Al Merrikh beat Ahli Madani 3-1—small crowds, heavy damage, and a rare sense of normal life. Humanitarian Pressure: The crisis is still worsening off the field: monitors warn nearly 20 million people face acute hunger, as UN-linked reporting points to deepening shortages and displacement. Regional Business Link: Qatar has restarted Sudan mining operations after war disruption, targeting an $800m copper project—an economic lifeline, but also a reminder how conflict reshapes investment. Ebola Watch: WHO declared an Ebola public health emergency in the DRC and Uganda, underscoring how health systems are under strain. Iraq Power Shift: Ali al-Zaidi officially took office as Iraq’s new prime minister, with a reform plan and cabinet formation still under pressure.

Sudan Hunger Alarm: UN agencies warn Sudan’s food crisis is worsening fast: over 19.5 million people face crisis hunger or worse, with more than five million in emergency levels and 14 high-risk areas still threatened if fighting and aid access deteriorate. Eid Al-Adha Supply Watch (Egypt): Egypt’s PM Madbouly reviewed food and market-stability plans ahead of Eid, pushing tighter oversight to prevent price manipulation as livestock markets ramp up. Horn of Africa Diplomacy: Egypt deepened ties with Eritrea, signing a maritime transport pact while insisting Red Sea security stays with littoral states—an effort also aimed at countering Ethiopia’s influence. Sudan Frontline Update: Sudan’s army says it retook Khor Hassan in Blue Nile, a key corridor near Ethiopia, as the war’s geography keeps shaping outcomes. Iraq Power Shuffle: Iraq’s new PM Ali al-Zaidi took office after parliament confidence, but cabinet completion and disputes over key ministries remain unresolved. Migration Pressure: IOM reports irregular migration flows from Libya fell about 17% in early 2026, though arrivals via western routes rose.

Sudan Hunger Crisis Deepens: UN-backed monitors warn 19.5 million people in Sudan face acute hunger, with over 5 million in emergency conditions and 135,000 in catastrophic levels, as fighting and aid access restrictions keep worsening the outlook. Sudan War on the Ground: The Sudanese army says it recaptured Khor Hassan in Blue Nile, a key gateway toward central Sudan, underscoring how the conflict keeps shifting around border corridors and infrastructure. Iraq Power Shift: Iraq officially handed power to Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who says a comprehensive reform plan and a crackdown on corruption are coming, even as cabinet formation and internal political bargaining remain tangled. Regional Security Push: Nigeria’s Tinubu says it can’t tackle security alone and is seeking regional partnerships, while US-Nigeria operations report the killing of a senior ISIS leader. Red Sea Trade Moves: Egypt and Eritrea sign a maritime pact to launch a shipping line, while Egypt insists Red Sea security stays with littoral states. Business/Tech Glimpse: Shenglong Electric debuts an AI distribution cabinet at Frankfurt’s OPTATEC.

Sudan War & Hunger: Sudan’s army says it has recaptured Khor Hassan in Blue Nile, a key border flashpoint, as UN-linked monitors warn the crisis is worsening fast—about 19.5 million people are facing acute hunger, with 14 areas at risk of famine and 135,000 in catastrophic conditions. Iraq Power Shift: Iraq officially transferred power to new PM Ali al-Zaidi, who vows “comprehensive” reforms and a crackdown on corruption, but cabinet formation is still tangled in political disputes. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Egypt and Eritrea signed a maritime transport pact while stressing Red Sea security should be handled by littoral states; AU and UN urged Tigray parties to fully implement the Pretoria agreement. Migration Watch: IOM reports irregular migration flows from Libya fell 17% in Q1 2026, even as western-border arrivals rose. Sports & Society: Football returned to Khartoum after years of war damage, with league matches staged in battered stadiums.

Sudan Hunger Crisis: Nearly 19.5 million people in Sudan are facing acute hunger, with 14 areas still at risk of famine and 135,000 people in “catastrophic” conditions, as the war’s shifting frontlines keep cutting off food and aid. Humanitarian Pressure: The report flags severe knock-on effects for children, with 825,000 expected to suffer severe acute malnutrition, while insecurity and access restrictions keep deliveries difficult. War’s Daily Cost: Beyond food, civilians are also battling the collapse of basic services—especially water, now a daily struggle marked by queues, rising prices, and fears of contamination. Regional Security Backdrop: The AU and UN again warned that external interference is fueling Africa’s conflicts, including Sudan—adding pressure on any hope of a sustained ceasefire.

Sudan Hunger Crisis: Monitoring groups warn 40% of Sudan’s population faces acute hunger, with the situation worsening as displacement and insecurity disrupt food access. Security & Diplomacy: The AU and UN again condemned external interference in Africa’s conflicts, saying outside weapons, money and political backing are prolonging crises—explicitly naming Sudan among the hardest-hit theatres. Regional Power Plays: A fresh U.S. indictment alleges Turkey helped move Iranian military materiel to Sudan via sanctions-evasion networks, putting fresh pressure on regional partners tied to the war economy. Humanitarian Pressure: With aid stretched thin, the latest coverage also highlights how cuts and funding gaps hit women and girls hardest—right where Sudan’s needs are most acute. Broader Context: Meanwhile, BRICS talks ended without a joint statement as divisions over the Iran war deepen, a reminder that Sudan’s crisis is increasingly entangled with wider Middle East conflict dynamics.

Sudan Hunger Crisis: A new IPC assessment says 19.5 million Sudanese—over 40% of the population—face acute food insecurity, with 135,000 in “catastrophic” conditions across North Darfur, South Darfur and South Kordofan, as drone warfare and attacks on civilian infrastructure intensify. Frontline Pressure: The same week’s reporting points to a shift toward drone strikes and continued fighting, while Sudan–Ethiopia tensions escalate through mutual accusations and border force movements, raising fears of a wider regional spillover. Aid Under Strain: CARE warns that humanitarian cuts hit women and girls first, threatening clinics, education and protection programs in places including Sudan. Regional Security Politics: AU and UN leaders again blame external interference for Africa’s security crises, including Sudan, as diplomacy struggles to keep up with fast-moving violence. What’s new today: the hunger numbers are the sharpest fresh datapoint, and they underline how quickly the situation is worsening.