AGP Executive Report

Humanitarian Crisis in the Sahel: The UN says about 24 million people across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, northern Cameroon and northeast Nigeria need urgent humanitarian help as violence spreads, climate shocks worsen, and health centres are forced to close—while funding sits at just 29% of needs. Neglected Displacement: A Norwegian Refugee Council report ranks Sudan and the DRC as the world’s most neglected displacement crises, highlighting hunger and underfunded aid for millions of displaced people. Ebola Strain in the DRC: Coverage flags ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola challenges in eastern DRC, with hundreds of suspected cases and deaths and major gaps in treatment and supplies. Sahel Security and Health Access: Reports note how insecurity and border bottlenecks can disrupt movement and services, including long queues linked to Burkina Faso border processing delays. Health-Linked Policy Pressure: Burkina Faso’s wider regional context includes rising concern about how conflict and policy shifts affect access to care and safety for vulnerable groups. Energy and Health Indirectly: A World Bank-backed West Africa power programme reports expanded electricity access and cross-border trade—key for health facilities that rely on reliable power.

Sahel Humanitarian Strain: The UN says about 24 million people across the Sahel need humanitarian help as violence, displacement, and climate shocks worsen. It highlights impacts on health centres and schools, with insecurity forcing closures and compounding hunger in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, northern Cameroon, and northeast Nigeria. Health Access Under Pressure: The same UN briefing notes the response is facing its lowest funding in a decade, while partners expand cash assistance and support local groups. Cross-Border Health & Safety Risks: In Ghana’s Paga area, officials report border congestion linked to processing delays at the Burkina Faso border, prompting a road safety taskforce to reduce risks to travellers. Global Health Spillover: The UN also warned that the Strait of Hormuz crisis is driving up fuel and transport costs, which can push vulnerable populations further into food insecurity—a reminder that health and nutrition in the Sahel are tied to global shocks.

Humanitarian Crisis in the Sahel: The UN warns that about 24 million people across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, northern Cameroon and northeast Nigeria need urgent help as violence spreads, displacement rises, and schools and health centres are forced to close. Health Access Under Strain: The UN says climate shocks are worsening the situation, with floods and drought damaging livelihoods and adding pressure to already stretched services. Burkina Faso Security Context: A separate local report from Paga highlights how insecurity and border bottlenecks can create safety risks, including traffic congestion near border posts that can affect public safety and movement. Health-Related Regional Disruptions: The week also carried broader Sahel instability signals, including reports of armed activity affecting civilian areas and services, reinforcing the need for resilient health planning. Funding and Infrastructure Angle: World Bank updates on West Africa’s power expansion point to longer-term health benefits through more reliable electricity for facilities and services.

Humanitarian Crisis: The UN says about 24 million people across the Sahel—including Burkina Faso—need urgent help as violence, displacement, and climate shocks worsen. The UN warns insecurity is forcing schools and health centres to close, while funding hit its lowest level in a decade in 2025 (only 29% of needs covered). Health & Safety Impact: The same UN briefing highlights how floods and drought are damaging farmland and livelihoods, increasing pressure on already strained local services. Sahel Security & Health Supplies: The US delivered about $2.3 million in military equipment to Niger, including medical supplies for field operations—raising the need for safeguards given human rights concerns in the region. Burkina Faso Context (Terrorism): A global terrorism report flags Burkina Faso among countries with the highest terrorism-related deaths, underscoring ongoing risks to civilians and health access. Environment & Health Link: Ecobank launched a $450m Nature Bond to fund sustainable farming and water systems—aimed at protecting ecosystems that support food and water security.

Nature Finance for Healthier Ecosystems: Ecobank launched a $450m Nature Bond on the London Stock Exchange to channel private capital into biodiversity protection, sustainable farming and water systems—aiming to close Africa’s nature-finance gap that leaves the continent with far less funding than its share of global biodiversity. Ebola Response and Public Health Politics: Kenya faced backlash after rejecting a plan tied to housing Americans exposed to Ebola from the DRC; health officials and courts pushed back as the outbreak continues to worry the region. Sahel Security With Medical Supplies: The U.S. delivered about $2.3m in uniforms, protective gear and medical supplies to Niger’s forces, while rights concerns remain around how security aid could be used amid ongoing abuses. Burkina Faso Civil Society Crackdown: Burkina Faso suspended over 900 civil society groups and NGOs since April, tightening control as the junta targets suspected foreign funding linked to terrorism—raising concerns for community health and education services. Local Safety in Paga: Paga’s district security council said relative calm continues despite robberies, while traffic congestion at the border is being managed with a road safety taskforce to reduce risks to travelers. DRC Ebola Strain Struggles: Coverage highlights the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the DRC, with limited resources and rising feared cases and deaths, underscoring urgent needs for treatment and support.

