AGP Executive Report

Deportation Safety in Equatorial Guinea: Police allegedly pulled guns on US third-country deportees in Malabo after a dispute over mobile phones, with witnesses and lawyers warning of security risks and poor access to care and legal help. Morocco–Sahara Diplomacy: Forty states renewed support for Morocco’s “full and complete sovereignty” over the Sahara, backing UN Security Council talks tied to Morocco’s autonomy plan and calling for Tindouf-camp return and integration. Human Rights Monitoring in Tindouf: NGOs urged independent oversight in Algeria’s Tindouf camps, alleging torture, racial discrimination and child recruitment. Kenya Court Challenge: A lawyer moved to stop a government directive targeting foreign small traders and hawkers, seeking urgent orders to prevent closures, confiscations and harassment. Kenya Emergency Spending Scrutiny: Kenya’s emergency spending hit Sh364.24bn over four years, raising concerns about misuse of constitutional emergency withdrawals. Africa–CARICOM Culture: St. Vincent and the Grenadines marked Africa/CARICOM Day with a culture-focused event highlighting shared heritage. Health & Food Debate: Nigeria-focused reporting reignited arguments over whether fortifying ultra-processed foods can tackle “hidden hunger” without worsening non-communicable disease burdens. AU Tax Cooperation: The AU and ATAF stepped up efforts to plug tax loopholes and strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation across Africa. GBV Funding Push: Southern African stakeholders called for stronger GBV implementation and financing as civic space shrinks.

Liberia Local Governance & Development: County Superintendents are being urged to drive grassroots progress in Education, Health, Roads, and Agriculture, turning national plans like the ARREST agenda into measurable local results. Liberia Economic Stability: Liberia met most WAMZ convergence targets for a second year, with inflation the last primary hurdle, as it moves toward full macroeconomic alignment. Liberia Digital Identity: A US$54.7m digital ID deal is signed but still waiting on legislative approval before implementation can start. Liberia Banking Risks: The Central Bank of Liberia will convene a national conference on non-performing loans to unlock credit and protect growth. Liberia Public Finance: A World Bank review projects Liberia could gain 3.9%–5.3% of GDP in fiscal space by 2030 if reforms stick. Ebola Response (DRC): In Ituri, Ebola burial teams say they’re at breaking point as workload rises and communities resist new safety rules. Kenya Elections & Justice: Kenya’s DPP approved graft charges over Sh330m CHAN funds, including former Sports PS Peter Kaberia. Kenya Migration Crackdown: Kenya begins enforcement of a crackdown on undocumented hawkers and small traders, offering a permit route for affected foreigners. Political Parties: Ethiopia will host the African Political Parties Summit in November, focusing on parties as architects of economic transformation. Rights & Democracy Debate: A new commentary argues treason charges across Africa are increasingly used against political opponents, raising questions about whether democracy is “on trial.” Trade & Market Access: Lesotho exporters get a reprieve as the US extends AGOA duty-free access to 2028. Sudan Conflict Accountability: A Sudanese coalition urges the UN to name countries backing the SAF and renew its fact-finding mission.

UN Map Reform: The UN General Assembly adopted Togo-backed “Correct the Map” to encourage more accurate, equal-area world maps that show Africa’s true size; 164 countries voted yes, with the U.S. the only no vote, and the resolution is non-binding. Migration Pressure at Ceuta: Spain says it has identified 2,000 migrant minors in Ceuta to speed family reunification and assisted returns after July’s mass entries, citing expanded triage capacity and staffing. Maternal Health in Namibia: Namibia’s Safe-Birth Africa Project is running a 3-day training (Sept 7–9) to help health workers respond faster to postpartum haemorrhage, supported by UNFPA and partners. Anti-graft in Nigeria: EFCC arraigned Osaretin Osagiede over alleged N700m fraud in Lagos, including bypassing bank 2FA and receiving stolen funds. Ghana Industry & Skills: Ghana’s Enterprises Agency and UNIDO held the 3rd Ghana National Kaizen Awards, spotlighting productivity and innovation, with winners set to qualify for the African Kaizen Awards. Politics & Security in Nigeria: Ex-DSS boss Lawal Daura explains leaving Nigeria’s ADC for the APM, while Kaduna’s former governor El-Rufai’s family gave Defence Minister Christopher Musa seven days to retract Southern Kaduna killing claims. Kenya Immigration Policy: Kenya offered a temporary amnesty for undocumented East Africans after Burundians rushed to register at Nairobi’s embassy amid fears of a crackdown on foreign traders.

