AGP Executive Report

Film & Culture Export: Outsider Pictures picked up Rafiki Fariala’s Cannes award-winning musical drama “Congo Boy” for the U.S., ahead of a North American run that spotlights a Congolese refugee teen’s fight for family, school and music. Music & Heritage in Kinshasa: Kinshasa’s La Creche bar keeps Congolese rumba alive every weekend, with dancers and classic hits—yet the tradition still faces neglect and fragile infrastructure. Gospel Milestone: The Ambassadors of Christ Choir marked 30 years with a packed “God Painted Our Story” concert in Kigali, drawing worshippers from Rwanda and across the region including the DRC. Ebola Update: DR Congo reported 5,945 confirmed Ebola cases and 2,862 deaths, as WHO keeps the outbreak a public health emergency and warns delays fuel spread. Politics & Rights: Tshisekedi’s planned “National Dialogue” on constitutional term limits is underway amid opposition walkouts, raising fresh uncertainty for elections and governance. Local Arts & Stage: Tshisekedi opened a constitutional Kabuki theatre, adding a new cultural spotlight to Kinshasa’s public life.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s health ministry reports 5,945 confirmed Ebola cases and 2,862 deaths, with WHO warning that delays in recognizing cases keep transmission risks high across households, communities, and health facilities. Cultural Life in Kinshasa: Congolese rumba still lives on in Kinshasa’s late-night spaces like La Creche, where dancers keep classic hits alive—power cuts included—showing how heritage survives even when venues and resources struggle. Music & Community Milestones: In Rwanda, the Ambassadors of Christ Choir marked 30 years with a sold-out BK Arena concert, drawing worshippers across East and Central Africa including DR Congo, and celebrating decades of gospel ministry through songs, tributes, and performances. Arts & Identity Through Sport: A football commentary piece spotlights how Congolese talent is shaping club goals while raising the bigger question of how DR Congo’s football ecosystem can better develop and support its own national team. Film Festival Buzz: Gustave Kervern’s “That’s All Folks” won Best Film at the Angoulême Francophone Film Festival, with Congolese-linked “Congo Boy” also taking Best Score—another reminder of the region’s creative reach beyond borders.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s health ministry says the outbreak has reached 5,945 confirmed cases and 2,862 deaths, with WHO warning that delays in spotting cases can fuel spread in homes, communities and health facilities. Gospel & Live Music: In Kigali, the Ambassadors of Christ Choir packed BK Arena for a sold-out 30th anniversary concert, drawing worshippers from Rwanda and across the region including DR Congo. Architecture Spotlight: OMA’s leadership transition is in focus as new partners join managing roles, with the firm discussing strategy and global growth. Football Talk: A fresh debate on African football governance and “the African vote” circles FIFA’s upcoming leadership decisions, arguing the continent isn’t one single football reality. Rumba Culture: Kinshasa’s rumba scene is shown as both heritage and struggle, with La Creche bar keeping classic sounds alive even as younger audiences and support fade. Immigration & Rights (DRC diaspora): A Congolese-born woman in the US, Armelle Bondonga Bradshaw, describes detention after following immigration procedures for a marriage-based green card. Arts & Entertainment (Global): A Congolese-born couple behind the YouTube dating show “Pop the Balloon or Find Love” says viral clips miss the show’s goal of centering Black love and storytelling.

Ebola Response & Trust: Canada extends Ebola travel restrictions for another 30 days, keeping DRC, Uganda and South Sudan residents in limbo while the outbreak continues to surge in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where misinformation is also undermining Red Cross efforts. Public Health Funding: UN officials seek $1.1 billion to fight the DRC Ebola outbreak as cases mount, with the wider region still facing uneven progress. Cultural Life in Kinshasa: Congolese rumba is spotlighted as a living heritage under pressure from neglect, even as fans keep the classics alive at places like La Creche in Kinshasa. Rising Talent & Screen Culture: Scouting begins for Africa’s Next Super Model 2026, while a new wave of entertainment buzz includes the start of an open beta weekend for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Heritage & Art: A new exhibition, “Rare Earth rare justice,” explores extraction, colonial legacies and inequality through artist Ndidi Dike’s sculptural work. Local Arts Spotlight: Elemotho Mosimane prepares to “rock” Namibia’s national theatre, reflecting how African music scenes keep evolving beyond borders.

