AGP Executive Report

Refugee Repatriation Talks: Cameroon, CAR and UNHCR met in Yaoundé to relaunch voluntary returns, aiming for safe, dignified reintegration; officials said over 28,000 CAR refugees have returned since 2019 and about 27,000 are expected this year. Security and Mediation in CAR: A priest, Fr Crépin Martial Monga, was shot dead in Zémio, where he coordinated local peace and reconciliation efforts—an alarming blow to dialogue work amid ongoing rebel-government violence. Wagner Remnants Drug Trade: The Wall Street Journal reports Wagner-linked networks in CAR’s upper Ubangi basin are running a tramadol trafficking operation, reportedly tied to gold mining and presidential-guard-linked influence. Health in the Region: Chad completed a major polio vaccination push, reaching over 7 million children, while DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak continues to spread to new provinces, raising fears for cross-border risk. Money Moves Faster: BEAC has joined PAPSS, linking CEMAC countries—including CAR—to instant payments across Africa. Trade Disruption in Cameroon: Douala’s main port resumed operations after a bulker and cargo ship collision, a reminder of how quickly regional transit routes can be hit.

Voluntary Repatriation: Cameroon and the Central African Republic, with UNHCR, have relaunched voluntary returns for CAR refugees, with a Tripartite Commission working session set for July 14 in Yaoundé to finalize practical return arrangements. Security & Local Governance: In Western Equatoria, the new Ezo County commissioner was urged to tighten border security and settle disputes among traditional leaders, as insecurity and confusion over chiefs’ roles continue along routes bordering the DRC and CAR. CAR Crime & Illicit Trade: A Wall Street Journal report says remnants of Russia’s Wagner network in CAR have built a tramadol trafficking operation—linked to gold mining and presidential-guard influence—using drugs smuggled via the Ubangi River. Health Watch (Regional): The DRC Ebola outbreak has spread to two more provinces, Haut-Uele and Tshopo, bringing confirmed cases to 1,926, with 702 deaths—raising cross-border concern for CAR’s neighbors. Public Health (CAR): A study in JAMA Network Open warns that antibiotic-resistant UTIs are rising across several African countries including CAR, stressing the need for stronger monitoring and treatment guidance. Visa Rules: Ethiopia published an updated list of countries eligible for tourist visas on arrival, including CAR, while the UK also reaffirmed visa requirements for CAR nationals visiting for under six months.

Wagner-linked drugs in CAR: The Wall Street Journal reports that remnants of Russia’s Wagner network—about 500 fighters led by Pavel Prigozhin—are running a tramadol trafficking empire in the upper Ubangi River basin, shipping pills from India via the DRC and selling them across the Central African Republic, with profits tied to gold mining and influence. Security and peace efforts hit by violence: A priest, Fr Crépin Martial Monga, was shot and killed in the Diocese of Bangassou after coordinating local peace and reconciliation work, raising fresh alarm over CAR’s fragile security. CAR health watch: A study in JAMA Network Open finds rising antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infections across six African countries, including CAR, warning that first-line treatments are becoming less reliable. Regional health pressure (DRC Ebola spillover): In neighbouring DRC, Ebola has spread to two more provinces—Haut-Uele and Tshopo—bringing confirmed cases to 1,926, as health authorities push to expand response zones. Diplomacy and travel: The UK updated its visitor visa list, adding that Central African Republic nationals need visas for short stays under six months.

Ebola Cross-Border Alarm: The DRC Ebola outbreak has spread to two more northeastern provinces, Haut-Uele and Tshopo, pushing confirmed cases to 1,926 with 702 deaths, as health authorities move to treat the new areas as part of the epidemic zone. CAR Security and Peace Efforts: In CAR’s southeast, a Catholic priest, Fr Crépin Martial Monga, was shot dead near his home in Zémio, where he led a local peace and reconciliation committee and worked closely with both communities and authorities. Wagner Aftermath and Drugs: A Wall Street Journal report says remnants of Russia’s Wagner network in CAR are running a tramadol trafficking operation along the upper Ubangi River, using profits to sustain influence and mining activities. Regional Power and Influence: Russia says it will propose a new “economic architecture” for Africa ahead of the Russia-Africa summit in late October, aiming to expand trade and investment in areas like food security, energy, and digital infrastructure. Travel Rules Affecting CAR: The UK updated its visitor visa national list on July 1, 2026, adding Central African Republic among 52 African countries whose citizens must secure visas in advance for stays under six months.

