AGP Executive Report

World Cup, but make it Congo-relevant: Cristiano Ronaldo says he’s fit and ready for Portugal’s World Cup opener, while across the continent fans are split—some cheering Mexico after South Africa’s xenophobic violence, others defending Bafana Bafana. Match-day logistics: In Atlanta, officials say MARTA is safe despite recent attacks on trains and stations, as fans plan routes to the games. Congo in the spotlight: Ebola in the Republic of Congo is worsening, with confirmed cases rising to 676 (136 deaths) and the outbreak spreading into three new health zones. Music & culture: Ryan Coogler’s Sinners gets a surreal montage spotlight connecting ancestral and modern Black music and dance, and Congolese groove pioneers Jupiter & Okwess are set for WOMAD’s 2026 lineup. Arts calendar: Luanda’s third Art, Tourism and Culture Fair runs with artists from Angola, Congo and Namibia, mixing exhibitions, performances, talks and workshops.

World Cup TV/streaming: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11, with every match nationally on FOX and Telemundo in the US, plus streaming options like Peacock and FuboTV—handy for fans planning Congo-related viewing from abroad. Arts & culture spotlight: French-Algerian artist-curator Kader Attia says the Kochi-Muziris Biennale should be built around local audiences, aiming for conversation and “repair” through contemporary art. Music festival news: WOMAD returns to Neston Park Estate in Corsham (July 23–26) with a lineup that includes Congolese groove pioneers Jupiter & Okwess. Regional art fair: Luanda hosts the third Luanda Art Fair (Art, Tourism and Culture Fair) with participation from artists in Angola, Congo and Namibia, mixing exhibitions, talks and workshops. Public health (Congo): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has reached 676 confirmed cases and spread to three new health zones, with 136 deaths reported.

World Cup Kickoff (Sports + Media): The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts today with Mexico vs South Africa (2 p.m. Central, FOX/Telemundo) and South Korea vs Czechia (9 p.m. Central, FS1/Telemundo), with a 48-team format and TV/streaming details for fans across the co-hosts. Congo in the spotlight (Fashion): A Congolese refugee fashion designer is dressing Kentucky’s governor and NBA stars, turning personal history into global style. Congo in the spotlight (Arts + Music): A Toronto-based Congolese artist is spotlighted for “Kaku,” blending soukous with modern jazz. Ebola update (Health + Congo): The U.S. and EU discuss Ebola response efforts as global experts provide updates on Congo’s outbreak. Local arts radio (Community): Safe Harbors launches Safe Harbors Radio, pairing housing-and-arts work with community talk and music, including a show featuring Congolese artists. Festival logistics (Arts): Greenbelt Festival announces a pause for 2027 while it searches for a new home. World Cup culture (Music): FIFA’s World Cup ceremonies in Canada add major pop names, with Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé among performers. Security + migration unrest (News): Belfast faces renewed anti-immigrant violence after a stabbing case, with families from Congo among those affected.

World Cup Culture & Media: Chile’s free-to-air TV deal means viewers can watch 52 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches on open channels, with 4K broadcasts highlighted for better picture quality. Music & Film: L.A. Jazz Festival announces a huge lineup headlined by John Legend and Janelle Monáe, while Poppy Liu talks about her new era after Hacks ends and her work on Boots Riley’s I Love Boosters. Community & Heritage: A Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church youth event, the Global Tea Exchange, spotlights heritage through a multi-country tea “passport,” including Congo ginger chai. Arts & Local Spotlight: The Sun ATL opens a World Cup-era exhibition featuring Congolese-born painter Raphael Bahindwa and other artists, tying Atlanta’s culture to African creative histories. Sports Watch Parties: Portugal vs. Congo watch parties are set for June 17 at VIVO! Dolphin Mall with Easy 93.1 and Boost Mobile.