Ebola Response in DRC: UN chief Antonio Guterres is urging donors to plug a $1.1 billion gap for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola fight, warning key operations could run out within weeks as cases and deaths keep climbing. Public Trust & Misinformation: Coverage highlights that beyond medicine, communities are battling fear and misinformation—making trust as crucial as vaccines and care. Ebola Vaccine Supply: The DRC has requested Merck’s Ervebo vaccine from the global stockpile, with doses earmarked for a phase 3 trial and frontline workers as officials test protection against the Bundibugyo strain. Kinshasa Rumba Culture: In Kinshasa, rumba fans keep the UNESCO-listed tradition alive at La Creche, where classic bands draw crowds—though power cuts can still interrupt the music. Congolese Music & Memory: A separate look at Congolese rumba reflects on neglect and nostalgia, asking what happens to a living sound when support fades. Sports & Talent Talk: Football commentary circles around the need for stronger local development—an angle that resonates for DRC fans watching how clubs and national teams build talent. Regional Borders & Mobility: Reports on cross-border movement and travel restrictions underscore how health crises and politics reshape everyday life across the Great Lakes.

Ebola Response, Kinshasa & Trust: UN chief Antonio Guterres appealed for $1.1 billion to keep DR Congo’s Ebola response running as cases keep rising, warning funding could run out within weeks and stressing the “virus of indifference” alongside the disease. Ebola, Cross-Border Impact: Canada extended Ebola-related entry bans for people from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan for another 30 days, keeping visas and immigration decisions on hold and maintaining a 21-day quarantine for returnees. Congolese Rumba, Culture Under Pressure: In Kinshasa, rumba still draws crowds at La Creche despite neglect and power cuts, with dancers and musicians keeping UNESCO-listed tradition alive through weekend sessions. Riverboat Economy, Everyday Mobility: New research highlights how DR Congo’s smaller inland waterways and wooden baleinières keep cities like Kinshasa and Kisangani connected to river communities—an arts-and-life story of craft, labor, and local knowledge. Black Love on Screen, Congolese Creators: Congolese-born couple Bolia “BM” Matundu and Arlette Amuli say their YouTube dating show “Pop the Balloon or Find Love” is about Black love and storytelling, pushing back on viral clips that focus only on rejection. Fashion & Identity, Creative Scene: Congolese designers are pushing fashion in new directions, blending style with identity and social commentary.

Ebola Response in Focus: The UN chief Antonio Guterres is urging donors to urgently close a $1.1 billion funding gap for DR Congo’s Ebola fight, warning vital operations could run out within weeks as cases and deaths keep rising. Public Trust and Misinformation: Health workers and Red Cross volunteers say the battle is not only medical—communities are also fighting fear and misinformation, which can slow prevention and care. Vaccine Supply Update: DR Congo has requested Merck’s Ervebo vaccine from the global Ebola stockpile, with doses earmarked for frontline workers and a phase 3 trial to guide future use against the Bundibugyo strain. Culture Under Pressure: Kinshasa’s Congolese rumba scene is pushing back against neglect, with venues like La Creche keeping the UNESCO-listed tradition alive—power cuts and all. Regional Ripple Effects: Canada has extended Ebola-related travel and entry bans for people from affected countries, keeping many residency decisions on hold and complicating humanitarian movement.

Congolese Rumba: In Kinshasa, rumba keeps living on at La Creche despite neglect, power cuts, and the slow fading of younger audiences—dancers still pack the rooftop terrace to relive classics and protect a UNESCO-listed heritage. Ebola & Public Trust: As DR Congo’s Ebola crisis deepens, the fight is not only medical—communities are also battling misinformation, and the UN warns funding could run out within weeks unless donors step up. Ebola Response Push: The UN chief calls for an extra $1.1 billion for DRC operations as cases and deaths keep rising, while WHO says Uganda’s outbreak is over but transmission remains active across the border. Cultural Spotlight: Elemotho Mosimane is set to “come home” for a National Theatre of Namibia show—an arts moment that echoes the wider regional push to keep African music scenes thriving. Global Entertainment: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 launches an open beta weekend, while film-festival planning and other entertainment updates roll in worldwide.

