AGP Executive Report

ECOWAS Tobacco Policy Review: ECOWAS met in Conakry to reassess its 2017 excise duties directive as new nicotine products and illicit trade keep growing across West Africa. Court Action Over Cyber Fraud: Nigeria’s Access Bank asked a Lagos court to freeze accounts tied to an alleged N1.34bn unauthorised transfer, naming 71 banks and fintechs. Election Peace Push in Nigeria: Abdulsalami Abubakar’s National Peace Committee invited Omoyele Sowore and AAC leaders to sign a national peace accord ahead of 2027 campaigns. Pay-TV Legal Scrutiny: MultiChoice Nigeria’s EFCC petition against Moreplex TV is facing fresh questions after references to another pay-TV firm raised doubts about how the case was built. Osun Politics: Rauf Aregbesola and lawmakers urged unity after Ademola Adeleke’s Osun re-election, while APC mulls tribunal action. DR Congo Ebola Update: Reports say DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is now the country’s deadliest, with deaths doubling in weeks. Zambia Vote Count: Hakainde Hichilema leads in Zambia’s election with results pointing to a likely second term. Human Rights in Senegal: Senegalese authorities reportedly used forced anal examinations in an online fraud case, including against women. Kenya Competition Case: Kenya’s regulator wants EABL to set aside up to KSh15bn before Diageo’s stake sale to Asahi can proceed.**

Ebola Crisis in DRC: The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths rising to 2,325 and confirmed cases reaching 4,945. Coastal Erosion in Nigeria: In Ayetoro, Ondo State, families are literally rebuilding on land being swallowed by the Atlantic, as erosion averages 15 metres of coastline loss per year (1987–2022). Osun Election Fallout (Nigeria): INEC declared Ademola Adeleke (Accord Party) winner of Osun’s governorship poll, with APC vowing to review results and pursue legal options. Tax and Transparency (Nigeria): Nigeria’s Tax Ombud is set to launch a Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and Obligations, while EITI validation assessors praised improved extractives disclosures. Anti-Corruption/Detention Rights (Nigeria): Ex-Kaduna governor El-Rufai filed a N10bn fundamental rights suit against ICPC over alleged denial of family access. Migration Pressure at Ceuta (Spain/Morocco): Hundreds of migrants protested in Ceuta demanding asylum as Morocco tightens border security and Spain warns against mass entry attempts. Liberia Health & Alcohol Policy: Liberia’s University of Liberia faces urgent repair delays, and the Liberia Alcohol Policy Alliance renewed calls for stronger alcohol-control legislation. Regional Security (Sudan/AU): The African Union Peace and Security Council rejected foreign interference in Sudan and warned against parallel governments, urging dialogue and reconciliation.

Zambia Elections: Observers say Zambia’s election week was marred by intimidation, violence and abductions, with vote counting briefly suspended after reports of attacks on polling staff and missing ballot papers; counting later resumed after the electoral commission said the security threat was contained. Sudan Dialogue: Sudan’s PM Kamil Idris says a Sudan-led national dialogue will start soon to push reconciliation, constitutional reconstruction and free elections, while insisting the SAF and RSF won’t be put on equal footing and warning against foreign interference. Osun Vote Fallout (Nigeria): Nigeria’s Osun governorship race ends with Ademola Adeleke winning 511,067 votes, but disputes continue: the APC says it will pursue legal options, while SERAP and the ADC demand INEC/EFCC/ICPC probe alleged vote-buying, violence and an alleged four-hour IReV upload halt. Migration Pressure (Ceuta): Hundreds of migrants protest in Spain’s Ceuta, demanding asylum instead of return to Morocco as security crackdowns and arrests follow the earlier mass crossing. Benue Attacks: Suspected herdsmen attacked multiple Benue communities, killing residents and injuring others, as security teams assess casualties. Drug Bust (Lagos): NDLEA arrests a man at Lagos airport with cocaine hidden in bag walls and seizes a large codeine syrup stockpile in a separate raid.

