AGP Executive Report

Deep Blue Momentum: Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola says the Deep Blue Project has delivered “zero piracy” in territorial waters for four years and cut Gulf of Guinea piracy by over 70%, as 492 newly graduated maritime security personnel were released from advanced combat training. Regional Security Push: The Nigerian Navy says President Tinubu will flag off the AU Combined Maritime Task Force in June, with the Gulf of Guinea targeted for joint action against piracy and illegal fishing. Energy Infrastructure Focus: Defence Minister Christopher Musa met NLNG leadership, reiterating government backing to protect critical oil and gas assets and expand local defence capacity. Guinea Mineral Deal: China’s Chalco agreed to invest about $1bn in a 1.2m-ton alumina plant in Guinea, with the state getting a 5% stake and a path to up to 35%. Health Watch: Coverage also keeps spotlighting the fast-moving Ebola situation in DR Congo and the need for stronger border screening and lab response networks.

Maritime Security Push: Nigeria’s port bosses and navy leadership are doubling down on Gulf of Guinea safety. Port Management Association chief Abubakar Dantsoho warned Africa can’t grow with obsolete ports, calling for deep-sea upgrades, tech, and larger-vessel capacity. Deep Blue Expansion: Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project is set to expand to vulnerable corridors including Bakassi and Igbokoda, after NIMASA graduated 492 advanced combat personnel and presented Deep Blue’s C4i capability. AU Task Force Flag-Off: President Tinubu will launch the AU combined maritime task force in June, headquartered in Lagos, with partners including Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Gambia. Ebola Alarm: Meanwhile, health authorities are urged to tighten surveillance as WHO warns suspected Ebola cases in DRC and Uganda have surged, with no vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain driving the outbreak. Nutrition Warning: UNICEF’s Gordon Jonathan Lewis says malnutrition is not just food—it drains energy, learning, and long-term productivity.

Deportation Fallout: Sierra Leone confirmed the first batch of people deported from the US arrived at Freetown’s airport under an ECOWAS-linked deal—25 migrants on the first flight, with authorities saying up to 300 could be accepted annually, though it’s unclear if they’ll stay or be sent back again. Maritime Security Push: Nigeria marked its Navy’s 70th anniversary with claims of four straight years of zero piracy incidents, crediting the Deep Blue program and new C4i-style coordination, while officials also urged West Africa to modernise ports for bigger ships. Ebola Alarm in the Region: The world is still focused on the fast-moving Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo—WHO says it’s a public health emergency over the “scale and speed,” with a rare strain and no targeted vaccine—while US travel restrictions and new cross-border concerns keep the pressure on. Guinea’s Climate-Urban Plan: A Guinean minister says housing and land policy must treat climate as a core input, not an afterthought.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: The WHO says the rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is spreading faster than expected, with at least 134 suspected deaths and 500+ suspected cases, and warns the “scale and speed” could be worse as urban spread and population movement complicate containment; Congo is also preparing to use an experimental approach while the virus has no approved vaccine or treatment for this strain. Cross-Border Alarm: The crisis is already reaching beyond Congo, with Uganda reporting linked cases and the US tightening entry rules after an American exposure, while WHO pushes for a coordinated international response. West Africa Spillover Watch: Ghana activates nationwide preparedness—port and border screening, health worker training, and public risk messaging—despite no confirmed cases. Migration Politics: Sierra Leone received a charter flight of nine deportees from the US, underscoring the widening third-country deportation pipeline across West Africa. Sports Focus: Nigeria’s Flamingos arrived in Abidjan for a Guinea showdown in the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: The WHO chief has warned of the “scale and speed” of a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, where deaths have climbed to at least 131 and suspected cases to 500+ as the virus appears to be spreading into more areas, with Uganda reporting confirmed cases and one death; officials say the outbreak has no approved medicines or vaccines, and health workers are racing to respond as the crisis threatens to outpace tracking. Ghana on High Alert: Ghana’s health ministry says it has activated nationwide preparedness—port and border screening, traveller monitoring, and training for rapid isolation and care—while stressing there are no confirmed cases yet. Maritime Push, Regional Spillover: In Nigeria, maritime officials and Dangote are advancing big port plans—NIMASA touts years of reduced piracy risk, while Dangote begins community engagement for the Olokola Deep Seaport and talks of refinery listing to draw investors. Diplomacy Watch: Haiti officially reopened its embassy in Benin, signaling renewed ties across West Africa.