World Map Vote: Eswatini backed the UN “Correct the Map” resolution, joining 164-1 support to replace the Mercator projection that many say has long distorted Africa’s size. Regional Diplomacy: Nigeria helped secure former Sierra Leone President Ernest Koroma’s safe return to Freetown after two years in Nigeria, citing ECOWAS-led confidence-building. El Niño Warning: A new El Niño forecast flags severe drought and food-risk scenarios for Sri Lanka, with knock-on pressure on foreign exchange and nutrition. Security & Governance: Liberia’s Jewel Howard-Taylor was released from pre-trial detention on medical grounds but placed under strict court-ordered confinement. Competition Watch: Ghana’s cement surcharge plan drew CUTS scrutiny over possible cartel-style coordination. Mining Prospects: Malawi’s rare-earth and critical-minerals push could boost growth, but experts warn of the wider Africa-wide risk of exporting raw value without local benefits. Immigration Rules (Kenya): Kenya reiterated foreigners need proper permits to work or trade, warning against misuse of visa-free entry.

UN Map Reform: The UN General Assembly backed a new “Equal Earth” projection to correct centuries of distorted world maps, with Africa appearing much larger; Togo led the African Group push and the resolution passed 164-1 (US opposed). Human Trafficking Fight: Nigeria’s NAPTIP and Next2None launched “Threads of Resilience: Fashion for Freedom,” an eight-year fashion-and-film campaign aimed at preventing exploitation and supporting survivors. Health: A CDC study warns a terbinafine-resistant ringworm fungus has been found in 29 countries as cases triple since 2022, with undercounting likely in parts of Africa. Sports Governance: FIFA confirmed Gianni Infantino will seek re-election in 2027 despite opposition. Economy & Debt: A new analysis highlights how debt servicing is squeezing African budgets and delaying benefits of reforms. Road Safety: Cape Verde’s Fogo Island bus crash killed at least 25, mostly teenagers. Migration Politics (Spain): Spain’s Ceuta crisis continues to fuel political blame games over Morocco’s role and EU border handling.

Niger Delta Tragedy: Nigeria’s Niger Delta mourns at least 37 deaths after people inhaled fumes while siphoning fuel from a pipeline, with many still missing, highlighting the deadly scale of illegal oil theft. Election Security: Nigeria’s INEC and police warn they will sanction politicians for threatening or inflammatory statements ahead of 2027, as civil society pushes for real prosecutions, not just warnings. Constitutional Tension: Nigeria’s opposition “one-term, four-year” presidential candidate plan for 2027 faces legal doubts, with experts saying it lacks a binding constitutional basis. Governance Tech: Ghana’s Good Governance Africa launches a digital platform for citizens to report local service delivery problems and track follow-up actions. Health System Strain (Malawi): Malawi faces scrutiny over worsening conditions in major referral hospitals alongside a controversial NOCMA payment tied to alleged cyber-fraud. UN Map Reform: The UN General Assembly backs a new “Equal Earth” world map showing Africa’s true size, with the US the only country voting against. Child Marriage Push: India co-sponsors a UNGA resolution making Nov 27 an annual day to end child, early and forced marriage.

