AGP Executive Report

AU Crisis Diplomacy: The African Union has called an emergency meeting on its Somalia mission after the U.S. said it will end funding for the UN logistics office (UNSOS) that supports the AU force (AUSSOM), warning the cut could force the mission to “draw a line” on operations. South Africa Governance & Safety: South Africa’s Public Works minister launched a National Built Environment and Construction Safety Framework, plus a Public Infrastructure Confidence Index, aiming to prevent building collapses and improve accountability. Youth Jobs Policy: South Africa’s Public Economics Conference (7–9 July) will focus on youth unemployment, using new labour market data and pushing for better evidence and implementation. Migration Politics: South Africa’s Cabinet reiterated its “comprehensive approach” to managing irregular migration, including labour inspections and deportation processes through specialised courts. Ghana Institutional Milestone: President Akufo-Addo swore in Dr. Pamela Graham as Ghana’s first female Auditor General, a major step for transparency and public finance oversight. Reparations Debate: An SA MP urged formal reparations talks with Britain and the Netherlands; the government said it has not opened negotiations and instead backs the AU campaign for reparative justice. Somalia Security: The AU says the U.S. decision is tied to lack of progress against al-Shabaab and security reforms, raising fresh uncertainty for AU troop support.

Ebola Response: South Africa’s Ramaphosa urged partners to turn $1.5bn Ebola pledges into financing and medical support as the DR Congo outbreak spreads, with ceasefire calls to protect health workers. Regional Security: The US says it will stop UN logistical support for Somalia’s AU-backed Al-Shabaab mission from next year, raising uncertainty for thousands of troops. DRC–Rwanda Legal Fight: Kinshasa filed at the ICJ accusing Rwanda of decades of violations in eastern DRC, framing the case around genocide and human rights abuses. South Africa Migration Crisis: Xenophobic violence and protests continue to roil South Africa, with Ghana demanding justice over a citizen’s killing and South Africa disputing claims while communities report fear-driven departures. Governance & Courts (Nigeria): Nigeria’s Federal High Court upheld ADC leadership, dismissing a suit challenging David Mark’s chairmanship; Atiku praised the ruling as a win for party autonomy and rule of law. Political Accountability (South Africa): Parliament demanded answers from Communications Minister Malatsi over alleged links to Resolve Communications and Starlink; ActionSA pushed for scrutiny. Health & Rights (Kenya): Reporting highlights Kenya’s abortion taboo and data gaps, linking stigma and unsafe procedures to thousands of deaths. Business & Skills: Old Mutual launched a Business Journalism Exchange to train emerging financial journalists. Sports & Youth: Chad’s new youth and sports minister Naïr Abakar frames sport as a tool for youth empowerment and national cohesion.

AML/CFT Governance: GIABA (ECOWAS) will brief diplomats and train journalists in Dakar on July 6–7, presenting its 2025 Annual Report and pushing transparency on beneficial ownership and corruption-linked risks. AI & Jobs: Ghana’s AI Summit 2026 (July 29–30) will focus on workforce adaptation, job creation, and practical digital skills as AI adoption accelerates. Digital Identity: Ethiopia’s Fayda digital ID has registered 46 million people in three years, with nearly 165 institutions integrated to enable “frictionless” KYC for services. Extractives & Industrialisation: Nigeria’s Tinubu inaugurates a lithium processing plant in Nasarawa, citing jobs and a push to convert minerals into industrial capacity. Regional Integration: Tinubu commissions the new ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja (“Eye of Africa”), urging a shift from importing to regional production and stronger value chains. Media Accountability: South Africa’s SANEF clears former chair Makhudu Sefara after an internal review tied to allegations involving National Lotteries funds, while SIU probes continue. Migration & Xenophobia: South Africa’s anti-immigrant protests keep driving political and public backlash, including renewed calls for citizens to speak out against violence.