Osun Governorship Race: Nigeria’s INEC began official collation after Saturday voting, with Accord Party’s Ademola Adeleke building a commanding lead on IReV as results from thousands of polling units were uploaded; observers and EU-linked monitors still flagged violence, vote-trading and irregularities, including dozens of security incidents. Zambia Election Tensions: International observers said Zambia’s presidential vote counting was disrupted by violence and reports of intimidation and abductions, with counting suspended briefly before resuming. Ceuta Migration Crackdown: Morocco intercepted at least 294 migrants and arrested 111 as hundreds tried to reach Spain’s Ceuta enclave, using tear gas to disperse groups near Fnideq. Sahel Lithium and Conflict: A report warns armed groups are exploiting the lithium rush across the Sahel, entangling extraction with insurgency and smuggling amid weak governance. Niger Refining Push: Niger signed a deal for a 100,000-bpd refinery in Dosso under a build-operate-transfer structure, aiming to become a regional energy hub. Ethiopia Rights Alarm: An Ethiopian opposition coalition condemned the reported extrajudicial killing of three young people accused of militia links, calling for an independent investigation. Sierra Leone Drug Seizures: Authorities destroyed 396 cartons of tramadol seized at Freetown’s port as part of tighter maritime anti-trafficking controls.

Ceuta Border Crackdown: Morocco says it foiled a fresh mass attempt to cross into Spain’s enclave of Ceuta, with around 300 migrants gathering near Fnideq and police using tear gas; at least 111 people were arrested, including 109 sub-Saharan Africans, as Spain boosts troops and barriers after the July surge that left dozens dead. Osun Election Watch: Nigeria’s Osun governorship vote saw early turnout and mostly orderly polling in some areas, but violence and intimidation fears persist, including Ejigbo disruptions that sent voters fleeing, allegations of denied tags for party agents, and EU observers reporting hundreds of electoral offences plus security incidents. Court Battle Over 2027: Atiku’s lawsuit seeking Tinubu’s disqualification over alleged certificate discrepancies faces scepticism from activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam, who calls it “dead on arrival,” warning the case could further erode public trust if justice isn’t seen as impartial. Borno Security Update: Nigeria’s Operation Hadin Kai says troops repelled an ISWAP assault on a Borno forward base near Biu, killing scores of attackers and recovering weapons. Sudan Dialogue Move: Abdel Fattah al-Burhan pledges temporary immunity and legal protections for participants in a national dialogue, suspending criminal proceedings during talks. Women in Food Systems: A new push highlights how women farmers’ land, finance and decision-making power are key to stabilising Africa’s food systems and resilience.

Kenya Foreign Troops Debate: A new US report claims China may be courting Kenya for a military base, while Beijing rejects it as Cold War scare tactics, renewing questions about foreign security roles on Kenyan soil. Somalia Power Tensions: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Dhusamareb includes a Somali National Army troop commissioning, while Puntland puts its forces on full alert over fears of unrest around Galkayo. Nigeria Election Court Battle: Atiku Abubakar and the ADC have filed in Nigeria’s Federal High Court to block Tinubu’s 2027 run, alleging NYSC certificate forgery and seeking disqualification. Osun Poll Readiness: Yiaga Africa says preparations for Saturday’s Osun governorship election are broadly on track but flags BVAS fingerprint/face recognition glitches and last-minute ballot reprints as major risks. Cameroon Press Freedom: CPJ calls for the release of journalist George Atabong Lekeaka, held incommunicado after publishing a photo related to Anglophone unrest. Ceuta Border Crackdown: Spain and Morocco beef up security around Ceuta after a July mass crossing, as Amnesty presses Spain for answers over possible summary returns. Digital Policy Push: Cameroon and Burundi experts urge stronger tech-sector rules and “digital freedom” to unlock innovation, jobs and prosperity. Road Safety Reform (Kenya): Parliament backs a bill requiring dedicated cyclist and pedestrian infrastructure on designated roads. Religious Violence (Nigeria): Reports say Fulani herdsmen killed at least 31 Christians in central Nigeria’s Plateau area. US-Nigeria Rights Talks: The US and Nigeria review progress on Nigeria’s CPC status, focusing on protecting Christians, accountability for violence, and military cooperation. Namibia-Cuba Stance: Namibia calls for the complete lifting of the US embargo on Cuba, citing UN principles and harm to ordinary people.

