AGP Executive Report

U.S. Visa Policy: The United States has made its visa bond programme permanent, with consular officers able to require refundable deposits of $10,000–$20,000 for B1 business and B2 tourism applicants from 50 countries, including Central African Republic and many other African states. The bond is returned if the traveller follows visa rules and leaves on time, but is forfeited for overstays. Deportations to CAR: A second group of 30 migrants deported from the U.S. arrived in Bangui under a bilateral deal, with lawyers saying the arrivals are discouraged and have no ties to CAR. Health Crisis in the Region: Africa CDC warns that DR Congo’s Ebola response is facing mounting operational constraints, even as Uganda is praised for containing the outbreak. CAR Security/Politics: China’s police peacekeepers have departed for UN missions, including the Central African Republic, to support civilian security and local policing. Humanitarian/Health Cooperation: Kenya and partners are drafting a regional framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies, including the Central African Republic.

U.S. Visa Rules for CAR Travelers: The U.S. State Department is making its visa bond programme permanent from Aug. 3, letting consular officers demand refundable deposits of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 for B1 business and B2 tourist visas from 50 countries—including the Central African Republic—with money forfeited if applicants overstay or break visa terms. CAR Migration Deal: A second group of 30 migrants deported from the U.S. arrived in Bangui on a flight that stopped in Dakar and Accra, under a bilateral arrangement where CAR hosts expelled migrants in exchange for $81 million. UN Sanctions Renewed for CAR: The UN Security Council extended sanctions on armed groups and individuals undermining peace in the Central African Republic, keeping asset freezes and travel bans and renewing a panel of experts’ mandate until Aug. 31, 2027. CAR Peacekeeping Link: China sent a small police peacekeeping team to the Central African Republic to support civilian security and local policing under UN mandates. Health Cooperation: Kenya and partners, including the Central African Republic, are working on a regional framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks.

U.S. Visa Policy: The U.S. State Department is making its visa bond programme permanent, with consular officers able to require refundable deposits up to $20,000 for some business and tourism applicants from 50 countries, including 30 in Africa; the rule takes effect Monday after a year-long pilot. Public Health: Africa CDC says the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is still rapidly worsening, citing operational constraints, while it praises Uganda’s containment progress. UN Sanctions on CAR: The UN Security Council extended sanctions targeting armed groups and individuals undermining peace in the Central African Republic, renewing the experts’ panel mandate until Aug. 31, 2027. CAR Peacekeeping Link: China says two teams of Chinese police peacekeepers have departed for UN missions, including the Central African Republic, to support civilian security and local policing. Local Access to Care: A regional framework is being developed by Kenya and 10 other African countries, including the Central African Republic, to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks. CAR Community Life: The U.S. bishops’ Solidarity Fund is backing a bicycle ministry for Marianist sisters in rural southwest CAR, helping them reach remote villages near the Cameroon border. Sports: The Central African Republic automatically qualified for the 2026 U18 Women’s AfroBasket from Zone 4.

UN Sanctions Renewed on CAR Armed Groups: The UN Security Council unanimously extended sanctions against non-state armed groups and individuals undermining peace in the Central African Republic, renewing the expert panel’s mandate until Aug. 31, 2027, with arms-supply restrictions plus travel bans and asset freezes. CAR Church Outreach: The U.S. bishops’ Solidarity Fund backed Pope Leo XIV’s unity call by funding bicycles for Marianist sisters to reach remote CAR villages, supporting school and community ministry in the rural southwest. Bangui-Linked Security Pressure: A separate UN update also highlighted that despite gains in governance and security, armed groups and cross-border arms networks still threaten stability, with CAR officials pushing for sanctions to target financiers. Regional Health Cooperation: Kenya and 10 other African states, including the Central African Republic, are developing a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks. CAR in the Deportation Route: U.S. deportations under a “third-country” scheme sent dozens across Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ghana and CAR, with lawyers warning many deportees were not from the destination countries. Wildlife Tourism in Dzanga-Sangha: Dzanga-Sangha National Park’s wildlife tourism is testing whether stability can translate into steadier local income, with Bayanga seeing modest visitor growth. China Police Peacekeepers to CAR: Two teams of Chinese police peacekeepers departed for UN missions, including the Central African Republic, to support civilian security and local policing capacity.