Anti-immigration unrest in South Africa: Police arrested 900+ people during nationwide protests tied to a June 30 “deadline” for undocumented migrants; looting was reported and Ghana demanded a full investigation after a Ghanaian man was killed in Cape Town. Parliament and governance pressure: South Africa’s National Assembly passed a R1.2tn Appropriation Bill for 2026/27, extending the Social Relief of Distress grant into 2027 while debates continue over social welfare and service delivery. Diplomacy under scrutiny: South Africa’s DA questioned the role of the ambassador to India after Jacob Zuma met Ajay Gupta, with parliamentary questions filed over diplomatic involvement. Elections and party moves (Nigeria): Atiku Abubakar named Kenneth Okonkwo as his 2027 spokesperson, while ADC uploaded its presidential and vice-presidential candidates to INEC’s portal. Digital transformation push: Google Cloud said its Johannesburg region could add $90.6bn and 315,000 jobs by 2030, unveiling AI initiatives and an Africa connectivity hub plan. Civil society under legal strain (Nigeria): IHRDA flagged a defamation damages ruling against SERAP as potentially chilling for NGOs. Regional security (Somalia): Uganda’s UPDF contingent in AUSSOM appointed a new deputy commander after a tour handover.

Ebola Response, AU Solidarity: President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit Kinshasa as African Union PPPR Champion to back the DRC’s Ebola containment, mobilising political, technical and financial support. AfCFTA Trade Integration: Nigeria’s trade minister joined the 18th AfCFTA Trade Ministers Council in Abuja, pushing faster implementation, dispute settlement and ratification steps. South Africa Xenophobia & Migration Governance: Anti-immigrant protests tied to a June 30 “deadline” triggered violence, looting and mass departures; NatJoints reported 900+ arrests and 120 marches, while analysis argues migration drivers require regional solutions, not just border enforcement. Digital Transformation & Public-Private Tech: South Africa hosted a Google Cloud summit unveiling new AI and infrastructure initiatives, alongside launches like BrainSAT satellite services and Thuraya phones to expand connectivity. Youth Employment Partnerships: South Africa’s women/youth minister highlighted KFC Africa’s impact report and its role in scaling youth work placements through YES. Security & Small Arms (Ghana): WAANSA Ghana criticised Ghana’s suspension of gun licences and urged immediate progress on the National Small Arms Bill to curb misuse. Democracy Under Pressure (Zimbabwe): Opposition and rights groups condemned Zimbabwe’s Amendment No. 3 push as a power grab, warning it undermines direct presidential elections. Fintech Policy (Mauritius): Mauritius launched a 2026-2030 national fintech strategy with governance, cybersecurity, talent and inclusion pillars. Human Rights (Sudan): UN Human Rights Council draft moves to investigate alleged war crimes and starvation tactics around El Obeid.

Cabinet Reshuffle in South Africa: President Cyril Ramaphosa demoted DA leader John Steenhuisen from agriculture to deputy trade, appointing Willem Aucamp as agriculture minister and naming new deputy ministers across energy, water and higher education. Migration Governance Under Pressure: South Africa’s June 30 anti-illegal immigration marches ended with heavy police deployment and arrests after isolated violence, while “March and March” vowed weekly protests and demanded action on undocumented foreigners. Rule-of-Law and Rights: The Presidency and officials urged peaceful, lawful protest and warned against vigilantism and online incitement, as migrants reported fear and repatriations topped 25,000. Parliament and Accountability: Parliament ordered strict CAF compliance for Afcon 2027 preparations, with zero tolerance on infrastructure timelines and scrutiny of stadium consultancy spending. Circular Economy Policy Clash: South Africa’s recyclers warned the Draft National Circular Economy Action Plan conflicts with DTIC’s scrap metal export rules and the Price Preference System, calling for urgent inter-departmental review. Human Rights Crackdown in Tunisia and Niger: Tunisia’s civil society faces criminalisation under cybercrime laws, while Niger’s new penal code has triggered arrests tied to LGBTQ+ prosecutions. Trade and Integration: AfCFTA’s chief Wamkele Mene received an IP leadership award for advancing continental integration, as AfCFTA continues moving from plans to implementation. Kenya Reform Finance: The World Bank approved a $750m loan to support fiscal sustainability and governance reforms, including procurement and social protection.