Priest Murder Sparks Peace Alarm in CAR: A Catholic priest, Fr Crépin Martial Monga, was shot and killed near his home in Zémio (Haut-Mbomou) on 29 June. He had led local peace and reconciliation efforts through the CLPR, mediating between communities, civil authorities and rebel leaders, and was remembered for helping shelter thousands of refugees at the mission. Wagner Remnants Run Tramadol Drug Empire: The Wall Street Journal reports that former Wagner fighters in CAR’s upper Ubangi/Oubangui basin are building a lucrative tramadol trafficking network, led by Pavel Prigozhin, with about 500 fighters still operating. The opioid trade is said to fund gold and forest exploitation and spread through smuggling routes via the DRC. MINUSCA Tightens Security After Border Attack: MINUSCA says it is stepping up security at its Am Dafock base in the northeast after a coordinated assault involving Sudan’s RSF and CAR rebels left civilians displaced and peacekeepers wounded. Cholera Hits Bangui and Spreads: CAR health officials report 27 cholera deaths and 253 cases in two weeks, with outbreaks centered in Bimbo and spreading to multiple Bangui districts. Ebola Response Training Expands Regionally: MSF is training health workers in Kenya for deployments to the fast-growing Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, where cases have surged and health workers are among those affected.

Wagner-linked drugs: The Wall Street Journal reports that remnants of Russia’s Wagner Group in the Central African Republic run a tramadol trafficking network along the upper Ubangi River, allegedly smuggling pills from India via the DRC and distributing them across CAR and beyond; the operation is said to be led by Pavel Prigozhin and overseen by about 500 fighters, with profits tied to gold and mining activities. Security & displacement: MINUSCA says it is tightening protection at its Am Dafock base in northeastern CAR after a late-June assault that killed people and displaced more than 16,000, with Sudan’s RSF and CAR rebels blamed. Peace under pressure: A Catholic priest, Fr. Crépin Martial Monga, was killed near his home in Zémio; Church leaders say his mediation work may have made him a target, renewing calls for dialogue. Health watch: Cholera has killed at least 27 people in CAR in two weeks, with 253 cases reported, mainly around Bimbo and spreading to several Bangui districts. Regional training: Uganda and CAR marked graduation of joint military training, with 1,741 CAR soldiers completing a year-long course.

Security at Am Dafock: MINUSCA is stepping up protection at its northeastern base after a late-June assault involving Sudan’s RSF and CAR former Seleka fighters, which killed people, wounded Zambian peacekeepers, and pushed more than 16,000 civilians into displacement. Cholera in Bangui: Health officials report 27 cholera deaths and 253 cases over two weeks, with the outbreak centered in Bimbo and spreading to several Bangui districts. Peace under pressure: A Catholic priest, Fr. Crépin Martial Monga, was killed near his home in Zémio, where church leaders say he worked to mediate conflicts and support refugees. CAR-Sudan border escalation: A new rebel alliance carried out a major attack along the CAR-Sudan border in late June, described as the biggest northeastern escalation since 2023. Regional military cooperation: Uganda and CAR marked the graduation of CAR soldiers after a year of joint training with UPDF, aimed at strengthening CAR forces against regional threats. Humanitarian strain: UN agencies say aid is mobilizing for people affected by fighting, as displacement continues to swell. Rights and asylum: France rejected asylum for a prominent CAR whistleblower, with advocates warning of serious risks if he is returned to Bangui.

MINUSCA Security Boost: The UN mission in CAR is tightening protection at its Am Dafock base after a June 30 attack by Sudan’s RSF and CAR ex-rebels left UN peacekeepers wounded and more than 16,000 people displaced, with officials saying the situation has “settled” but vigilance must continue. CAR Cholera Update: Health officials report 27 cholera deaths and 253 cases in two weeks, with the outbreak centered in Bimbo and spreading to several Bangui districts; authorities urge safe water and handwashing. Border Displacement Crisis: After the Am Dafock attack, thousands more are sheltering in Vakaga and around the UN site, as insecurity along the CAR-Sudan border worsens. Peace Under Threat: A Catholic priest, Fr. Crépin Martial Monga, was killed near his home in Zémio, where church leaders say he worked to mediate conflicts and support refugees. Regional Military Cooperation: Uganda and CAR marked graduation of 1,741 CAR soldiers from a joint training program, part of a bilateral push to strengthen CAR forces. Ebola Spillover Worry: Africa CDC warns the DRC’s fast-growing Ebola outbreak has surpassed 600 deaths, urging sustained support as the virus spreads across provinces. Rights and Asylum Pressure: France rejected asylum for a CAR whistleblower linked to exposing Russian propaganda networks, with advocates preparing an urgent appeal.