Nigeria–China Trade & Exports: Nigeria is being urged to quickly fix production and export capacity as China’s zero-tariff regime opens a fresh $18bn trade window, with officials also pushing swift rollout of the Nigeria–China aquatic products protocol for more foreign exchange. Osun Election Watch: President Tinubu has charged INEC and security agencies to deliver a peaceful, transparent governorship poll, while EU observers and civil society groups press for credibility and action against vote-buying. Court Battle Over 2027 Eligibility: Atiku Abubakar and the ADC have filed in Nigeria’s courts seeking Tinubu’s disqualification over an alleged forged NYSC discharge certificate, with the dispute now also spilling into a petition to the EU Commission. Zambia Vote Counting Resumes: Zambia’s electoral commission restarted presidential and parliamentary ballot counting after a suspension over violence and stolen ballot papers, with results expected soon. DRC Ebola Escalation: Ebola has spread to a sixth province in eastern DR Congo, raising fears it could reach Kinshasa as authorities say isolation and lab response are ready. Anti-Corruption Push: Nigeria’s labour movement and trade union leaders call kleptocracy and illicit financial flows “acts of war,” demanding whistleblower protection, stronger anti-graft institutions, and specialised anti-corruption courts. Legal/Justice Developments: Nigeria’s constitutional court halted offshore oil and gas exploration along South Africa’s Wild Coast, citing unlawful permitting and the need for public participation.

Uganda Tax Relief: Uganda’s Ministry of Finance asked Parliament to approve Shs27.78bn in tax waivers for Fresh Cuts Uganda (Shs8.92bn) and New Plan Uganda (Shs18.86bn), citing distress after unpaid VAT and contract terminations, with Fresh Cuts described as having negative net worth and heavy debts. DR Congo Ebola Response: In Ituri, a key Ebola treatment centre in Nizi was temporarily shut after a strike over unpaid wages, as WHO warns the outbreak could last up to 12 months in a worst case. Nigeria Education Funding: South Africa’s NSFAS “missing-middle” loans are moving too slowly: 53,575 applied in 2026, but only 3,102 were assessed eligible, with officials stressing that eligibility does not yet mean disbursement. West Africa Women in Politics: ECOWAS stakeholders met in Abuja to push for stronger representation of women in political leadership after a regional declaration, highlighting how women remain underrepresented at decision tables. Lagos Music & Culture: Wizkid will headline the opening night of Detty December Fest 2026 in Lagos on Dec 18, with the 13-day event running to Dec 30. Osun Election Watch: Nigeria’s Osun governorship race is set for Aug 15 amid defections, court fights and violence concerns, with calls for voters to go to the polls without fear. Sudan Conflict Claims: Reuters reports alleged UAE logistical support for RSF atrocities in Sudan, including arms and equipment transport via regional airport networks. Gabon Media Crackdown: Rights groups urged Gabon to reinstate Info241 after its suspension over comments relayed about President Brice Oligui Nguema.

Solar Eclipse Watch: Spain saw its first total solar eclipse since 1905, with a Kuwaiti-Spanish team in Segovia using telescopes and live Arabic-Spanish outreach to study the corona and share the science. Togo Culture & Books: Lomé Youth Book Fair (SALIJEL) returns Oct 14–17 with 30 exhibitors across West Africa, pushing children’s books as a driver of cultural cooperation. Cameroon Food & Records: Chef “Mommy Van” says Guinness World Records has approved her for an official marathon cooking attempt, framed as a showcase of Cameroonian culinary heritage. Women’s Rights & Health: Central/East Africa rights groups and WFAC move toward formal partnership with a focus on gender equality, healthcare information, and tackling community stereotypes. Nigeria Policing Bill: Nigeria’s Presidential Working Group extends submissions on the National Policing Bill to Aug 21, aiming for broader stakeholder input and rights safeguards. Osun Election Tensions: Yiaga Africa warns of security threats, BVAS technical issues, vote-buying and inflammatory rhetoric ahead of Aug 15 polls. FIFA Crisis in Africa: CAF boss Patrice Motsepe says Infantino’s fate should be decided by FIFA elections, not extra process. Zambia Votes: Zambians cast ballots in presidential, parliamentary and local elections as Hichilema seeks a second term on economic recovery. Public Health Agenda: Africa CDC opens the call for abstracts and reviewers for CPHIA 2026, focused on health security and sovereignty.

