AGP Executive Report

Justice in Bangui: A UN-backed Special Criminal Court opened the in-absentia trial of former CAR president François Bozizé over alleged crimes against humanity and war abuses committed by his security forces between 2009 and 2013, including murder, enforced disappearance, torture and rape; Bozizé, 79, is in exile in Guinea-Bissau, while three former senior officers are seated in court. Energy & everyday life: The World Bank and AfDB say their Mission 300 electrification push has connected over 50 million people across 40 African countries, with access accelerating to nearly double the early pace—an effort that could reach 300 million by 2030. Education under pressure: A new global report warns attacks on education rose by more than 40% in 2024–2025, harming at least 10,600 students and staff across 83 countries, with conflict and targeted violence making schools less safe. Migration rights concerns: Multiple reports say the US has deported migrants—including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other nationals—to CAR under “third-country” deals, drawing sharp criticism from lawyers and rights groups over safety and legal protections.

Justice in Bangui: A UN-backed Special Criminal Court opened the trial of former CAR president François Bozizé in absentia over alleged crimes against humanity committed by his security forces between 2009 and 2013, including murder, enforced disappearance, torture and rape; Bozizé, 79, is in exile in Guinea-Bissau and is not being extradited, while three former senior officers linked to the case sit in pre-trial detention. Energy & daily life: The World Bank and AfDB say their joint Mission 300 has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 African countries in two years, with electrification accelerating to nearly double the early pace—an effort aimed at reaching 300 million by 2030. Rights & migration: Multiple reports say the US has deported migrants, including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other nationals, to the Central African Republic under “third-country” deals, raising alarms that some people face persecution and lack support on arrival. Education under pressure: A new global report warns attacks on education rose sharply in 2024–2025, with conflict and targeted violence pushing more children out of school—an issue that resonates in CAR’s wider schooling challenges.

Justice in Bangui: A UN-backed Special Criminal Court has opened the in-absentia trial of former CAR president François Bozizé over alleged crimes against humanity and war abuses committed by his security forces between 2009 and 2013, including murder, enforced disappearances, torture and rape. Human rights & migration pressure: Multiple reports say the U.S. has deported migrants to the Central African Republic under “third-country” deals, including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other nationals; lawyers warn some face persecution and lack support on arrival in Bangui. Education under threat: A new global report says attacks on education rose by more than 40% in 2024–2025, with the CAR named among conflict contexts where children’s schooling is disrupted and targeted. Electrification push: World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 says it has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 countries, with the Central African Republic mentioned among those signing on to the program.

Justice in Bangui: A UN-backed Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic has opened the in-absentia trial of former president François Bozizé over alleged crimes against humanity and war abuses committed between 2009 and 2013, including murder, enforced disappearances, torture and rape. The case focuses on alleged abuses by Bozizé’s Presidential Guard at a prison and a military training centre in Bossembélé, with three former senior officers already in pre-trial detention. Migration & rights concerns: Multiple reports say the U.S. has deported migrants—including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other Iranian women, some with “withholding of removal” protections—to Bangui under “third-country” arrangements, drawing sharp criticism from lawyers who warn the women could face persecution or be left without support. Education under pressure: New research highlights how conflict tactics that directly target children are driving school closures and fear-based non-attendance, with the Central African Republic among countries where more than half of primary-age children are out of school.

Deportations and rights in focus: A U.S. deportation flight carrying about two dozen migrants landed in Bangui, Central African Republic, including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other nationals from Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and Georgia. Lawyers say at least two Iranian women had “withholding of removal” protections in the U.S., including one Christian convert, and warn they could be forced back to the persecution they fled. Education under attack: New research highlights how conflict hits schooling hardest when armed groups target children directly—through recruitment or sexual violence—pushing families to keep kids out of class; a separate global report says attacks on education surged more than 40% in 2024–2025, with girls facing heightened risks. Peacekeeping accountability: Denmark and Pakistan backed a UN Security Council draft resolution aimed at strengthening accountability for attacks on peacekeepers, citing growing assaults using drones and other advanced weapons. Community peacebuilding: A CAR refugee-turned-peacemaker story spotlights women’s leadership and local NGO work to rebuild trust and support vulnerable communities after displacement.