UN Map Reform: The UN General Assembly backed the “Correct the Map” push, adopting the Equal Earth projection to show Africa’s true relative size, with the US the only country voting against. Migration and Rights: A viral video from Ceuta shows migrants allegedly beating a baby dolphin calf, sparking outrage and calls for arrests. South Sudan Crisis: South Sudan declared an “unprecedented” drought emergency after a deadly attack on a military base in Warrap killed 16 personnel and four civilians, raising election-season tensions. AI and Development: Ethiopia says it has built globally competitive AI capabilities, with IGAD pointing to regional cooperation to scale AI in agriculture, healthcare, education and finance. Debt and Reparations Push: Youth leaders in Ghana renewed calls for debt cancellation and reparations framed around equal rights and sovereignty, not charity. Anti-Money Laundering: Tanzania reported progress strengthening laws and institutions against money laundering and terrorism financing, while noting remaining legal gaps. Politics and Courts (Nigeria): Atiku vowed to probe ₦33.75bn cash transfer funds after an audit raised questions about whether money reached beneficiaries; meanwhile, an Oyo ADC governorship ticket dispute heads to court. Culture and Trade: Nigeria’s Alake unveiled an Adire Hub to train artisans and expand global marketing of the indigenous textile.

UN Map Reform: The UN General Assembly backed an African-led resolution to “Correct the Map,” endorsing the Equal Earth equal-area projection that makes Africa look larger and North America and Europe smaller; 164 countries voted yes, the US voted no, and six abstained. Child Protection Online: UNICEF flagged Kenya’s WhatsApp and Facebook as leading platforms for reported online sexual abuse of children, urging stronger safeguards, safer privacy settings, and better reporting and enforcement. Tunisia Press Freedom: Tunisian authorities detained journalist Mohamed Yousfi ahead of a radio interview, with rights groups warning of shrinking civic space. Kenya Health Policy: Kenya’s universal health reforms face scrutiny after the Social Health Insurance Act replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund, expanding contributions to more people. Nigeria Politics & Courts: In Osun, FCT minister Nyesom Wike alleged behind-the-scenes political pressure after the election; meanwhile, Nigeria’s EFCC arraigned suspects in a Lagos fraud case. Sports Governance: African football leaders say FIFA leadership disputes should not derail development priorities as the Infantino governance row continues. Diplomacy: Türkiye named new ambassadors across 12 countries, including postings tied to Africa.

UN Map Overhaul: The UN General Assembly backed an African-led resolution to “correct the map,” adopting the Equal Earth projection after 164 votes in favour, with the AU calling it a historic fix to long-standing distortions of Africa’s size. Child Marriage Push: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio won UN support for an International Day on November 27 to end child, early and forced marriage, with 65 co-sponsors backing the resolution. Sierra Leone Digital IDs: Sierra Leone plans to digitize passport services and expand diaspora access abroad, including an online application system and free Wi‑Fi/document-scanning support at selected centres. Nigeria Politics & Courts: Kaduna’s El-Rufai remains in detention for 200 days, with Atiku’s ADC camp calling it political persecution, while a separate case challenges an NDC governorship primary result in Delta. Kaduna Economy: Kaduna State says it has climbed to second in Nigeria’s ease-of-doing-business ranking, citing security, mining reforms and a planned AFC-backed investment. Drug Bust Abroad: US CBP seized over 4,000 pounds of khat at Atlanta’s airport, including shipments linked to Nigeria. Regional Peace Agenda: Cameroon’s envoy Dion Ngute urged stronger conflict prevention and early warning systems at a 21st AU extraordinary session in Angola. Sports & Culture: Daniel Amokachi earned a CAF A coaching licence in Morocco; Ghana’s KNUST is exploring Czech partnerships in cybersecurity and tech.

Women, Peace & Security: India’s ambassador to Liberia delivered a report to ex-President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on the 2007–2016 Indian all-women UNMIL police unit, highlighting its role in Liberia’s post-war security reform and women’s participation in peacekeeping. Rule of Law & Justice: Liberia’s justice leadership spotlight grows as Justice Minister/AG nominee Betty Lamin-Blamo faces high-stakes drug-trafficking probes that could reach powerful figures. Anti-Drug Crackdown: Nigeria’s NDLEA says international cartels are trying to set up meth labs in Ogun and Oyo forests, linking efforts to Mexican networks. Regional Politics: Nigeria rejects claims it backed a Niger coup attempt, reiterating support for constitutional order. ECOWAS Fallout: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger’s ECOWAS exit is said to have weakened integration and border cooperation, with the Sahel bloc now rivaling ECOWAS. Slave-Trade Memory & Reparations: Ghana’s VP calls for forts and castles tied to the transatlantic slave trade to be preserved and “honestly interpreted,” while also pushing accurate classroom teaching of slavery history. Digital Finance Push: Nigeria’s VP adviser urges the country to lead Africa in digital finance, tokenised assets and cross-border settlement. Energy Data Deal: Nigeria and the IEA sign a joint work programme to improve energy data and evidence-based policy. UN Reform: UNGA President Baerbock says Security Council reform options are on the table, with strong calls for African representation. Nigeria Politics: Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu dismisses 2027 fuel-subsidy restoration promises as empty campaign rhetoric. Security & Health: Nigeria’s Army chief backs public-private partnerships to modernise Army hospitals and roll out digital health solutions.