Anti-immigration protests in South Africa: Thousands marched across cities on the June 30 deadline set by groups including March and March, Operation Dudula and others, with police deployed nationwide and the government reiterating it will enforce immigration law through authorities, not vigilante action. Public order response: After isolated violence and looting incidents, soldiers were sent to hotspots like Hillbrow and Durban, while leaders urged peaceful demonstrations and warned criminals would face prosecution. Political reshuffle in South Africa: President Ramaphosa confirmed a cabinet reshuffle that downgraded former DA leader John Steenhuisen to deputy minister, ending his agriculture portfolio and reshuffling other key posts. Governance and justice in Ghana: A coalition of human rights lawyers filed a lawsuit challenging Ghana’s third-country deportation pact with the US, arguing it may breach constitutional and international human rights obligations. Regional democracy pressure: SADC escalated pressure on Madagascar’s transitional authorities, demanding release of political prisoners and a clear roadmap back to constitutional rule. AI governance in Kenya: Kenya’s cabinet created a standing committee on AI to coordinate policy and governance frameworks, alongside approving a national BPO policy aimed at jobs and investment. Succession politics in Zimbabwe: Proposed constitutional changes (CAB3) could alter how an acting president is selected after a vacancy, reshaping succession dynamics. Institutional governance upgrade: The JSE added two independent non-executive directors to strengthen audit, remuneration oversight and investment committee work.

Anti-immigration protests in South Africa: As the June 30 deadline nears, South Africa braces for unrest with police and military deployed, businesses shuttering, and thousands of migrants fleeing ahead of possible violence; the UN and Amnesty International urged calm and respect for human rights, while local transport bodies said taxis will still operate and authorities warned against looting and intimidation. Political accountability and governance: ActionSA accused the South African government of prioritising policing protests over enforcing immigration laws, while Cosatu and xenophobia opponents blamed Home Affairs for leaving migrants stateless and vulnerable. Regional legal fight on deportations: Lawyers filed a suit at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice over US “third-country” expulsions that send deportees to Ghana, alleging unsafe removals and rights violations. Security and stability beyond borders: Analysts warned Somalia’s political tensions over its electoral roadmap could weaken counter-al-Shabaab efforts, while Ethiopia and Somalia held talks on security coordination. Regional economic governance: SACU leaders agreed to set up a N$5 billion innovative funding mechanism to back development projects across member states.

Regional Digital Governance: COMESA kicked off consultations to harmonise AI and digital inclusion policies across Eastern and Southern Africa under its IDEA programme, aiming to prevent new inequalities while shaping frameworks around national priorities. Immigration & Public Order (South Africa): As June 30 anti-immigrant protests near, Amnesty International warned xenophobia could turn deadly and criticised “unlawful” citizens’ arrests; Ramaphosa urged peaceful, lawful protest and said enforcement must stay with the state, not private groups. Civil Society vs Appointments (Nigeria): CSOs urged Nigeria’s Senate to reject Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina’s ambassadorial nomination over pending sexual harassment, workplace victimisation, and ICPC-linked allegations, arguing it undermines rule of law. Ebola Preparedness (Africa): Africa CDC, WHO and Uganda launched a Continental Incident Management Support Team to coordinate Ebola response across Uganda, DR Congo and nearby vulnerable areas. Institutional Independence (Nigeria): Dr Olisa Agbakoba urged Nigeria to adopt South Africa’s Chapter 9 model to protect key democratic institutions from executive interference. Togo Development Finance: BOAD approved CFA40bn for ProMAI phase two to expand agricultural mechanisation and irrigation, boosting productivity and food security.

Xenophobia & Migration Security: South Africa braces for June 30 anti-foreigner protests as migrants report fear and some countries evacuate citizens; rights groups warn of renewed violence and displacement, while government says it will treat the day as normal and has deployed security measures. Political Accountability & Rule of Law: South Africa’s Phala Phala impeachment fight intensifies as President Ramaphosa seeks a court halt to the parliamentary process, while Speaker Thoko Didiza’s stance draws opposition backlash. Opposition Politics in Nigeria: Atiku accuses President Tinubu of moves to deregister the NDC and weaken opposition ahead of 2027, arguing it risks a one-party state and undermines free elections. Counterterrorism: Nigeria’s military says top ISWAP leaders and 76 foot soldiers surrendered in the North-East after sustained operations, with suspects undergoing profiling and debriefing. Jobs & Climate Governance: A report says Sub-Saharan Africa’s green transition could create up to 84.5mn jobs by 2050 if governments back skills and workforce systems. Regional Diplomacy: Liberia’s Boakai tells the UN that justice and nationally owned peacebuilding underpin lasting stability.