Ebola Alarm in DR Congo: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus says he is “deeply concerned” about the “scale and speed” of a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, after Congo reported at least 134 suspected deaths and 500+ suspected cases. Health workers say the virus likely spread undetected for weeks after early testing targeted the wrong Ebola type, with cases emerging in urban areas, healthcare worker deaths, and heavy population movement. WHO says patient zero is not confirmed and an emergency committee is meeting as Congo prepares for possible vaccine use while no approved Bundibugyo medicines or vaccines exist. West Africa Watch: Ghana has activated nationwide preparedness—port and border screening, traveller monitoring, and public guidance—despite reporting no suspected or confirmed cases. Maritime Politics, Separate Track: In Nigeria, Dangote is pushing ahead with community engagement for the Olokola Deep Seaport as regional port investment talks highlight a broader push to expand West and Central Africa’s trade capacity.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: The WHO is sounding the loudest warning yet as DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak climbs to 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases, with officials admitting the virus may have spread faster than first thought and that early testing may have missed the right strain. Cross-border Pressure: Uganda reports two confirmed cases and one death, while the WHO plans an emergency committee meeting and the U.S. tightens travel screening for people arriving from affected areas. Local Fear and Spread Risks: Residents in Ituri describe a “cascade of deaths,” including links to a major funeral gathering, and experts warn containment will be hard in conflict zones with movement between cities. Guinea Spotlight: In Conakry’s region, Guinea’s PM hailed Mamadi Doumbouya’s Babacar Ndiaye Trophy as proof of Africa’s big infrastructure push, including Simandou’s rail and port vision. Maritime Momentum: Nigeria’s port expansion drive is also back in focus, with officials citing deep-sea projects across West and Central Africa.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: Congo is opening three new Ebola treatment centres in Ituri as WHO sends experts, after a rare Bundibugyo strain has killed nearly 120 and pushed deaths and suspected cases higher across eastern Congo and into Uganda—while the US moves to tighten travel screening and coordinate safe withdrawals for exposed Americans. Health Response Under Strain: Reports point to earlier missed detection as tests targeted the wrong strain, leaving health teams “playing catch-up” amid conflict and population movement. Regional Spillover Warnings: An Ebola expert urges Britain to keep a “watchful eye” on travellers, as border screening ramps up. Food Pressure at Home: Nigeria’s food inflation stays above 20% in 11 states, squeezing household purchasing power. Ports and Trade Bottlenecks: Dangote warns West and Central Africa face port shortages that can delay cargo discharge by weeks. Justice in Guinea: ECOWAS Court holds sensitisation and external sessions in Conakry, including a public legal clinic.

Global Health Emergency: The WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, with reports of at least 100 deaths and hundreds of suspected cases as the Bundibugyo strain—rare and lacking approved drugs or vaccines—spreads amid conflict and weak health access. Cross-Border Fallout: Uganda has confirmed cases, and the US says at least six Americans were exposed, with efforts underway to safely withdraw them. Containment Pressure: Health officials warn symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses and that healthcare transmission risks are rising, while the WHO stresses it’s not yet a “pandemic emergency.” West Africa Watch: In Nigeria, Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola opened a Port Management Association board meeting, flagging deep-seaport approvals and maritime reforms aimed at easing logistics bottlenecks. EU Migration Signal: Eurostat reports EU asylum applications fell in February, but pending cases are climbing—adding strain to decision systems.

Ebola Emergency: The WHO has declared the new Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo a public health emergency of international concern, warning it’s “of international concern” but not a pandemic emergency—while Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says he’s in “panic mode” over deaths and shortages of medicines and vaccines. Cross-Border Alarm: Suspected cases and at least one death have already reached neighbouring Uganda, and a confirmed case has been detected in Kinshasa, raising fears of wider spread. Deportation Pressure: Sierra Leone agreed to take up to 300 ECOWAS deportees per year from the US, with the first group due May 20—an arrangement that leaves unclear whether returnees can stay. Insurance Crunch: Nigerian insurers are scrambling for recapitalisation funds ahead of a July 31 deadline under the 2025 reform act. Maritime Security: A UK-linked maritime monitoring centre says calls about attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have surged, as shipping faces persistent threats.

Ebola Emergency: The WHO has declared the new Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, warning it doesn’t meet “pandemic emergency” criteria and urging countries not to close borders. Reports cite hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths, with a confirmed case now detected far away in Kinshasa and at least one related death in Uganda. Security & Counterterrorism: In a major US-Nigeria operation, President Trump says senior ISIS figure Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was killed in Sokoto, signaling deeper American counterterror reach in West Africa. Politics & Diplomacy: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu returned to Lagos after France, Kenya and Rwanda, pushing global finance reform and stronger African integration ahead of APC primaries. Connectivity in Guinea: Conakry is moving on MEDUSA’s submarine cable—Guinea and the project signed a construction and maintenance deal, setting up surveys and long-term operations. Maritime Watch: US Navy unmanned surface drills in Cameroon highlight intensifying maritime security cooperation across the region.

