AGP Executive Report

Legal & Business: An Australian judge refused Equatorial Resources’ bid to stop Clifford Chance from pursuing arbitration over a roughly $3.46 million unpaid legal bill tied to the miner’s wider Congo claim. Agriculture Diplomacy: Venezuela wrapped up its participation in the Republic of Congo’s Great Agricultural Fair in Bambou-Mingali, with officials discussing follow-up cooperation under a 2023 memorandum, highlighting coffee and cacao. Telecom Enforcement: Congo’s telecom regulator ARPCE dismantled a sixth illegal SIM box fraud network in Brazzaville, seizing two 16-port SIM boxes and equipment during a raid in Massengo. Energy & Investment (Regional): SLB agreed to buy Kelvion for about $3.4 billion plus debt, aiming to expand cooling tech for AI data centres, with SLB operating across multiple African countries including the Republic of Congo. Oil & Gas (Regional): Etu Energias signed deals to acquire Chevron’s stakes in Angola’s deepwater Block 14 and 14K, positioning Etu to become the largest interest holder and potentially the operator on Block 14. LNG (Regional): Wison New Energies delivered an FLNG unit to Eni that is now operational in the Republic of Congo.

Telecom Crackdown in Brazzaville: Congo’s telecom regulator ARPCE says it has dismantled its sixth illegal SIM-box fraud network this year, raiding a Massengo (Domaine) site on 21 August and seizing two 16-port SIM boxes, a modem, a laptop and a battery-recharging system, along with 30 Ugandan phone numbers used in the scam. Oil & Gas Deal Watch (Angola, with Congo links): SLB (Schlumberger) plans a major $4.1bn move to buy Germany’s Kelvion, aiming to boost cooling tech for AI data centres; SLB says it operates across more than 100 locations in 30 African countries, including the Republic of Congo. Angola Deepwater Stakes Shift: Etu Energias has agreed to buy Chevron’s 31% operated interest in Block 14 and 15.5% in Block 14K for a base $260m cash deal, using pre-emption rights; Etu says it will become the largest interest holder and may take over operatorship of Block 14, with completion targeted for early 2027. FLNG in the Region: Wison New Energies says it has delivered a 2.4-mtpa Nguya floating LNG unit to Eni, now operational in the Republic of Congo.

Telecom Crackdown in Brazzaville: Congo’s telecom regulator ARPCE says it has dismantled a sixth illegal SIM box fraud network this year, raiding a Massengo (Domaine) site on 21 August and seizing two 16-port SIM boxes, a modem, a laptop and power-recharging equipment, along with dozens of phone numbers used in the scam. Energy Deal Watch: Etu Energias has signed a $260 million agreement to buy Chevron’s stakes in Angola’s offshore Block 14 (31% WI) and Block 14K (15.5% WI), aiming to become the largest interest holder and potentially operator of Block 14, with completion targeted for early 2027 and regulatory approvals required. LNG Tech for Congo: Wison New Energies says it has delivered a 2.4-mtpa Nguya floating LNG (FLNG) unit to Eni, now operational in the Republic of Congo, as it expands the company’s liquefaction offering. Conservation Governance: Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks after years of involvement, citing a governance refresh amid ongoing scrutiny over alleged ranger abuses at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Congo.

Telecom Crackdown: Congo-Brazzaville’s telecom regulator ARPCE says it dismantled a sixth illegal SIM-box fraud network in Brazzaville, seizing two 16-port SIM boxes, a modem, a laptop and power-recharging gear during a raid in Massengo (Domaine) on 21 August, with investigators recovering dozens of Ugandan phone numbers used in the scam. Energy Deals: In Angola, Etu Energias agreed to buy stakes from Chevron’s Angolan unit—31% in Block 14 and 15.5% in Block 14K—for $260 million, aiming to become the largest interest holder and potentially take operatorship of Block 14 pending approval. LNG Tech for Congo: Wison New Energies says it has delivered a 2.4-mtpa Nguya floating LNG unit to Eni, now operational in the Republic of Congo, as the company pushes wider market access to liquefaction technology. Diplomacy & Gender at the UN: Namibia’s foreign minister visited Brazzaville to back electing the UN’s first female secretary-general, linking the push to broader gender-equality goals ahead of September’s vote. Conservation Governance: Prince Harry stepped down as a trustee of African Parks amid ongoing controversy over alleged ranger abuses in Congo-Brazzaville’s Odzala-Kokoua National Park, with the charity calling it a routine board “governance refresh.”

UN Gender Push in Brazzaville: Namibia’s foreign minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi says her country is backing the election of the UN’s first-ever female secretary-general, calling it a key moment for gender equality as the next vote approaches before António Guterres’ term ends on 31 December 2026. Diplomatic and Economic Ties: During a working visit to the Republic of Congo, she also pushed to deepen Namibia–Congo cooperation, with more focus on trade, investment and practical economic projects. Conservation Governance Fallout in Congo: Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks after the charity acknowledged human rights abuses by rangers at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo, saying the move is part of a routine governance refresh while he remains a supporter of its conservation mission. Local Recognition: Ghanaian alumni group Dzolalians congratulated Timothy Gobah on his appointment as Ghana’s ambassador and consul general to the Republic of Congo.