Zambia Election Pressure: U.S. senators warned President Hakainde Hichilema over actions they say are meant to undermine Zambia’s August 13 polls, urging a peaceful, fair vote. Ghana U-20 AFCON Readiness: Ghana’s NSA Yaw Ampofo Ankrah admitted no stadium currently meets CAF standards for the 2027 U-20 AFCON, with funding still being discussed. Nigeria Arms Crackdown: Nigeria Customs seized 399 assembled Jojef pump-action rifles at Tin-Can Island Port, citing intelligence-led enforcement and cross-agency work to stop trafficking. DR Congo Ebola Alert: WHO says a new Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC is on track to become the deadliest in history, with hopes to slow spread within three months. North Africa Piracy Crackdown: Authorities shut down North Africa-based piracy sites distributing South Korean “K-content,” arresting one operator and citing tens of thousands of infringed works. Migration & Ceuta Security: Morocco says it tightened security at the Ceuta border after renewed online calls for mass crossings. Horn of Africa Focus: Eritrea’s Red Sea ports and regional diplomacy are highlighted as its strategic role grows amid Horn and Red Sea security competition. Kenya Mental Health Mission: A global mental health training and outreach programme reached Kitale, Kenya, building trauma-informed support through a symposium at Mount Kenya University.

Osun Election Tension: Nigeria’s Osun governorship race is drawing international pressure after human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju petitioned the US, UK and Canada to sanction Senator Francis Fadahunsi over alleged death threats to Accord Party members, as opposition leaders warn against militarising the vote and INEC glitches. Press Freedom in West Africa: The MFWA urged transitional and constitutional governments in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Guinea to end arbitrary arrests and prolonged pretrial detention of journalists and civil society actors. Climate Finance Push: ECOWAS is moving to unlock a $294bn climate-finance gap by validating a regional carbon market platform framework. Security and Justice: Ghana police say they’ve disbanded seven armed robbery syndicates in the Upper East Region, recovering multiple firearms. Wildlife Under Threat: Conservation groups warn Nigeria’s elephant numbers have fallen to about 400 in the wild, citing poaching, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Youth and Jobs: The UN’s ILO reports global youth unemployment rose to 12.4% and NEET climbed to 20%, with AI and weak job creation blamed.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: Confirmed Ebola deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo have crossed 2,000 as cases climb toward 4,500, with officials citing delayed detection, conflict and strained health services in the fastest-spreading outbreak on record. Osun Election Tensions: Nigeria’s August 15 Osun governorship race is heating up amid violence fears and election-technology disputes, including allegations that BVAS devices run on outdated Android 10. Osun Campaign Clash: Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju says ADC candidate Najeem Salam made “unimaginable promises” without clear plans, while other candidates trade attacks at town halls. Nigeria Offshore Investment Push: President Tinubu approved a rules-based deep offshore framework aimed at unlocking up to $50bn in stalled oil projects. Liberia Development Shift: UN officials urged Liberia to move from aid dependence to measurable results through stronger accountability and sustainable financing. Botswana Rail Deal: Businessman Shadrack Baaitse secured a new 25-year concession to expand Botswana Railways’ freight capacity after settlement talks over a cancelled contract. Namibia-Germany Reparations Fight: Amnesty International filed to join the legal battle over a proposed joint declaration on Nama/Ovaherero genocide reparations. Ghana Creative Festival: Ghana announced AFESTACC, a December 9-12 pan-African arts and culture event.

Abolition of Capital Punishment: Lebanon’s parliament has formally abolished the death penalty, replacing existing death sentences with life imprisonment and making the country the first in the Middle East to end capital punishment in law. WAFCON Focus: Malawi’s coach Fazili says the team will take its WAFCON semi-final “one step at a time” after qualifying for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Election Tech Scrutiny: Nigeria’s Atiku Abubakar warns INEC’s BVAS runs on outdated Android 10, arguing it raises cyber and operational risks ahead of 2027. Fuel Subsidy and Naira Claims: Omoyele Sowore says Nigeria is still subsidising petrol and “quietly” supporting the naira, vowing to restore subsidy if elected. Energy and Accountability: Uganda’s finance ministry faces fresh scrutiny after a Shs17.3bn accounting dispute tied to electrification funds, with investigations ordered. Health Crisis: DR Congo reports Ebola deaths have surpassed 2,000 as the outbreak spreads faster than before. Maritime Security: Ghana begins preparations for a new Maritime and Related Offences Bill to strengthen enforcement against maritime crimes. Culture and Heritage: Ghana and the EU launch the three-year Sankofa II project to protect forts and boost the cultural and creative industries. Sports and Tourism: Uganda Development Bank backs the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon with UGX 20m, linking sport to tourism growth.