Maritime Security: Ghana’s Navy says it rescued seven suspected Ivorian stowaways from the rudder trunk of a Belgian crude oil tanker off Tema, after a distress alert relayed from Abidjan. Health Watch: Ebola is back in the spotlight: Africa CDC links 65 deaths to a new outbreak in eastern DR Congo’s Ituri, with 246 suspected cases and fears of spread amid insecurity and cross-border movement. Counterterrorism: US President Trump says a joint US-Nigerian strike in Sokoto killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s second-in-command, signaling deeper Western pressure on Sahel networks. Migration Pressure: Frontex reports a 78% drop in boat arrivals to the Canary Islands on the West Africa route this year, though officials warn May could bring a shift. Guinea Connectivity: Guinea moved forward on the MEDUSA submarine cable—its construction and maintenance deal was signed in Conakry, setting up surveys and a 25-year operations plan.

ISIS Strike: US and Nigerian forces killed senior ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a Sokoto operation, with Trump calling it a major blow to ISIS’s Africa network. Ebola Watch: A fresh Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri has been reported with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, while health workers fear the hardest work is still ahead amid insecurity and cross-border movement. Tinubu Returns Home: President Bola Tinubu landed in Lagos after a France-Kenya-Rwanda tour, pitching economic reforms, global finance changes, and Nigeria’s “blue economy” plans ahead of APC primaries. Connectivity Push: Guinea moved closer to the MEDUSA submarine cable landing after signing a Construction and Maintenance Agreement in Conakry. Migration Shift: Boat arrivals to Spain’s Canary Islands fell 78% in early 2026, though officials warn May could bring a rebound. Guinea-Nigeria Politics: Opposition in Sierra Leone raised concerns over alleged international drug-trafficking links, highlighting how regional security and governance narratives keep colliding.

APC Primaries & Diplomacy: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu touched down in Lagos at about 7:12 p.m. Friday after a 13-day push through France, Kenya and Rwanda, with the trip framed around investment marketing, economic reform, and a call for changes to the global financial system. He was received by Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other top officials, and is now set to take part in APC primaries starting Saturday—after urging party members to keep peace. Guinea Connectivity: In Conakry, Guinea moved closer to a second submarine cable landing as the MEDUSA Construction and Maintenance Agreement was signed, triggering marine surveys and 25 years of local operation and maintenance. Health Watch: Meanwhile, DR Congo confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Ituri with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases, with Uganda reporting a related death. Regional Economy: Nigeria’s inflation picture is mixed—food inflation eased to 16.06% in April, but headline inflation rose to 15.69%, keeping pressure on household costs.

Public Health Shock: Africa CDC says DR Congo’s new Ebola outbreak in Ituri has already produced 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, with lab tests finding Ebola in 13 of 20 samples and authorities racing to contain spread near Uganda and South Sudan amid insecurity and population movement. Health Policy Pressure: A Swiss study warns hantavirus may “hide” in semen for up to six years after recovery, raising the prospect of longer post-illness sexual precautions. Sports & National Pride: Nigeria’s D’Tigers appoint veteran NBA coach David Fizdale, setting a clear target of medals at the 2028 Olympics. Economic Diplomacy: At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, President Tinubu pushes deeper African economic integration and global financial reform, while also courting ports, power and mining investment. Guinea-Nigeria Ties: Tinubu invites Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya to visit Nigeria, with minerals and metals cooperation on the agenda. Regional Trade & Security: Nigeria also signals a shift to “ocean sovereignty,” tying maritime governance to investment and anti-piracy gains. West Africa Watch: Ghana’s mining lobby warns tax and royalty burdens are already pushing investors toward Côte d’Ivoire.

Coffee Value-Chain Push: Eight African countries met in Morocco to launch a regional plan to boost African control of coffee processing and exports, including a major research-center pledge from Nigeria’s AGARA. Guinea-Nigeria Diplomacy: At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, President Tinubu invited Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya to visit Nigeria, with both sides pointing to minerals and metals as the next big partnership lane. Ports and Investment: Tinubu’s team says he secured a fresh $600m investment commitment for Nigeria’s ports infrastructure from APM Terminals, as investor outreach stays central to the summit agenda. Human Rights Pressure: A new report warns that African human rights rulings are still not translating into real justice, with weak enforcement and fragmented systems leaving victims waiting. Public Health Alarm: A new finding says hantavirus can persist in semen for up to six years after recovery, raising long-term precaution questions. Security Tech: Nigeria’s defence ministry says it is moving to integrate AI and anti-drone tools to modernise border and urban security.