Sudan-CAR Border Crisis: MINUSCA is stepping up security at its Am Dafock base after a June 30 assault by Sudan’s RSF and CAR ex-rebels left UN peacekeepers wounded and more than 16,000 people displaced, with aid groups warning of looted health services and urgent needs for water and protection. Humanitarian Response: UN OCHA says relief deliveries are being slowed by bad roads in the rainy season, while Birao is absorbing thousands of displaced people already living under strain. Health Emergency: Cholera is spreading in CAR, with health officials reporting 27 deaths and 253 cases over two weeks, centered in Bimbo and now reaching five health districts in and around Bangui. Peace Efforts Under Threat: A Catholic priest, Fr. Crépin Martial Monga, was killed near his home in Zémio, prompting religious leaders to renew calls for dialogue after the murder threatens fragile reconciliation. Regional Security Training: Uganda’s Museveni presided over the graduation of 1,741 CAR soldiers after 12 months of joint training with UPDF, aimed at strengthening CAR forces against regional threats.

Border Crisis: MINUSCA is tightening security at its Am Dafock base in northeastern CAR after a June 30 assault by Sudan’s RSF and former Seleka fighters left peacekeepers wounded and more than 16,000 people displaced. Humanitarian Response: UN agencies say Am Dafock’s sole health facility was looted and relief is struggling with damaged roads, while displaced families also crowd into Birao. Health Watch: Cholera is spreading in CAR, with at least 27 deaths and 253 cases reported in two weeks, centered on Bimbo and now reaching several Bangui districts. Peace Under Pressure: A Catholic priest, Fr. Crépin Martial Monga, was killed near his home in Zémio; church leaders say he worked to mediate with rebel leaders and refugees. Regional Security Training: Uganda’s Museveni presided over the graduation of 1,741 CAR soldiers after 12 months of joint training with UPDF, aimed at strengthening CAR forces.

Security at Am Dafock: MINUSCA is stepping up protection at its temporary base in northeastern CAR after a June 30 attack by Sudan’s RSF and former Seleka fighters left people displaced and UN peacekeepers wounded, with thousands still sheltering around the border town. Humanitarian pressure: UN agencies say fighting around Am-Dafock has driven thousands into Birao, where the main health facility was reportedly looted, and relief teams are struggling with damaged roads during the rainy season. Border displacement: Authorities warn the situation is worsening after more than 16,000 people fled the CAR-Sudan border following the attack. Cholera in Bangui: Health officials report 27 cholera deaths and 253 cases over two weeks, with transmission ongoing and new patients admitted in Bangui. Peace efforts targeted: A Catholic priest, Fr. Crépin Martial Monga, was killed near his home in Zémio; religious leaders renewed calls for dialogue after the murder threatened local reconciliation. Regional military training: Uganda marked the graduation of 1,741 CAR soldiers from a 12-month joint training program, aimed at strengthening CAR forces and regional stability.

Joint Military Training: Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni presided over the graduation of 1,741 Central African Republic soldiers after 12 months of joint training with UPDF troops, under a 2024 bilateral defense deal aimed at professionalizing CAR forces and boosting regional stability. Cholera Update: CAR health officials report 27 cholera deaths and 253 cases over two weeks, with the outbreak centered in Bimbo and spreading to parts of Bangui; authorities urge safe water and handwashing. Peace and Dialogue Pressure: Religious leaders renewed calls for dialogue after the killing of a Catholic priest, with Cardinal Nzapalainga and other leaders warning that violence threatens fragile peace. UN Security Tightens in the North: MINUSCA is stepping up security at its Am Dafock base after a June 30 attack involving Sudan’s RSF and former CAR rebels, which displaced over 16,000 people and wounded Zambian peacekeepers. Border Displacement: UN and humanitarian partners say fighting around Am Dafock has left thousands needing protection, healthcare, and safe water, with the town’s main health facility reportedly looted. Cross-Border Humanitarian Strain: Authorities warn the humanitarian situation is worsening as displaced families cluster around Birao, stretching already limited services.