Ebola Watch: Health officials are racing to contain a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, with WHO reporting 900+ suspected cases (101 confirmed) and deaths linked to the virus already above 220; the risk inside DR Congo has been raised to “very high,” as armed violence and weak systems slow case detection. Burkina Faso Civil Society Crackdown: Burkina Faso’s military junta has suspended 900+ civil society groups and NGOs since April, tightening control amid fears foreign funding could fuel terrorism; some education and religious programs report continuing operations with added security. Sahel Security & Health Supplies: The U.S. delivered nearly $2.3 million in military equipment to Niger, including medical supplies for field operations—highlighting how health support is being bundled into counter-terror efforts across Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Climate & Public Health: A landmark African Court climate case argues governments must protect the climate system because it underpins rights and health, warning that droughts, floods, heatwaves, and sea-level rise drive disease and food and water insecurity. Local Health-Related Policy Shock: Ghana’s new law criminalising promotion of LGBTQ+ activity has sparked fear among communities about losing jobs, homes, and access to healthcare—an issue that may affect regional health access and safety planning.

Diplomacy & Regional Security: Benin’s newly inaugurated President Romuald Wadagni made Niamey his first foreign stop, signaling a possible thaw with Niger’s junta-led authorities; the visit also points to renewed engagement with Burkina Faso and Mali on security and shared infrastructure. Insurgency & Health Risks: A report on JNIM attacks on Mali’s gold mines highlights a growing “war economy” that fuels violence across Mali and into Burkina Faso, raising risks for civilians and for already strained local health services. Public Health Watch: WHO-linked reporting flags a worrying Ebola situation in DR Congo, with hundreds of suspected cases and a rare Bundibugyo strain; health systems in conflict-affected eastern areas are struggling to keep up. Burkina Faso Civil Society Crackdown: Burkina Faso’s military junta has suspended over 900 civil society groups and NGOs since April, tightening control over foreign funding that authorities suspect could support terrorism—an issue that can directly affect community health and education programs. Food & Nutrition Context: Broader Sahel instability and climate pressures are worsening food and water security, which in turn can drive malnutrition and disease outbreaks.

Burkina Faso Civil Society Crackdown: Burkina Faso’s military junta has suspended more than 900 civil society groups and NGOs since April, citing suspected foreign funding linked to terrorism—raising fears of tighter control even as some education and religious programs continue. Ebola Watch in the Region: Health officials are on alert as a rare Ebola outbreak in DR Congo grows, with WHO reporting hundreds of suspected cases, confirmed infections, and delays in identifying cases—pushing the risk level higher inside affected areas. Climate Court Push: A landmark case is being heard at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, asking judges to clarify governments’ duties to protect people from climate harms like floods, droughts, heatwaves, and the health and food impacts that follow. Sahel Security Aid: The U.S. donated medical supplies and protective gear alongside military equipment to Niger, underscoring how insecurity across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger is reshaping regional health and safety planning. HIV Leadership in Africa: Dr. Richard Kamwi has been appointed president of the Society for AIDS in Africa, aiming to strengthen HIV, TB, hepatitis, and broader public health responses across the continent.

Burkina Faso Civil Society Crackdown: Burkina Faso’s military junta has suspended over 900 civil society groups and NGOs since April, saying it aims to stop foreign funding it suspects fuels terrorism—critics warn it also tightens control over public life. Student Union Targeted: The junta also suspended the country’s largest student union, Ugeb, for three months and arrested its president and several students after accusations of “advocating terrorism” linked to criticism of alleged abductions and worsening jihadist insecurity. Regional Health Leadership: In Accra, Dr. Richard Kamwi was appointed president of the Society for AIDS in Africa, with a mandate spanning HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, emerging infections, and broader public health. Ebola Watch: Health authorities across Africa are struggling to contain an Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, with WHO reporting hundreds of suspected cases and raising the internal risk level to “very high,” as delays in case identification hamper response. Safety in Mining: Endeavour Mining reported a fatal accident at its Lafigué mine in Côte d’Ivoire, pausing contractor activities while investigations continue—relevant for worker health and safety across the region.

Burkina Faso Civil Society Crackdown: Burkina Faso’s military junta has suspended more than 900 civil society groups and NGOs since April, citing suspected foreign funding linked to terrorism—moves critics say also tighten control over public life. Student Union Under Pressure: The government suspended the country’s largest student union, Ugeb, for three months and arrested its president and students after accusations of “advocating terrorism” over criticism of junta actions and alleged abductions. Regional Security Shock: A U.S. embassy alert for Mali warned of sudden counter-terrorism operations that could disrupt urban areas, urging residents to avoid gatherings and prepare to shelter in place. Sahel Health & Safety Context: The U.S. also donated about $2.3 million in military equipment to Niger, including medical supplies for field operations—highlighting how insecurity keeps spilling into health and humanitarian needs. HIV Leadership in Africa: Burkina Faso-linked public health leadership featured in a handover for the Society for AIDS in Africa, reinforcing ongoing HIV, TB, and emerging disease response work. Ebola Watch: WHO reporting on a growing Ebola outbreak in DR Congo raised the internal risk level to “very high,” with delays in case identification complicating response.