Education Under Attack: UNESCO-backed research says conflict is pushing more than half of primary-age children out of school in the Central African Republic, where armed groups often target kids directly—recruitment and sexual violence make parents rethink sending children to class. U.S. Third-Country Deportations: A U.S. deportation flight landed in Bangui with about two dozen migrants, including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other Iranians, after a stop in Ghana; lawyers warn people with court protections could be forced back to persecution, while CAR’s authorities and the U.S. have offered few details on housing or safeguards. Rights and Community Impact: Coverage highlights fears of “abandonment” in a country under a “do not travel” advisory, raising concerns for women, including a Christian convert, and for families separated by detention practices. Peacebuilding Spotlight: UN News profiles a young CAR woman peacebuilder, Nina Mireille Yankinon, who founded Londo E Lekere to support community rebuilding and women’s leadership after displacement. Media & Culture Opportunities: Talentz MEDIA is recruiting volunteer entertainment writers across Africa, including Central Africa, to cover music, film, TV, and culture.

Deportation Crisis: A U.S. deportation flight carrying about two dozen migrants landed in Bangui, including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other Iranians, with lawyers warning some had “withholding of removal” protections and could face persecution if ultimately sent back. Human Rights & Safety: Multiple reports say the CAR is under a “do not travel” advisory, yet deportees were reportedly housed temporarily near a U.S. embassy area under construction, raising fears of abandonment and unclear legal status. Religion & Identity: One deported Iranian woman is described as a Christian convert, putting extra spotlight on religious vulnerability amid forced transfers. Community Resilience: In Batangafo, a young woman peacebuilder described how 2013 violence displaced her family and later led her to found an NGO empowering women’s leadership and rebuilding trust. Culture & Media Call: Talentz MEDIA is recruiting volunteer entertainment writers across Africa, including Central Africa, inviting local voices for music, film, TV, and culture coverage.

Immigration & Human Rights: A U.S. deportation flight carrying about two dozen migrants landed in Bangui, Central African Republic, including an Iranian pro-democracy activist described by her lawyer as “super dangerous” because she has no ties to CAR; lawyers say some deportees had U.S. court protections such as “withholding of removal,” and they fear people could be forced back to the countries they fled. Third-Country Deals: Multiple reports say CAR is being used as a “third-country” destination under Trump’s immigration crackdown, with the U.S. State Department warning Americans “do not travel” to CAR for any reason, while details on housing and timelines remain unclear. Regional Context: The news arrives as U.S.-Iran tensions and negotiations continue, with the Strait of Hormuz repeatedly in focus, underscoring how global politics can spill into CAR’s already fragile security and social landscape. Culture & Power: A separate spotlight on CAR’s recent history links foreign armed influence to political survival, including coverage of Wagner’s role during the 2021 Bangui crisis.

Human Rights & Migration: A U.S. deportation flight carrying about two dozen migrants landed in Bangui, Central African Republic, including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and at least two Iranian women. Lawyers say the women had “withholding of removal” protections in the U.S., and fear they could be forced back toward the persecution they fled. Local Impact in CAR: It’s still unclear where people will be housed or for how long, with reports of temporary stays near the U.S. embassy area under construction. Policy Backlash: Rights groups and attorneys call the “third-country” transfers “super dangerous,” especially given CAR’s instability and the U.S. travel warning telling Americans not to go “for any reason.” Culture & Community Lens: The deportations raise urgent questions about identity, faith, and belonging for displaced people—especially those who converted or face political targeting—at a moment when CAR communities are already stretched thin.

Deportation & Rights Crisis: A US deportation flight carrying about two dozen migrants landed in Bangui, Central African Republic, after a stop in Ghana, including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other nationals from Afghanistan, Turkey, Georgia and more; lawyers say at least two Iranian women had “withholding of removal” protections, raising fears they could be forced back to the countries they fled. Local Impact & Uncertainty: Reports say some deportees were temporarily held near a firefighters’ base by the US embassy compound under construction, while others were to be housed elsewhere, with details of duration and support still unclear. CAR Safety Context: The US State Department continues to warn Americans not to travel to CAR “for any reason,” citing unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, health risks and terrorism—yet the policy sends vulnerable people there anyway. Culture & Power Backdrop: A separate report highlights Russia’s Wagner-era influence in Bangui, including claims about how mercenaries helped protect the capital during the 2021 rebel attack, underscoring how foreign military ties shape everyday life. Sports Media (Lifestyle): New World TV expanded 2026 World Cup coverage across multiple African countries via an Orange deal, including CAR—bringing major football content to mobile and app audiences.

Deportation Crisis: A U.S. deportation flight carrying about two dozen migrants—including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and at least one Iranian woman—has landed in the Central African Republic, with lawyers warning the women have no ties or support in CAR and could be forced back to the countries they fled despite U.S. court protections. Third-Country Policy: Reports say the “third-country” removals include people from Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Turkey and Georgia, while the U.S. State Department tells Americans “do not travel” to CAR “for any reason.” Human Rights Backlash: Lawyers describe the transfers as “super dangerous” and criticize the use of legal loopholes that bypass protections like “withholding of removal.” Culture & Community Angle: Amid the turmoil, CAR’s place in global media and sport is also growing—New World TV is expanding 2026 World Cup coverage across the region via Orange’s Max it platform, including in the Central African Republic. Regional Context: The week also saw renewed U.S.-Iran diplomacy talks, underscoring how global politics is shaping lives far beyond the Middle East.