Canary Islands Migration Rescue: Spain says at least five migrants died and dozens more were feared dead after a boat carrying West Africans drifted near the Canary Islands; 44 were rescued and reported dehydration and weeks at sea. Kenya Crackdown on Informal Trade: President William Ruto ordered foreigners running small businesses and hawking to close from next week, saying Kenya must protect local traders while welcoming investors who create jobs. Nigeria Oil Theft Deaths: An NGO reports 37 deaths in Rivers State after people inhaled fumes during fuel siphoning from a pipeline, with many missing. Mali Security Court Case: A military court in Bamako sentenced former colonel Alpha Yaya Sangaré to 20 years for a book critical of army abuses, charging treason and undermining state security. Zambia Justice vs UN Criticism: A political party rejected a UN special rapporteur’s comments on treason cases, insisting Zambia has no “political prisoners” and that courts should decide. Ghana Family Planning Funding: Sokoto’s governor’s wife pledged to push for timely release of N150m counterpart funds for family planning, after UNFPA advocacy. AI Skills for Media: MTN Ghana trained journalists and CSOs on responsible AI use, including practical tools for research and content work. Elections Integrity Push (Nigeria): A Nigerian social-political think tank urged citizens and parties to protect 2027 vote integrity, not leave it to INEC alone. FIFA vs UEFA Legal Fight: FIFA accused UEFA of a “smear campaign” in a dispute over Infantino’s commercial rights plan, escalating a court battle.

AU Election Support: The African Union urged donors to close South Sudan’s election funding gap, warning of “significant funding and administrative shortfalls” as December polls near and the NEC still faces a large shortfall. Regional Peace Talks: The AU also called on South Sudan leaders to resume direct political dialogue without preconditions, pushing for faster security reforms and the Hybrid Court and Truth, Reconciliation and Healing bodies. Kenya Governance & Revenue: Uganda’s local governments are unlikely to hit a Shs1 trillion revenue target, with experts pointing to legal, technical and administrative bottlenecks. Kenya Courts & Transport Rules: Kenya’s High Court blocked parts of the 18% ride-hailing commission cap and ordered fresh public participation and regulatory review. South Africa Politics in Court: Ramaphosa’s lawyers argued that even if the Phala Phala panel was wrong, there was no bad faith—setting up a major constitutional fight. Digital Rights: UNICEF estimates about 20 million children across 21 countries faced online sexual abuse or exploitation in a year, mostly via social media. Tech & Economy: X is shifting US creator payouts to X Money, while Vertiv agreed to buy a US microgrid firm to help data centres manage power constraints. Culture & Identity: Sao Tome’s Tchiloli theatre keeps a centuries-old justice-themed tradition alive, blending medieval European drama with African audiences. Drug Enforcement: NDLEA chief Buba Marwa urged financial crackdowns on drug cartels, targeting financiers and asset networks, not just couriers.

Ebola in Congo: The outbreak’s death toll has passed 3,000, with 6,186 confirmed cases reported since WHO declared it a global health emergency in May, as vaccine deployment continues in trials. Measles surge: WHO estimates nearly 11 million measles infections in 2026, with falling vaccination rates driving outbreaks and higher risks for undernourished children. Zambia rights pressure: A UN rights expert urged Zambia to free political detainees after arrests and alleged intimidation following a disputed election, warning civic space is shrinking. Uganda oil branding: Uganda named its crude blend “Pearl Sweet,” aiming for first commercial exports by end-September as production ramps up. Nigeria health and tech: Eye-care stakeholders called for more investment and digital tools to tackle cataract backlogs and other vision problems, including tele-ophthalmology. Maritime push: Lagos hosts LIMWEEK 2026 to move Africa’s blue economy from policy to deals on shipping, ports and security. Culture and governance: Ghana’s Asantehene says culture must not be treated as mere entertainment, arguing it shapes governance and social life. International justice row: The US renewed efforts to dismantle the International Criminal Court, arguing overreach while critics warn of weakening global accountability.