Ebola Preparedness in Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso’s government is strengthening preventive measures against Ebola as health officials watch regional risk signals and plan for faster detection and response. Civil Society Crackdown: Burkina Faso’s military junta has suspended more than 900 civil society groups and NGOs since April, citing suspected foreign funding linked to terrorism—moves that critics say also tighten control over community services, including education and women’s vocational support. Student Union Targeted: The junta suspended the country’s largest student union (Ugeb) for three months and arrested its president and students after accusing the group of “advocating terrorism” over criticism of junta-linked abductions, rights restrictions, and insecurity tied to jihadist violence. Regional Security Pressure: Across the Sahel, renewed counter-terrorism operations and foreign security support continue to shape public safety and health access, including U.S. military aid to Niger and escalating instability affecting neighboring Burkina Faso.

Ebola Preparedness in Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso’s Health Ministry says it has stepped up preventive measures against Ebola despite no cases reported, boosting surveillance at entry points, placing all health facilities on alert, deploying mobile labs to confirm suspected cases, and preparing isolation and treatment sites. Sahel Security Pressure: A U.S. security alert for Mali warns of sudden counter-terrorism operations that could disrupt urban areas, as insurgent violence intensifies around Bamako. Burkina Faso Civil Society Crackdown: Burkina Faso’s military junta has suspended more than 900 civil society groups and NGOs since April, citing suspected links to terrorism funding—raising concerns about tighter control over community services. HIV Leadership in Africa: Dr. Richard Kamwi has been appointed president of the Society for AIDS in Africa, with a board that includes Burkina Faso’s professor Robert Soudre, focusing on HIV, TB, hepatitis, and emerging infectious diseases. Health & Rights Context: New data highlights that Burkina Faso introduced a law criminalising homosexuality, adding to a wider regional trend of expanding legal barriers for LGBTQ+ people.

Ebola Preparedness: Burkina Faso’s Health Ministry says it has strengthened preventive measures against Ebola despite no cases reported, boosting surveillance at entry points, putting all facilities on alert, expanding lab capacity with mobile labs, and preparing isolation and treatment sites through the Centre for Emergency Health Response Operations. HIV Leadership in Africa: The Society for AIDS in Africa named Dr. Richard Kamwi as its new president, aiming to strengthen regional action on HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and emerging infectious diseases, with Burkina Faso represented on the trustees board. Sahel Health Context: A wider regional backdrop remains tense as insecurity across the Sahel continues to strain health systems and response capacity, while Ebola concerns keep attention on cross-border readiness. Civic Space & Health Access: Burkina Faso’s junta has suspended more than 900 civil society groups and NGOs since April, raising concerns that tighter controls could affect community health and education services.

Ebola Preparedness in Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso’s Health Ministry says it has strengthened Ebola prevention despite reporting no cases so far, stepping up surveillance at entry points, placing all health facilities on alert, expanding lab capacity with mobile labs, and preparing isolation and treatment systems. Civil Society Crackdown: Burkina Faso’s military junta has suspended more than 900 civil society groups and NGOs since April, citing suspected foreign funding linked to terrorism—moves critics say also tighten government control. Sahel Security Tensions: A U.S. Embassy in Niamey confirmed it handed over military equipment containers to Niger’s armed forces on May 26, including uniforms, protective gear, and medical supplies, as the Sahel’s security landscape shifts amid growing Russian influence in the AES bloc. Regional Health Leadership: Dr. Richard Kamwi was appointed president of the Society for AIDS in Africa, with the group focusing on HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, emerging infections, and broader public health priorities.

Ebola Preparedness: Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Health says it has strengthened Ebola prevention despite no cases reported, boosting epidemiological surveillance at entry points, placing all health facilities on alert, deploying mobile labs for faster confirmation, and preparing isolation and treatment sites. HIV Leadership in Africa: Former health minister Dr Richard Kamwi was appointed president of the Society for AIDS in Africa, with the group focusing on HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, emerging infections, and broader public health. Health & Air Quality (Regional): In Ghana’s Bawku area near Burkina Faso, people are shifting from petrol motorbikes to electric bikes after years of exhaust irritation and coughing—an example of how cleaner transport can support respiratory health. Public Health Context: A wider Ebola update from the region highlights how delays in case detection and strained health systems can let outbreaks expand, underscoring why Burkina Faso’s readiness steps matter.

Ebola Preparedness in Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso’s Health Ministry says it has strengthened Ebola prevention despite no cases reported so far, stepping up surveillance at entry points, placing all health facilities on alert, expanding lab capacity with mobile labs for faster confirmation, and preparing isolation and treatment sites while mobilising the Centre for Emergency Health Response Operations. HIV and Public Health Leadership: Dr Richard Kamwi has been appointed president of the Society for AIDS in Africa, with a new board tasked with strengthening responses to HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, emerging infections and broader public health across Africa. LGBTQ+ Rights Backlash: New ILGA World data shows the number of countries criminalising consensual same-sex acts rose again in 2025, with Burkina Faso among those introducing new criminalisation laws. Air Quality and Safer Transport: In Ghana’s north near the Burkina Faso border, electric bikes are gaining traction after restrictions on petrol motorbikes, with riders reporting less smoke exposure and better comfort. Sahel Security Pressure on Health: Coverage highlights worsening insecurity across the Sahel, warning that shrinking state presence and expanding militant activity can further strain health services and access.