Deportations & Human Rights: The U.S. has begun sending migrants—including Iranian and Afghan asylum-seekers—to the Central African Republic under “third-country” deals, with reports of a flight carrying about 20 people to Bangui and lawyers warning that some deportees had U.S. court protection and could face torture or persecution; one case involves an Iranian pro-democracy activist and another an Iranian woman who converted to Christianity, while the U.S. State Department urges Americans not to travel to CAR “for any reason.” Public Health: Measles is spreading in CAR, with local authorities reporting more than 50 deaths since April, mostly children, in the northeast Vakaga area. Culture & Lifestyle (Sports Media): Togolese broadcaster New World TV expands 2026 World Cup sports distribution across multiple African countries, including CAR, via an Orange partnership—bringing major football content to mobile and app audiences. Health & Education (Cancer Care): The Merck Foundation and partners highlight ongoing efforts to expand cancer education and training across African countries that include CAR, aiming to build local oncology capacity.

Deportation Deal: The Trump administration is preparing the first reported U.S. flight sending about 20 Iranian asylum-seekers and other migrants to the Central African Republic under a “third-country” agreement, with lawyers warning some women face persecution or torture if returned to Iran. Human Rights Backlash: Rights groups say these deals can bypass U.S. court protections, while CAR officials confirm it will accept deportees under agreements discussed in Bangui. Public Health Pressure: More than 50 measles deaths have been reported in CAR since April, mostly children in Vakaga’s Ndjiffa area. Culture & Sports Access: Togolese broadcaster New World TV is expanding 2026 World Cup coverage across CAR via Orange’s Max it super-app, bringing major football rights to mobile audiences. Human Capital in Conflict: A policy-focused piece highlights how chronic low-intensity conflict can trap countries like CAR in weak education and health outcomes, arguing responses must match the compounding harm.

Deportation Deal in Bangui: The Central African Republic has agreed to accept “third-country” deportees removed from the United States, a move that critics say could bypass U.S. court protections and put vulnerable people at risk; details on numbers and timing remain unclear. Health Crisis in the North: More than 50 people have died from measles in CAR since April, with most deaths reported in Ndjiffa village in Vakaga, and victims largely children. Ebola Preparedness Focus: CAR is listed among high-risk countries as the DRC and Uganda Ebola outbreak is treated as a global emergency, with heightened regional travel screening and border readiness. Cancer Care Support: The Merck Foundation and African First Ladies continue building oncology capacity, including scholarships and training that now explicitly includes CAR. Culture & Community on the Ground: MINUSCA highlights how peacekeepers are supporting community rebuilding—reporting even football matches between former fighters and civilians as part of reconciliation efforts.

Deportation Deal: The Central African Republic has agreed to accept “third-country” deportees from the United States, a move critics say could bypass U.S. court protections and put people’s lives at risk in a country marked by long insecurity. Public Health: More than 50 people have died from measles in CAR since April, with cases concentrated in Vakaga’s Ndjiffa area and victims mainly children. Ebola Preparedness: CAR is listed among high-risk countries as Ebola spreads in parts of the region, while neighboring health systems push stronger travel screening and response planning. Culture & Community: MINUSCA peacekeepers describe how patrols and community work are helping rebuild ties in CAR, including moments as human as football matches between former fighters and civilians. Humanitarian Focus: UNICEF is scaling up Ebola supplies and support in the wider region, emphasizing protection for children and frontline health workers.

Ebola Preparedness: The WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and CAR is listed among high-risk countries; regional health authorities are tightening travel screening and boosting lab and response capacity, while UNICEF scales up supplies and support for affected communities. Measles Crisis: More than 50 measles-related deaths have been reported in CAR since April, with officials citing dozens of child deaths in Vakaga’s Ndjiffa area and warning of the disease’s rapid spread. Migration & Rights: CAR has agreed to accept “third-country deportees” from the United States under a new deportation arrangement, with details on numbers and timing still unclear; rights groups warn these deals may bypass legal protections. Peacekeeping & Community Life: MINUSCA describes how Senegalese peacekeepers helped repel attackers near Zémio and also support community rebuilding, including shared activities like football matches between former fighters and civilians. Culture & Sports Link: With Angola set to play CAR in a World Cup warm-up friendly, football remains a rare spotlight for regional identity and pride.