Clean Energy & Minerals: Kigali hosted the Africa Australia Clean Energy Conference (Aug 6–7), pushing a “just inclusive transition” agenda around clean power, climate innovation and critical minerals. Regional Security Pact: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed a Makkah framework for joint defence, treating an attack on any signatory as an attack on all—an explicit response to Iran-linked threats. Wellness Workspaces: Kenya’s Workable became Africa’s first shared workspace operator to earn the WELL Coworking Rating, adding to its EDGE certification. US Visa Crackdown: The US State Department says it revoked 175,000+ visas under Trump, citing criminal activity and visa violations; the report highlights cases including assault and fraud. Nigeria Election Security: Osun State deployed 25,310 security personnel ahead of the Aug 15 governorship vote, with police, NSCDC and EFCC covering polling units and officials. Sudan Rights & Chemical Weapons Claims: A Sudan Coalition formed in Nairobi urges an independent probe into allegations of chlorine gas use in the civil war. FIFA Infantino Fallout: UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF issued an open letter attacking Infantino over a failed World Cup rights plan, calling for unity and an independent review. Kenya Athletics Bid: Nairobi submitted its formal bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, aiming to bring the event to Africa for the first time. Trade & Investment: Namibia and Uganda moved to deepen ties, with a Ugandan delegation exploring energy, agriculture, ICT and youth projects under AfCFTA.

Zambia Election Watch: With the Aug. 13 vote days away, Zambia’s race is tightening between President Hakainde Hichilema’s UPND and newcomer Brian Mundubile’s Tonse-Pamodzi alliance, as students and observers intensify activity and voters focus on the cost of living. Rights and Due Process: A rights-focused commentary warns Zambia’s democracy is slipping, alleging political detainees are being held without proper court process. Climate Diplomacy: African climate negotiators are meeting in Accra to lock in priorities for COP31, including finance, adaptation, just transition, technology transfer and Article 6 implementation. Nigeria Security: Nigerian troops under Operation HADIN KAI repelled an ISWAP attack on a Borno base in Gajiram, killing attackers and recovering weapons. Migration Pressure in Europe: Spain cancelled leave for troops in Ceuta amid fears of another migrant surge, while Ceuta’s leadership demands detention and faster expulsion for thousands still stranded. Public Health: US State Department says it revoked 175,000+ visas under Trump’s crackdown, citing crimes and visa violations. Civic Debate in Nigeria: Osun election coverage sparks protest after AAC says it was excluded from an Arise News town hall.

Education & Accountability: Ghana’s private schools (GNACOPS/GNAPS) have petitioned the Ministry of Education for an independent review of BECE assessment, moderation and marking after alleging recurring disparities affecting private candidates. Security in the Sahel/Lake Chad: Nigeria’s Operation HADIN KAI arrested two suspected ISWAP collaborators in Borno and recovered cash; separate reports also say airstrikes killed ISWAP fighters and a commander in the region. Digital Finance Regulation: Kenya’s regulator warns that SIMs are now a banking credential as fraud and scam complaints tied to mobile money and digital financial services rise sharply. Politics & Elections: Nigeria’s 2027 race heats up with SERAP pushing candidates to declare assets and reject vote-buying, while INEC-related candidate submission deadlines and party disputes continue. Sports & Governance: Liberia’s Watanga FC rejects an LFA finding over CAF exclusion, disputing whether it received key emails before deadlines. Humanitarian & Rights: Kenya sees nine women released from Lang’ata prison after an NGO clears court fines, including an eight-month-old baby. Food Security: Tanzania is doubling down on edible oil self-sufficiency amid calls for “oil sovereignty” to cut import shocks.