Namibia-Congo Diplomacy: Namibia’s foreign minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi wrapped up inaugural political and diplomatic consultations in Brazzaville, pushing for stronger economic ties and more “economic content” in bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Congo. UN Gender Politics: During the same visit, Namibia backed the push to elect the UN’s first-ever woman secretary-general, saying it’s time for gender equality at the UN as the current chief’s term ends in December 2026. Conservation Governance in Congo-Brazzaville: British Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks after the charity acknowledged ranger-linked human rights abuses in the Republic of Congo, with African Parks calling it a routine “governance refresh” and saying he was not removed. Diplomatic Appointments: Ghana’s Dzolali alumni association congratulated Timothy Gobah on his appointment as ambassador and consul general to the Republic of Congo.

Diplomatic Push: Namibia’s foreign minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi wrapped up inaugural Namibia–Republic of Congo political and diplomatic consultations in Brazzaville, urging stronger economic cooperation and more “practical meaning” for bilateral ties, with talks focused on trade, investment, infrastructure and economic collaboration. UN Gender Politics: Namibia also backed the push to elect the UN’s first-ever woman secretary-general, saying gender equality matters “80 years” after the UN’s founding as elections near for António Guterres’ successor. Conservation Spotlight (Congo-Brazzaville): British Prince Harry stepped down from the board of African Parks after the charity acknowledged ranger-linked human rights abuses in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo, saying the move followed a governance refresh while he remains a supporter of the conservation mission. International Mobility Note: In the U.S., a corrections officer in Maine was arrested by ICE after an alleged immigration overstay, adding to a recent pattern of detentions involving corrections staff.

Diplomacy & Trade: Namibia’s foreign minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi wrapped up inaugural political and diplomatic consultations in Brazzaville, pushing for stronger economic ties and backing the election of the UN’s first female secretary-general. Health & Culture Cooperation: During the same visit, Namibia and Congo signed two MoUs—one on health cooperation and another on culture and the arts—aimed at turning long-standing relations into practical benefits. Conservation Governance: Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks after the charity acknowledged ranger-linked human rights abuses at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo, saying the move follows a routine “governance refresh” and that he remains a supporter of the mission. Regional Migration Enforcement: Nigeria’s Osun State immigration authorities arrested 55 migrants from Cameroon and the Republic of Congo for alleged irregular entry and lack of valid documents, with plans for profiling and repatriation.

UN Gender Push: Namibia’s foreign minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi urged support for electing the UN’s first female secretary-general during talks in Brazzaville, pointing to growing backing from dozens of states ahead of the September vote. Diplomatic & Economic Ties: The same visit helped kick off inaugural Namibia–Congo political and diplomatic consultations, with MoUs signed to boost cooperation in health, culture and the arts, and a clear push to turn long-standing relations into practical economic gains. Conservation Accountability: Prince Harry stepped down from the board of African Parks after the charity acknowledged ranger-linked human rights abuses in the Republic of Congo, saying the move followed a governance “refresh” while he remains a supporter of its conservation mission. Regional Security Watch: An Africa File update flags renewed sustained fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray and Sahel mediation efforts involving prisoner releases, underscoring how instability and diplomacy are moving in parallel across the region.

UN Gender Push: Namibia is urging member states to elect the UN’s first female secretary-general, with foreign minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi making the case during talks in Brazzaville ahead of September’s vote. Congo-Brazzaville Diplomacy: The same visit produced two new Namibia–Congo MoUs on health cooperation and on culture and the arts, as both sides try to turn long-standing ties into practical economic benefits. Conservation Fallout: Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks after the charity acknowledged ranger-linked human rights abuses at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo, saying the move is part of a governance “refresh” while he remains a supporter of its mission. Regional Security Brief: An Africa File update flags renewed military confrontation in Ethiopia’s Tigray and ongoing Sahel mediation efforts involving prisoner releases, with wider regional and external interests shaping outcomes.

Tigray Conflict Watch: Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) have resumed sustained military confrontation in Tigray after a breakdown of the 2022 peace deal, with the Ethiopian army carrying out drone strikes including around Mekele. Sahel Mediation: Multiple North and sub-Saharan actors have been helping broker high-profile prisoner releases in the Sahel, while Russia’s recent role in dialogue channels—such as efforts linking Algeria and Mali—may be part of a wider push to open talks. Conservation & Congo Scrutiny: Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks after the charity acknowledged ranger-linked human rights abuses at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo, saying the move follows a governance refresh. Diplomacy & Trade: Namibia’s foreign minister visited Brazzaville to deepen Namibia–Congo ties, including new cooperation plans aimed at adding “economic content” to the relationship. Migration Enforcement: Nigeria’s immigration service arrested 55 migrants from Cameroon and the Republic of Congo in Osun for irregular entry and lack of valid documents. Energy Investment Push: African Energy Week 2026 in Cape Town is drawing major ministers and investors, with organizers highlighting deals, local content, and Africa’s role in global energy security.