Refugee Crisis in Niger: A refugee-led sit-in at the Agadez Humanitarian Center has stretched to nearly two years, with up to 1,000 people—many from Sudan and other countries—protesting daily over limited movement, no asylum processing, and no clear resettlement path. Regional Health Cooperation: Kenya and 10 other African states, including the Central African Republic, are finalising a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks, aiming to cut costs and speed access. CAR Sanctions Renewed: The UN Security Council extended sanctions against armed groups and individuals undermining peace in the Central African Republic for another year, keeping arms restrictions, travel bans, and asset freezes in place. UN Police Support for CAR: China has sent two teams of police peacekeepers to UN missions, including the Central African Republic, to help safeguard civilians, support local policing, and back humanitarian relief. CAR Church Aid: The US bishops’ Solidarity Fund is backing Pope Leo XIV’s unity call by funding bicycle projects for Marianist sisters reaching remote CAR villages. Ebola Watch (DRC): Africa CDC says Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo faces mounting operational constraints, even as Uganda shows progress.

Wildlife Tourism in CAR: Dzanga-Sangha National Park is seeing modest, real growth in visitors, with about 800 tourists in 2025, steadier lodge business, and more consistent work for guides and trackers—locals say Bayanga has largely avoided disruptions seen elsewhere. UN Sanctions Update: The UN Security Council unanimously extended sanctions on armed groups in the Central African Republic, citing ongoing threats from cross-border arms networks even as it noted Bangui’s governance and security gains. Church in CAR: The U.S. bishops’ Solidarity Fund is backing Pope Leo XIV’s unity call by funding bicycle support for Marianist sisters in rural southwest CAR, helping them reach remote villages and support youth. CAR in Regional Infrastructure: Cameroon has launched procurement for its share of the Douala–Bangui Economic Corridor, a World Bank-backed push meant to improve trade links with the CAR. Fuel Costs Watch: Diesel remains a major pressure point across Africa, with CAR listed among the continent’s most expensive places to buy diesel in July 2026.

UN Sanctions Update: The UN Security Council unanimously extended sanctions on armed groups and individuals operating in the Central African Republic, keeping asset freezes, travel bans, and weapons-supply restrictions in place while noting Bangui’s governance and security gains but warning the situation remains fragile, especially along borders. Church in CAR: The U.S. bishops’ Solidarity Fund is backing Pope Leo XIV’s unity call by funding Marianist sisters’ bicycle ministry in rural southwest CAR, helping them reach remote villages near the Cameroon border and bring Mass reflections, school support, and community outreach. CAR in Global Spotlight: A UK travel advisory warns against all travel to most of the Central African Republic, with only Bangui partially excepted and even the capital under “all but essential” restrictions. Regional Finance Watch: In CEMAC, BEAC liquidity demand rose after rate cuts, with commercial banks borrowing more from the central bank—relevant for CAR’s banking and credit conditions. Fuel Costs: Diesel prices data places the Central African Republic among Africa’s most expensive markets for diesel, a pressure point for transport and prices.

UN Sanctions Update: The UN Security Council unanimously extended sanctions on armed groups and individuals operating in the Central African Republic, keeping asset freezes, travel bans, and limits on weapons supplies—while warning that cross-border arms networks still threaten stability, especially in border areas. Church & Community Support: The U.S. bishops’ Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa backed Pope Leo XIV’s unity call by funding bicycle projects for Marianist sisters in rural CAR, helping them reach “unreached places” and distribute Bibles and rosaries. CAR in Regional Diplomacy: Foreign ministers are arriving in Addis Ababa for the AU Executive Council session, with the Central African Republic among the delegations expected to discuss priorities including water security and sanitation. Fuel Costs Hit the Region: A July 2026 diesel-price roundup lists the Central African Republic among Africa’s most expensive places to buy diesel, a pressure that can quickly feed into transport and food costs. Bangui-Linked Consular Change: From August 1, U.S. visa processing for Gabon shifts to Yaoundé, with the Central African Republic included in the new regional hub coverage.