UN Charter Anniversary: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale told the General Assembly that Africa’s peoples still lack freedom and a heard voice, but the Charter offers “tools” for liberation through sovereignty, peacekeeping and development financing. South Africa Migration Crisis: Ahead of 30 June anti-immigration protests, human rights activist Uhuru Dempers urged calm and lawfulness; Uganda also announced plans to evacuate 746 nationals from South Africa amid xenophobic violence. Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC, WHO and Uganda launched a Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team to strengthen cross-border response capacity for the Bundibugyo outbreak. Governance & Security (Nigeria): Senate leadership defended Nigeria’s state police bill as a response to security needs, while debates continue over politicisation and local abuses. Public Health Law (South Africa): Parliament advanced a Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill after extensive consultations, aiming to tighten rules on smoking and vaping. Regional Diplomacy (Malawi): Malawi’s VP Enock Chihana will represent President Mutharika at an SADC extraordinary summit focused on Madagascar’s political and security situation. World Cup Governance (Africa): CAF president Patrice Motsepe credited youth investment and improved governance for nine African teams reaching the Round of 32.

South Africa Immigration Tensions: South Africa braces for June 30 anti-immigrant protests as government and analysts warn the mobilisation is already triggering fear, displacement and intimidation among migrants, including refugees and asylum seekers, while officials insist there will be no tolerance for vigilantism or violence. Public Order & Policing: Security strategist Andy Mashaile urges “command and control” ahead of the marches, calling for swift action against vigilantes while protecting peaceful demonstrators’ rights. Governance Under Pressure: Cape Town has lost its clean audit status after procurement and supply-chain compliance problems, renewing scrutiny of Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and the DA’s governance record. Youth & Institutions: Nigeria’s Senate faces a civil society push to reject the ambassadorial nomination of ex-FUOYE VC Prof. Abayomi Fasina over alleged cases, while South Africa’s NYDA is criticised for dysfunctional leadership in Parliament. AfCFTA & Women’s Leadership: UNDP convenes a HerAfCFTA regional conference on women’s leadership to help women-owned SMEs compete in AfCFTA markets. Regional Security Warning: Sudan warns the RSF war could spill across borders, citing external support feeding the conflict and worsening a major humanitarian crisis. Humanitarian Health: Central African Republic declares an official cholera outbreak after fatalities near Bangui.

Ebola Response: The US CDC has escalated its Ebola response in DR Congo to its highest emergency level as confirmed cases top 1,200 and deaths pass 300, with Africa CDC warning that weak contact tracing could make this the worst outbreak on record. Diplomacy & Sovereignty: France is weighing reciprocal steps after Burkina Faso severed diplomatic ties with Paris, accusing France of backing “subversive networks” and terrorist links. Democracy & Opposition Politics: Nigeria’s ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar says court moves to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress are a bid to weaken opposition and push a one-party state ahead of 2027. Migration & Social Cohesion: South Africa faces rising pressure around the 30 June deadline, with reports of Malawians stranded near the consulate in Johannesburg and calls for dignity even as authorities tighten security. Local Governance & Elections: South Africa’s IEC reports 2.9 million voter registrations over a weekend, but political killings tied to local election preparations are intensifying fears of violence. Health, Jobs & Youth: Mastercard Foundation challenges AIMS Ghana’s Class of 2026 to treat graduation as the start of solving Africa’s problems, while an Ogun ADC candidate urges youths to use AI and skills to create jobs. Business & Governance Capacity: IFC urges Ghanaian family firms to set up family councils to strengthen succession planning and reduce internal conflict. Regional Peace: Germany’s AU envoy praises Ethiopia’s role in Horn of Africa peace and integration, citing its contributions to stability efforts in Somalia.