World Cup Culture & Congo Connection: Portugal’s World Cup watch parties are rolling out with a big Congo vs. Portugal screening set for June 17, plus more match days—making Congo fans part of the global football buzz. Music Crossovers: OkayAfrica spotlights the collaborations Anglophone and Francophone artists could still do more of, pointing to Congo’s own legacy of cross-border hits. Ebola & Public Health: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed Ebola containment efforts in Congo and Uganda, as the outbreak response faces ongoing pressure. Arts & Community Spotlight: “This Is Atlanta” opens as a major exhibition that includes Congolese-born painter Raphael Bahindwa, bringing Congo-linked creativity into a wider Black arts story. Coffee & Heritage: A free cupping event ties into the Best of Congo Cooperatives competition, giving people a taste of standout Congo coffees before the auction. Language & Identity: Pan African scholar PLO Lumumba renewed calls for Kiswahili to become an official UN language, framing African languages as cultural anchors. Ebola Reality Check: Reports say Ebola deaths in eastern Congo have climbed, with attacks on health workers and conflict still complicating care.

World Cup Culture & Community: As the 2026 FIFA World Cup hits, Atlanta is gearing up with official fan viewing at Centennial Park and other watch spots, plus Easy 93.1 and Boost Mobile watch parties at VIVO! Dolphin Mall (including a Portugal vs. Congo match). Congo in the Spotlight (Sports): A refugee-heavy Iowa boys team won its first state title, with Congolese-born players Ombe Simbi and Esanda Kilozo turning soccer into a bridge for new arrivals. Congo in the Spotlight (Arts): The Sun ATL’s “This Is Atlanta” exhibition opens during the World Cup and features Congolese-born painter Raphael Bahindwa and artist Kosmo Vinyl, tying football energy to Black cultural storytelling. Congo in Global Language & Identity: Pan African scholar PLO Lumumba urged Kiswahili to become an official UN language, arguing African languages deserve equal global recognition. Congo Arts & Heritage (Coffee): A “Best of Congo Cooperatives” cupping in Denver spotlights Congolese coffee ahead of an international judging and auction. Health & Congo Reality Check: Ebola continues to spread in eastern Congo, with attacks on health workers and misinformation complicating the response.

World Cup 2026 (How to watch): With the tournament days away, a guide breaks down match length (90 minutes plus stoppage time), extra time, and penalties—plus where fans can catch games in Atlanta and other viewing spots. World Cup 2026 (Local Congo tie-in): A watch-party promo lists Portugal vs. Congo as one of the featured match screenings in Miami. Music & identity: Dave Matthews clarified his pro-Palestinian stance while stressing “deep respect and love” for Jewish people after backlash over claims of antisemitism. Language & culture: Pan-African scholar PLO Lumumba urged Kiswahili to become an official UN language, arguing African languages deserve equal global recognition. Arts & community: Stratford’s International Puppet Festival returns for its fifth year, bringing international artists and new shows. Fact check: A viral Goa boat-accident video was traced to a 2024 incident in the Democratic Republic of Congo, not Goa. Health (Congo spotlight): Ebola cases in eastern Congo continue to rise, with reports of deaths and ongoing challenges for responders.

Ebola Update (Eastern Congo): Ebola deaths have climbed to 101 out of 550 confirmed cases in eastern Congo, with the outbreak centered in Ituri (over 90% of cases). Health workers are still facing attacks, local skepticism, and fighting in hotspots, while the response remains tough because there’s no approved vaccine or treatment for this Bundibugyo strain. Music & Culture (Soft Cell): Marc Almond talks up Soft Cell’s 45th-anniversary legacy and the Generations Tour, where he’ll share bills with The Human League and Alison Moyet. Pop Culture (Dave Matthews): Dave Matthews pushed back on claims his criticism of Israel is antisemitic, saying his views can’t be “twisted” and that he has deep respect for Jewish culture and history. Sports Media (World Cup 2026): The 2026 World Cup kicks off June 11 with Mexico vs South Africa, and the full broadcast schedule across Fox/FS1 and streaming options is out. Arts & Society (Refugee Online Attacks): UNHCR says far-right users are increasingly targeting its refugee-focused content online, alongside misinformation and hate speech.