Regional Infrastructure: Cameroon has started procurement for its share of the Douala–Bangui Economic Corridor (PACE-DB), launching tenders for works, studies and consulting under World Bank financing of about €362.9m (CFA238bn), with the corridor valued far higher overall and aimed at boosting trade between Cameroon and the Central African Republic. CEMAC Banking Watch: After BEAC rate cuts, refinancing demand from commercial banks jumped to CFA680bn on July 22, while CEMAC data also show governments still absorb a big share of bank lending—net claims on public sector rising to CFA11.4tn by end-March 2026. Security & Travel: The UK updated travel advisories for five African countries, warning against all travel to most of the Central African Republic except Bangui, which is still “all but essential” due to security risks. Elections & Diplomacy: Russia says its citizens can vote in State Duma elections from 18–20 September, including polling in Bangui. Humanitarian Context: AU ministers are meeting in Addis Ababa on water security and sanitation, while Central Africa continues to face major health and emergency pressures.

Travel & Safety: The UK FCDO updated travel advisories for five African countries, warning against all travel to the Central African Republic except Bangui, which is also “all but essential,” citing armed conflict and instability. Regional Security: South Africa’s army chief met Russian military officials to deepen land-force cooperation, with Russia also expanding training and security ties across Africa, including with the Central African Republic. Diplomacy in Focus: Foreign ministers and senior officials arrived in Addis Ababa for the AU Executive Council session, with the Central African Republic among those attending as water security and sanitation take center stage. Justice & Accountability: Commentary highlights the ICC’s deepening crisis amid threats to dismantle the court and the removal of its chief prosecutor, underscoring pressure on international criminal justice. Humanitarian Reality: A report on Central African Republic border fighting describes families fleeing clashes and struggling to survive without medicines. Economy & Finance: BEAC liquidity demand rose to CFA680 billion after rate cuts, with the Central African Republic included in the CEMAC bloc.

ICC Crisis and Accountability: A new pushback against the International Criminal Court is intensifying, with reports highlighting threats to dismantle the court and the removal of ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan—raising fresh questions about how international justice will function amid political pressure. CAR Border Displacement: Fighting near the Central African Republic–Sudan border has forced families to flee with little more than what they can carry, underscoring how fast violence can erase livelihoods in Vakaga and beyond. CEMAC Banking Liquidity: In the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, BEAC refinancing demand rose to CFA680 billion after rate cuts, a sign banks are leaning more on central bank liquidity—relevant for CAR’s credit and public financing pressures. CAR Telecom Overhaul: The CAR government has started implementing its deal with Greenline Technologies to take over and transform Socatel, aiming to revive the struggling state telecom operator. AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa: Foreign ministers, including CAR’s, are meeting in Addis Ababa for the AU Executive Council session focused on water security and sanitation. Ebola Watch in the Region: Coverage warns that Ebola in the DRC is spreading across Central Africa, with logistics and tracking challenges complicating containment efforts.

CAR Security & Community: A Catholic priest in Zémio, Father Crépin Martial Monga, was killed by gunmen the day after baptizing 175 displaced believers, with authorities still investigating and no group claiming responsibility. Regional Economy & Finance: CEMAC says Castel is “ahead of schedule” on its Guinness Cameroon acquisition commitments, but regulators and the company have not released key figures on investment, jobs, or new production capacity. Public Spending Pressure in CEMAC: BEAC reports governments’ net claims on banks reached CFA11.4 trillion by end-March 2026, showing how public financing needs keep shaping credit across Cameroon, CAR, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. Ebola Response Strained by Conflict: UNICEF highlights how humanitarian logistics and psychosocial support are helping children recover in DRC’s Ituri, as Ebola spreads across multiple provinces and response teams struggle with insecurity and limited tracking. AU Diplomacy in Addis Ababa: Foreign ministers, including CAR’s, arrived for the AU Executive Council session focused on water security and safe sanitation under Agenda 2063. Justice at a Crossroads: The ICC faces major upheaval after the removal of Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan amid allegations of sexual abuse, while U.S. pressure continues to loom over the court’s future.