Conservation Accountability: Prince Harry has stepped down as a trustee of African Parks after the charity acknowledged human rights abuses by rangers at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo, saying the move follows a “governance refresh” and that he was not removed. Diplomatic & Economic Links: Namibia’s foreign minister, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, visited Brazzaville to push deeper trade, investment, health and culture ties, signing MoUs with Congo. Regional Migration Enforcement: Nigeria’s immigration authorities in Osun arrested 55 migrants from Cameroon and the Republic of Congo for entering through unauthorised routes and staying without valid documents. Public Health Update: WHO confirmed poliovirus type 2 outbreaks are closed in five African countries, including the Republic of Congo, after assessments showed transmission was interrupted. Agriculture & Trade: Venezuela’s delegation took part in Congo’s 2nd Great Agricultural Fair, promoting value-added exports like coffee and cocoa.

China-Africa Diplomacy: President Xi Jinping will travel Aug 30–Sep 3, stopping in Egypt after meetings tied to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and a state visit to Kyrgyzstan—his first Africa trip since 2023 and first to Egypt since 2016, with trade ties deepening through zero-tariff access and growing Chinese investment. Conservation & Governance: British Prince Harry has stepped down as a trustee of African Parks after a governance refresh, amid last year’s admissions of human rights abuses by rangers at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo; his spokesman says he remains a supporter of the conservation mission. Health Update: The WHO says poliovirus type 2 outbreaks have been closed in five African countries, including the Republic of Congo, after assessments found transmission was interrupted through vaccination, investigations, and environmental surveillance. Regional Cooperation: Namibia and the Republic of Congo signed MoUs in Brazzaville to boost cooperation in health and in culture and the arts, aiming to turn long-standing ties into practical economic benefits.

China-Africa Diplomacy: President Xi Jinping will travel Aug 30–Sep 3, stopping in Egypt after meetings in Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan, with the Egypt leg his first to Africa in three years and his first visit to Egypt since 2016—coming as China and Egypt mark 70 years of ties and deepen trade, including zero-tariff access and growing Chinese investment around the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Health Update: The WHO says polio type 2 outbreaks are now closed in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Congo and Uganda after assessments found transmission stopped, citing targeted vaccination and stronger surveillance. Bilateral Ties: Namibia’s foreign minister visited Brazzaville to push deeper Namibia–Congo cooperation, signing MoUs on health and culture/arts and urging faster economic benefits from long-standing relations. Local Diplomacy: Ghana’s Dzolali alumni group congratulated Timothy Gobah on his appointment as ambassador and consul general to the Republic of Congo. Governance & Rights: UK royal Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks amid scrutiny over alleged ranger abuses in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Congo, with the charity calling it a routine governance refresh.

African Conservation Accountability: Prince Harry has stepped down as a trustee of African Parks after the charity admitted ranger-linked human rights abuses at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo, saying the move follows a “governance refresh” and that he was not removed. Diplomatic Moves: Ghana’s Dzolalians have congratulated Timothy Gobah on his appointment as ambassador and consul general to the Republic of Congo, calling it a major honour for Keta and KETASCO. Health Update: The WHO says polio type 2 outbreaks are now closed in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Congo, and Uganda after assessments found transmission had stopped. Regional Cooperation: Namibia and Congo signed MoUs in Brazzaville to boost cooperation in health and in culture and the arts, with ministers pushing for more practical economic ties. Migration Enforcement: Nigeria’s immigration authorities in Osun arrested 55 irregular migrants from Cameroon and the Republic of Congo for entering without authorisation and lacking valid documents.

African Parks Governance: Prince Harry has stepped down as a trustee of African Parks after a decade-long role, with the move tied to a “governance refresh” amid ongoing fallout from allegations of human rights abuses by rangers at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo. Diplomatic Appointments: Ghanaian alumni group Dzolalians has congratulated Timothy Gobah on his appointment as Ambassador and Consul General to the Republic of Congo, calling it a win for KETASCO and the wider Dzolali fraternity. Health Watch: The WHO says polio type 2 outbreaks are now closed in five African countries, including the Republic of Congo, after assessments found transmission had stopped. Regional Ties: Namibia’s foreign minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi met Congolese counterparts in Brazzaville to push stronger economic cooperation, including trade and investment. Migration Enforcement: Nigeria’s NIS Osun State Command arrested 55 irregular migrants from Cameroon and the Republic of Congo for entering without authorization and lacking valid documents.