Security & Identity: Nigeria says it arrested seven suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP commanders at Katsina Airport after they returned from Hajj, crediting the new National Identity Management Commission Act and integrated identity checks with immigration and Interpol links. Migration & Human Rights: South Africa’s xenophobia crisis stays in the spotlight as Zulu leaders urge peaceful June 30 protests and MTN’s chairman blames state failure for anti-foreigner hostility, warning expelling migrants won’t fix unemployment or corruption. Regional Integration: Southern African Customs Union leaders, led by Ramaphosa, push a “re-imagined” SACU agenda to respond to supply-chain shocks and rising food and energy volatility, while East Africa’s EAC convenes a digital forum to speed up a single digital market. Governance & Accountability: Namibia’s regulator rejects Starlink’s licence bid over ownership requirements, underscoring digital sovereignty debates across the region. Civic Space: A South African op-ed argues civic organisations should not become party politics, stressing their power to hold any government to account. Conflict Diplomacy: UN officials urge parties to keep momentum toward peace in eastern DR Congo as fighting continues in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri. Leadership & Youth: A SAFPA youth conference at the Hector Pieterson Museum spotlights next-generation leadership and legacy-building.

Migration & Public Order in South Africa: With June 30 approaching, South African authorities ordered police to crack down on any violence, intimidation or hate speech tied to anti-immigration protests, warning against vigilantism and xenophobic attacks as thousands of foreign nationals prepare for repatriation. Parliamentary Oversight: Zimbabwe’s Speaker urged Parliament to move beyond rubber-stamping budgets, pushing for rigorous budget analysis that links spending to measurable service delivery outcomes. Ebola Response in DR Congo: DR Congo reported Ebola deaths surpassing 300 as cases climb, with responders facing major constraints amid conflict and displacement. Identity Governance in Nigeria: President Tinubu signed the re-enacted NIMC Act 2026, strengthening interoperability of identity databases to support security operations. Regional Peace & Mediation (Great Lakes): The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes met in Nairobi and Addis Ababa to review progress under the Washington Accords and Doha process, with AU and regional partners. Cybersecurity Cooperation: IGAD launched a regional cyber drill in Addis Ababa to improve cross-border readiness against cyber threats. Women’s Digital Empowerment (East Africa): Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga called for implementation of recommendations from an EAC women’s dialogue through regional institutions, focusing on digital skills, hubs and financing. Elections & Civic Participation (Kenya): A Catholic archbishop urged Kenyans to register as voters ahead of 2027 polls, framing registration as responsible citizenship. Human Rights & Courts (Liberia): Liberia’s Senate judiciary committee began consultations on bills for war and economic crimes and a national anti-corruption court, with public hearings expected in July.

South Africa Migration Crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa told provinces security forces are ready for 30 June protests tied to demands that undocumented foreign nationals leave, outlining a four-part plan including more workplace inspections, upgraded ports of entry, biometric registration and electronic travel authorisation. Parliament & Policing Reform: Nigeria’s Senate advanced the State Police Bill, moving toward state-controlled policing while keeping federal emergency intervention powers. Liberia Maritime Governance: A rare clash between Liberia’s House Speaker and Senate leadership over the Port Autonomy/Port Authority Bill adds uncertainty to a reform that could reshape county-level maritime administration. Ebola Response (DRC): WHO says trials for two Ebola therapeutics will start next week in Ituri, as confirmed deaths pass 300 and hospitals near capacity. Public Finance Transparency (Ghana): Ghana’s Open Budget Survey score fell to 22, with delays in publishing key budget documents blamed for weaker accountability. Anti-Immigrant Tensions (South Africa): Foreign missions and diplomats urged March and March to extend its 30 June deadline after lynchings and displacement fears. Ocean Conservation (Kenya): Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa secured $6.4bn in pledges for marine protection and fisheries monitoring, with Africa hosting for the first time. Mineral Trade Sanctions (US/DRC): The US warned mineral traders and firms across Africa of sanctions over illicit conflict-minerals flows linked to eastern DRC. Youth & Governance (Zimbabwe): Freedom Alliance youth marked the Day of the African Child in Bulawayo, drawing parallels between Soweto 1976 and today’s youth exclusion.