CAR Border Violence: Fighting near the CAR–Sudan border at Am-Dafock has pushed families to flee toward Birao, leaving people with nothing as houses burn and children fall sick without medicine. Diplomacy & Security: Egypt’s non-resident ambassador to the CAR presented credentials to President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, pledging support for peace and development and pointing to Egyptian troops in MINUSCA. State Telecom Reform: The CAR government has started implementing its September 2025 deal with Greenline Technologies to take over and overhaul struggling telecom operator Socatel. Training & Manpower: Burkina Faso’s Georges Namoano Military Academy graduated 217 second lieutenants, with 199 set to serve in Burkina Faso and others including CAR receiving new officers. Public Health Watch: Yellow fever warnings include the CAR among countries with confirmed cases, urging travelers to get vaccinated before travel. Regional Policy: From Aug. 1, Gabonese visa processing will shift to the U.S. embassy in Yaoundé, which will also handle nonimmigrant visas for applicants from Cameroon, the CAR, Chad and others.

Ebola Response in Crisis: Health authorities in the DRC and Africa CDC say they can’t keep up with Ebola’s spread, with contact tracing coverage falling to 56.5% and labs in South and North Kivu running out of testing kits; the outbreak is now reaching Uganda and is being worsened by fear, movement controls, and patients escaping. CAR Security and Displacement: Fighting near the CAR–Sudan border has pushed families to flee with little more than what they can carry, including sick children with no medicine, as clashes around Am-Dafock continue to disrupt life in Vakaga. CAR Telecom Overhaul: The CAR government has started implementing its deal with Greenline Technologies to take over and transform state telecom operator Socatel, aiming to revive a struggling service. Local Violence at Zémio: A Catholic priest in Zémio, Father Crépin Martial Monga, was killed days after baptizing 175 displaced believers, with no group yet claiming responsibility. Regional Health Alert: Yellow fever is reported as confirmed in the Central African Republic and Cameroon, prompting travel warnings and calls for vaccination before travel. Training for Regional Forces: Burkina Faso graduated 217 second lieutenants, including 199 destined for CAR, as part of broader regional military training.

Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO and Africa CDC say they can’t keep up with a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, with contact tracing coverage falling to 56.5% and major labs running out of testing kits as cases rise and communities resist response efforts. CAR Security & Displacement: Fighting near the CAR–Sudan border has pushed families to flee with little more than what they can carry, as clashes around Am-Dafock and ongoing armed-group incursions keep people “surviving till help arrives.” Targeted Violence (CAR): A Catholic priest in Zémio, Father Crépin Martial Monga, was killed days after baptizing 175 people, while a parishioner was left critically injured; no group has claimed responsibility. Army Reform (CAR region): In a separate government statement, a prime minister said army promotions should be merit-based and free from political interference, alongside plans for a modern, technology-driven force. Telecom Turnaround (CAR): CAR has started implementing its deal with Greenline Technologies to take over and transform state telecom operator Socatel. Yellow Fever Alert: Travel health warnings list confirmed yellow fever cases including in the Central African Republic, urging vaccination before travel.

CAR Border Violence: Fighting near the CAR–Sudan border at Am-Dafock has pushed families to flee toward Birao, leaving people with nothing and a sick baby without medicine, as clashes between armed groups and CAR forces continue to disrupt daily life. Ebola Watch (DRC): The Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is accelerating, with security problems hampering vaccination and surveillance and raising fears of wider spread beyond known transmission chains. CAR Telecom Reform: The CAR government has started implementing its September 2025 deal with US-based Greenline Technologies to take over and overhaul struggling state telecom operator Socatel. Religious Leaders Targeted: A Catholic priest, Father Crépin Martial Monga, was killed in Zémio a day after baptizing 175 displaced believers, with no group yet claiming responsibility. Diplomacy & Refugees (Cameroon–CAR): Cameroon and CAR officials met with UNHCR to review obstacles to voluntary, safe repatriation of Central African refugees, citing progress under the 2019 tripartite agreement. Health Advisory (Yellow Fever): Yellow fever cases have been confirmed in the CAR and Cameroon, prompting travel warnings and calls for vaccination ahead of trips.