Immigration & Refugees: Congolese refugees in Durban say Ramaphosa’s new immigration reforms don’t ease daily fears as foreign nationals are moved for documentation and verification, while online hostility toward refugees keeps rising. Arts & Books: Ruth K. Clemens’ memoir “A Quest for Purpose” spotlights her childhood in the Congo and later work with asylum seekers, blending faith, displacement, and community. World Cup Media & Culture: A full 2026 World Cup broadcast schedule and stadium guide are out as the tournament kicks off June 11 across 16 venues, with matches streamed on major platforms. Music & Health Messaging: In Congo’s Ebola-hit Ituri, a radio program tackles misinformation and builds trust with daily updates and call-ins. Film Festival Spotlight: Biarritz Film Festival – Nouvelles Vagues reveals a competition lineup led by Kristen Stewart, including “Congo Boy” by Rafiki Fariala. Infrastructure & Regional Arts-Adjacent News: Cameroon signs an MoU for a rail corridor linking Edéa to Kribi and beyond—boosting freight access for Central Africa, including northern Congo.

World Cup Hype: The 2026 men’s FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11 in Canada (co-hosts Canada, Mexico, U.S.), with Toronto and Vancouver hosting and quarterfinals onward in the U.S.—plus a full guide to what fans need to know. Music & Politics: Dave Matthews clarified his Palestine advocacy after critics twisted it into antisemitism claims, stressing respect for Jewish culture and opposition to violence. Sports Culture: Mo Salah’s June 3×3 basketball run in Spokane spotlights his strict diet and training routine, while Portugal’s Ruben Dias talks up “humble but more ambitious” World Cup goals. Congo in the Spotlight: A UNHCR report says far-right online attacks are targeting refugee-focused content, including claims about Congolese refugees. Ebola & Media: In Congo, radio is being used to fight Ebola misinformation, with a daily program featuring health specialists and call-ins. Film Festival: Biarritz Film Festival—Nouvelles Vagues announces its 23–28 June lineup, including Congo Boy by Rafiki Fariala. Arts & Entertainment: Taormina Film Festival reveals a star-heavy slate with Kristen Stewart leading the jury.

Music & Activism: Dave Matthews clarified his Palestine advocacy after critics “twisted” it into antisemitism claims, stressing respect for Jewish culture while calling for an end to violence across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon—and also naming Congo, Sudan and Ukraine. Sports & Culture: Mo Salah’s World Cup build-up story in Spokane spotlights his disciplined diet and training routine, mixing football hype with lifestyle detail. TV Drama: EastEnders fans brace for Denise Fox’s toughest chapter yet after her acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosis. Film & Festivals: The Biarritz Film Festival—Nouvelles Vagues unveiled its competition lineup, including Congo Boy by Rafiki Fariala, with Kristen Stewart leading the jury. Arts & Community: Emmanuel Jal’s Nairobi show leaned into Afro-house energy and a “never give up” chant, reflecting how African club sounds keep spreading. Health & Media (Congo): An Ebola outbreak in Congo is being met with a radio program in Ituri to fight misinformation and win community trust. Global Arts Note: Taormina Film Festival announced a star-heavy lineup, signaling another big month for international cinema.

Music & Live Culture: Rising’s Day Tripper festival hit peak energy across Melbourne venues, with Romy Vager’s set briefly interrupted by a real smoke-alarm scare before the crowd was ushered back in. TV & Pop Culture: A roundup of guest stars on “Criminal Minds” spotlights how many actors turned memorable “villains of the week” into major Hollywood careers. Humanitarian Media: UNHCR says far-right groups are increasingly targeting refugee-focused content online, while in Congo’s Ebola outbreak, a radio station in Bunia is fighting misinformation with daily call-in programming. Health & Community Support: A Kentucky nonprofit, WaterStep, is backing Congo’s Ebola response with water-safety solutions as the outbreak spreads and vaccines remain unavailable. Film & Festivals: Biarritz Film Festival—Nouvelles Vagues unveiled its competition lineup, including “Congo Boy” by Rafiki Fariala, with Kristen Stewart leading the jury. Arts, Sports & Identity: Emmanuel Jal continues to build Afro-house momentum with high-energy club performances, while football culture spills into politics abroad—Colombia’s judge barred a candidate from wearing the national team jersey in rallies.