Nigeria Courtroom Politics: A federal judge in Abuja warned lawyers against discussing Atiku’s suit over Tinubu’s 2027 eligibility on social media, as the case was postponed to Sept 28 after service issues. Anti-Corruption Leadership: ECOWAS appointed Gambian economist Mam Cherno Jallow as GIABA Director-General, aiming to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing across West Africa. Financial Inclusion Push: FirstBank says it is disbursing over N1bn in digital loans daily, citing faster access to credit for salary earners and small businesses. Human Rights & Displacement: Amnesty reports drought-driven Angolan displacement into Namibia is linked to harsh treatment and forced returns, especially affecting women and children. Regional Governance: Guinea-Bissau voters approved a referendum expanding presidential powers ahead of a December election. Security Transition in Somalia: Somalia’s National Security Adviser says AU troop drawdowns will be gradual and tied to Somali readiness against al-Shabab. Cybercrime Threat: Ghana police warn AI is powering cybercrime, with reported losses climbing amid rising digital payments.

Zambia’s Election Fallout: Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term after a disputed August vote, with his main rival detained and election observers raising concerns about tallying and intimidation. Constitutional Power Shift: Guinea-Bissau approved a new constitution in a referendum, expanding presidential powers and cutting parliament seats, while the main opposition boycotted. NAM at 65: President John Dramani Mahama pushed for stronger coordination among Non-Aligned Movement members as the bloc marks its 65th anniversary in Belgrade. Migration and Abuse in Ceuta: Spain’s Ceuta has seen a spike in sexual assaults after a migrant surge, with prosecutors reporting cases involving children and victims reluctant to report. Diplomacy Watch: China’s Xi Jinping arrived in Egypt to deepen ties as the Middle East recalibrates after the Iran war. Security and Terror Links: US officials warn of a growing Houthi–al-Shabaab alliance that could threaten shipping in the Gulf of Aden. Legal Battles in Nigeria: Courts adjourned Atiku Abubakar’s challenge to Tinubu’s 2027 eligibility over service issues, while DSS moves to pause Sowore’s prosecution until after the election. Health and Rights: Ghana launched a plastic/reconstructive surgery association to expand specialist care, and Northern Ghana trained OTC medicine sellers to spot early breast cancer signs. Sports Politics: FIFA’s abandoned plan to sell part of World Cup commercial rights drew fresh backlash, with an investor saying it misread football’s political dynamics. Back-to-School Basics: A guide urged families to prepare kids for school with culture, sleep, and food—small steps, big impact.

Food Security Push: Major development banks and IFIs back a coordinated plan to boost fertilizer production, storage and transport, aiming to protect smallholder farmers from future supply shocks and improve soil health and resilient food systems. Anti-Corruption Court: Uganda’s Shs60b fraud case returns to court with fresh pleas set for Oct 12 after defense complains about delayed evidence disclosure. Liberia Governance & Church: Liberia’s Anti-Corruption Commission marks 18 years urging prevention, prosecution and asset recovery; meanwhile Liberia hosts an Africa College of Bishops calling for deeper ecumenical action on education, health and peacebuilding. Nigeria Politics & Fuel: Opposition parties in Abuja agree structured talks toward a 2027 consensus candidate and a single-term transition charter; NNPC also raises petrol prices, with Lagos and Abuja among the hardest hit. Zambia Transition: Zambia’s president-elect Hakainde Hichilema is sworn in for a second term as rival Brian Mundubile faces treason detention, raising due-process concerns. Rights & Justice: Nigeria moves to decriminalise attempted suicide, while the EFCC reports major recoveries and convictions under Ola Olukoyede.