Border Crisis: More than 16,000 people were displaced after an attack on Am-Dafock on the CAR-Sudan border, with MINUSCA also stepping up security at its nearby base after the 30 June assault. Humanitarian Response: UN agencies say people need protection, healthcare and safe water, warning the town’s only health facility was looted and roads are blocked by the rainy season. Security & Accountability: MINUSCA said the situation has “settled down” but remains volatile, while UN officials warned the attack on peacekeepers could amount to war crimes. Local Impact: A Catholic priest, Father Crepin Martial Monga, was killed near his home in Zémio, where he was known for mediating conflicts and supporting refugees. Public Finance Reform: A World Bank review urges CAR to boost domestic revenue and improve public financial management, noting weak funding capacity and heavy wage costs. Rights Under Pressure: Separate reporting highlights growing concern over “third country removals” and legal risks for asylum seekers, including cases involving deportations linked to CAR.

Security in CAR: MINUSCA says it is tightening security at its Am Dafock base in the northeast after an attack on 30 June that killed people and wounded three Zambian peacekeepers, as thousands of displaced people gather near the site. Humanitarian response: UN OCHA reports urgent needs around Am-Dafock, including protection, healthcare and safe water, with the town’s main health facility reportedly looted and roads blocked by the rainy season. Public finance reform: A new World Bank Public Finance Review urges CAR to boost domestic revenue and rein in a wage bill that absorbs most public resources, warning that structural fragilities still limit investment in education and health. Local peace under threat: A Catholic priest, Father Crepin Martial Monga, was killed near his home in Zémio, with church sources linking his work mediating conflicts to the motive. Regional mobility: Namibia’s visa-on-arrival list now includes CAR, alongside other countries, easing short-stay travel for eligible passport holders. International spotlight: A U.S. lawsuit alleges immigration agencies shared confidential Iranian asylum details with Iran, and notes that an Iranian woman was among migrants deported to CAR in June.

Humanitarian Response: UN OCHA says fighting in Am-Dafock near Sudan’s border has displaced about 1,000 people, with Birao under pressure from hosting some 25,000 Sudanese refugees; aid includes tarpaulins, but the rainy season is blocking roads and the town’s main health facility was reportedly looted. Public Finance Reform: A World Bank Public Finance Review urges CAR to push domestic revenue up (still under 10% of GDP), cut a wage bill that eats up to 73% of resources, and reduce reliance on external aid to create room for education and health spending. Peace & Policing: A global UN policing summit stresses people-centred policing and warns that budget shortfalls are forcing cuts that reduce patrols, delay responses, and limit training for local police. Security & Community Impact: A Catholic priest, Father Crépin Martial Monga, was killed near his home in Zémio, with church sources linking the murder to his peace and reconciliation work. Conflict Economy: A report says Russian mercenaries have exploited CAR’s conflict economy, embedding in politics and extracting resources while helping sustain instability. Regional Security Cooperation: African army chiefs met in Nigeria to coordinate a stronger front against terrorism and cross-border threats, including CAR’s participation.

Ebola Response: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya welcomed the start of a clinical trial targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola strain in the DRC and Uganda, saying there’s still no licensed vaccine or targeted treatment and that the study will test two antivirals (and a combination) to improve survival. CAR Security & Peace: A Roman Catholic priest, Father Crépin Martial Monga, was shot dead near his home in Zémio, with a parishioner also wounded, raising fresh fears about attacks disrupting local peace efforts. Regional Defense Cooperation: Nigeria’s Army Chief Waidi Shaibu convened African army leaders in Port Harcourt for the Third African Land Forces Forum, pushing a united front against terrorism and cross-border threats, with CAR among the delegations. Humanitarian & Health Logistics: Action Against Hunger’s PharmaBox—mobile, solar-powered, temperature-controlled medical storage—was highlighted as a Fast Company World Changing Ideas Award winner, with the first unit deployed to Bangui in 2025. Migration Pressure on Africa: Reports say the U.S. is using visa bans and “third-country” deportations, with lawyers warning deportees can be trapped without charge—an issue that directly affects CAR-linked deportation flows. CAR in the Spotlight: Sierra Leone’s aviation growth figures also noted CAR passenger traffic rising 9%, hinting at improving regional connectivity.