Ebola & Media Literacy: In eastern Congo, a daily radio program in Bunia is tackling Ebola misinformation and skepticism, with health specialists answering calls as cases and deaths rise. Refugees Under Attack Online: The UN refugee agency says far-right users are increasingly targeting its platforms with hate and misinformation, pushing it to rely more on its own storytelling. Congo in the Spotlight (Global News): India’s MEA reports 13 foreign nationals, including one from Congo, died in a Delhi hotel fire, with embassies being contacted for paperwork and medical help. Film & Culture: The Biarritz Film Festival’s competition lineup includes “Congo Boy” by Rafiki Fariala, with Kristen Stewart leading the jury. Music: Emmanuel Jal brings his “Never Give Up! Never Give In!” energy to a Nairobi crowd, reflecting Afro-house’s growing club pull. Sports (Congolese link): Serge Ibaka backs Montreal for an NBA team, highlighting his Congolese-Spanish roots. Arts & Entertainment (TV): A roundup spotlights guest stars who appeared in “Criminal Minds,” including actors who later became major movie names.

UNHCR & online hate: The UN refugee agency says far-right users are increasingly targeting its refugee storytelling online, with hate speech and misinformation spreading fast. Congo in the spotlight (tragedy abroad): India’s MEA confirmed 13 foreign nationals died in the Malviya Nagar hotel fire in Delhi, including one person from Congo, with embassies being contacted for paperwork and medical help. Music & identity: Emmanuel Jal brought his “Never Give Up! Never Give In!” energy to Nairobi, spotlighting how Afro-house keeps growing as a global club force. Sports & culture: Serge Ibaka says Montreal “deserves” an NBA team at NBA House, while Colombia’s election drama included a judge banning a candidate from wearing the national team jersey in political contexts. Film festival buzz: Biarritz Film Festival – Nouvelles Vagues unveiled its competition lineup, with Congo Boy among the featured titles. Health & Congo-linked science: U.S. prosecutors charged two NIH researchers over alleged monkeypox smuggling tied to an outbreak in the Republic of Congo.

NBA & Community Buzz: Former Raptors champion Serge Ibaka says Montreal “deserves” an NBA team, praising the city’s love for sport as the league weighs future franchise decisions. Music Spotlight: Emmanuel Jal keeps building Afro-house momentum, rallying Nairobi crowds with his “Never Give Up! Never Give In!” energy and club-ready storytelling. Film Festival Watch: Biarritz Film Festival—Nouvelles Vagues unveils its 23–28 June lineup, with a feature competition led by Kristen Stewart and Congo Boy among the titles. Arts & Culture in Motion: Taormina Film Festival director Tiziana Rocca promises a “human festival” amid the AI boom, with major stars and premieres set for the 72nd edition. Congo in the News (Global): India’s MEA confirms 13 foreign nationals, including one from Congo, died in a Delhi hotel fire, with embassies and medical support being coordinated. Science & Congo Links: U.S. prosecutors charge NIH researchers over alleged monkeypox smuggling tied to travel from the Republic of Congo.

Arts & Culture: Tate Modern unveiled gadzi, a new immersive installation by Zimbabwean artist nora chipaumire, blending sculpture, sound, and moving image to draw on Shona legends and themes of land, ancestry, and creation. Film & Festivals: Italy’s Taormina Film Festival revealed a star-studded 72nd edition lineup, with Helen Mirren, Russell Crowe, Clive Owen, Jane Campion and Scott Eastwood set to attend, including a House of the Dragon opening and the world premiere of Bear Country. Music & Community: Pride and summer festival programming is rolling out across June, with local lineups and events spotlighting live music, drag, and community organizing. Public Health & Congo Links: A U.S. federal case alleges NIH researchers smuggled undeclared monkeypox samples after traveling from Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, while separate reporting highlights ongoing Ebola response efforts in Congo via WaterStep’s water-safety work. Sports Culture: FIFA World Cup excitement continues as a new FIFA store opens in Sugar Land, with officials warning fans about counterfeit gear.