Ebola Response & Public Trust: UN chief Antonio Guterres warns DR Congo’s Ebola fight needs an extra $1.1 billion, saying funding could run out in weeks as cases keep rising and communities battle misinformation alongside the virus. Cross-Border Measures: Canada extends Ebola-related entry bans for people from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan for another 30 days, keeping a 21-day quarantine for returnees—raising pressure on humanitarian travel. Cultural Loss in the Region: Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom mourns King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died at 34 after nearly three decades on the throne, with tributes pouring in across Uganda and beyond. Arts & Stage Spotlight: Elemotho Mosimane is set to return for a homecoming show at Namibia’s National Theatre—an arts moment that resonates with the wider regional music scene. Fashion & Creativity: NPR highlights how DRC Fashion Week is giving Congolese designers a rare platform to showcase creativity beyond conflict and crisis headlines. Regional Connectivity: Angola and DR Congo move closer to fully operationalizing the Lobito Corridor, with new contracts and plans that could reshape movement of people and goods.

Ebola Funding Push: UN chief António Guterres is calling for an extra $1.1 billion to keep the DRC Ebola response going, warning current money could run out within weeks as cases rise past 5,600 and deaths top 2,700. Public Health Updates: WHO says Uganda’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is over, but in DRC transmission is still “very active,” even as spread slows. Vaccine Request: The DRC has formally asked for Merck’s Ervebo vaccine from the global stockpile, with 70,000 doses released—20,000 for a phase 3 trial and 50,000 for frontline health workers. Arts & Culture Spotlight: DRC Fashion Week is putting Congolese design on the map, giving creators a rare stage for color, creativity, and fashion in Kinshasa. Creative Voices in Film: “Fight Like A Girl,” shot in Goma and inspired by boxing champion Clarck Ntambwe, debuted in Johannesburg, spotlighting survival amid conflict and child exploitation. Heritage Leadership: CBAAC’s Aisha Augie has joined Yale’s cultural heritage fellowship cohort, aiming to strengthen conservation and cultural exchange across Africa.

Ebola Update: WHO says Uganda’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is over, but warns DR Congo is still struggling as cases rise to 5,600+ and deaths pass 2,700, with transmission “still very active.” Fact-Check: A viral clip blamed on South Africa police and linked to DR Congo’s Goma is false—the footage was filmed in Mozambique and shows a suspect dying during an arrest. Fashion & Film Spotlight: DR Congo Fashion Week in Kinshasa continues to give designers a rare stage for creativity, while the Goma-shot film “Fight Like A Girl” premieres in Johannesburg, spotlighting resilience amid militia violence and child soldiering. Culture Leadership: CBAAC’s Aisha Augie joins Yale’s cultural heritage fellowship cohort, backing conservation and exchange for African arts and archives. Regional Deal Watch: Angola’s João Lourenço and DR Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi move forward on Lobito Corridor contracts, with talk of future oil exploration and power lines.

DRC Fashion Spotlight: Kinshasa’s DRC Fashion Week keeps giving local designers a stage, with a recent feature highlighting how Congolese creativity is finally finding outlets beyond conflict headlines. Film & Storytelling: “Fight Like A Girl,” shot in Goma and inspired by boxing champion Clarck Ntambwe’s real-life story, debuted in Johannesburg—bringing eastern Congo’s survival struggles to the screen. Art as Protest: Painter Moyengo Kadima is using exhibitions in Kinshasa to denounce decades of war and violence in the east, urging unity and justice through visual testimony. Peace Process Update: The DRC government and AFC/M23 agreed on a roadmap in Switzerland, including steps to operationalize ceasefire monitoring under the Doha framework. Design & Heritage: A separate look at Congolese craftsmanship spotlights Kuba cloth—its bold patterns and centuries-old weaving—showing how traditional art still shapes modern design. Business/Arts Crossover: Congolese designers are also pushing fashion in new directions, reflecting a wider push to turn culture into global visibility.

Ebola Response: DRC health authorities are tightening safe handling of the dead, requiring Ebola testing of bodies before families can receive remains for burial—aimed at stopping funerals from becoming new transmission points. Film & Resilience: “Fight Like A Girl” debuted in Johannesburg, spotlighting Goma and Beni’s conflict realities through the true story of boxing champion Clarck Ntambwe, with Safi played by Ama Qamata. Peace Talks Roadmap: The DRC government and AFC/M23 agreed in Switzerland on a sequenced roadmap under the Doha Framework, including a mechanism to track ceasefire violations and steps to operationalize EJVM+. Arts & Culture Spotlight: A Kinshasa exhibition by painter Moyengo Kadima uses art to denounce decades of war and give victims a voice. Cultural Heritage Exchange: CBAAC’s Aisha Augie joined Yale’s Directors Forum fellowship cohort, boosting conservation and cultural exchange plans. Music Industry: Nigeria’s Headies 2026 nominees include Davido, Wizkid and Burna Boy, with the awards set for Toronto on Oct 25, 2026.

DR Congo Peace Talks: The DRC government and AFC/M23 agreed in Switzerland on a sequenced roadmap to push negotiations under the Doha Framework, including a dedicated mechanism to track ceasefire obligations and a standardized way to report violations, with EJVM+ monitoring moving forward via a secretariat and reconnaissance support from MONUSCO. Ebola Response: Health authorities in the DRC tightened burial rules for the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, requiring Ebola testing of bodies before families receive remains, paired with risk communication to promote safer funerals. Arts & Culture: Kinshasa-based painter Moyengo Kadima is using exhibitions to denounce decades of war and violence in eastern DRC, urging unity and giving victims a public voice. Fashion Spotlight: Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 launches a scouting search on August 29 in Nairobi, inviting applicants including from the DRC for a chance at a $5,000 prize and international modeling opportunities. Regional Arts/Heritage: CBAAC’s Aisha Augie joined a Yale heritage fellowship cohort aimed at strengthening cultural conservation and exchange.

Ebola Response in DRC: WHO updated temporary recommendations for the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak, adding clearer guidance on surveillance, case detection, infection control, risk communication, and new social measures covering mass gatherings and domestic movement. Safer Burials: DRC health authorities are now testing bodies for Ebola before releasing them for burial, aiming to stop funerals from becoming new transmission points while keeping families informed. Arts & Activism: Kinshasa exhibition spotlighted Congolese painter Moyengo Kadima, using art to denounce decades of war and violence in the east and to amplify victims’ voices. Culture & Heritage: CBAAC’s Aisha Augie joined a Yale heritage fellowship cohort, a move meant to strengthen cultural conservation, exchange, and innovation. Peace Process Update: DRC and AFC/M23 agreed a roadmap in Switzerland to advance Doha Framework negotiations, including a mechanism to track ceasefire violations and operationalize EJVM+. Fashion Talent Search: Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 launches Aug 29 in Nairobi, with scouting that includes applicants from the DRC.

Ebola Response: DR Congo health authorities are tightening burial rules, requiring Ebola testing of bodies at morgues before families can receive remains, aiming to stop funerals from becoming new transmission points. Art as Protest: In Kinshasa, artist Moyengo Kadima is using paintings to denounce decades of war and violence in the east, urging unity and giving conflict victims a public voice. Peace Process Update: The DRC government and AFC/M23 agreed on a sequenced roadmap for talks under the Doha Framework, including a mechanism to track ceasefire violations and progress on the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+). Fashion & Talent Search: Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 launches its scouting campaign on August 29 in Nairobi, with casting across Kenya and applicants from countries including the DRC. Sports & Culture: A Congolese boxer, Romeo Katompa, is again in the spotlight after a big win, while broader regional sports updates keep fans talking.