AGP Executive Report

Sahel Security Talks: Borno Gov. Babagana Zulum hosted a high-level retreat in Maiduguri with Sahel countries and ambassadors, pushing for a unified fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP that blends military action with intelligence sharing, border management, deradicalisation, reintegration, and humanitarian support. Regional Counter-Terror Push: Nigeria’s foreign ministry backed stronger cross-border cooperation at the same retreat, arguing terrorism, cross-border crime, irregular migration, and climate stress all demand collective action. Lake Chad Lifeline: Nigeria is seeking $50B+ to help restore the shrinking Lake Chad, framing it as essential for security, livelihoods, and the environment. Nigeria–China Agriculture Drive: Nigeria also moved to deepen ties with China on water-saving farming, soil management, and research, including tech transfer, agro-processing, and solar cold storage. Chad Visa-Free Plan: Chad announced visa-free entry for all African citizens starting Jan. 1, 2027, expanding an earlier partial policy. ICC Pressure: The ICC’s oversight body urged Chad (and Venezuela) to reconsider its withdrawal, warning departures could weaken efforts against impunity.

ICC Pressure on Chad: The ICC’s oversight body urged Chad (and Venezuela) to reverse their withdrawal from the court, warning the exits could weaken the fight against impunity and stressing that departures don’t erase past obligations. Diplomacy in N’Djamena: Egypt’s foreign minister met President Mahamat Idriss Déby to discuss strengthening ties, including an invitation for Chad to join Egypt’s El Alamein Africa business forum. Transport & Trade Links: Egypt’s transport minister also met Chadian counterparts to expand cooperation on logistics hubs, roads, railways, and river transport corridors. Security in the Lake Chad region: Nigerian troops arrested a suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier in Adamawa during a joint operation with local hunters. Sports (U18 AfroBasket): Chad beat Nigeria 59-50 in a key Group A win, showing grit and defense to keep qualification hopes alive. Chad in the news beyond borders: Kuwait highlighted charity projects that included aid to Chad as part of its broader humanitarian work.

International Justice: The ICC says Chad and Venezuela’s withdrawal risks “undermining the collective pursuit of justice,” urging both to reverse course after both cited bias. Sudan Crisis: UN officials warn Sudan’s war has pushed over 8 million children out of school and damaged nearly three-quarters of schools. Chad Health: Cholera keeps spreading in Chad’s provinces, with N’Djamena reporting the most deaths and the toll rising. Security in the Sahel/Lake Chad Basin: The UN warns ISIS is adapting and expanding, with the threat “particularly serious” across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin. Terrorism Update: Nigerian forces report destroying an ISWAP/Boko Haram hideout in Borno and recovering weapons during clearance operations. Local/Regional Policy: Chad announces visa-free entry for all African citizens starting in 2027, and France rebuilds limited military cooperation with Chad after its earlier withdrawal.

Cholera Watch in Chad: Chad’s Ministry of Health says the outbreak has climbed to 13 deaths and 239 confirmed cases since it was declared July 24, with most deaths in N’Djamena and the Hadjer-Lamess region driving the surge. Lake Chad Security: Nigerian troops say they disrupted a Boko Haram “tax collection” operation in Borno, forcing fighters to flee after an ambush; weapons and ammunition were recovered. Chad’s New Travel Rule: Chad announced visa-free entry for all African citizens starting Jan. 1, 2027. France–Chad Military Reset: Chad and France are rebuilding limited military cooperation focused on training and intelligence support, with no return to permanent French bases. Sudan Partition Fears: A new analysis warns Sudan’s war could push toward another formal partition as control shifts and rival narratives harden. Water & Climate Pressure: A report highlights how water insecurity and climate change are squeezing Africa’s food systems and public health.

Lake Chad Security: Nigeria’s Operation HADIN KAI says it identified senior ISWAP/ISIS leaders across the Lake Chad Basin, naming figures including an ISIS West Africa “governor” and offering rewards for tips after recovering devices used for propaganda. Public Health: Chad’s cholera outbreak has climbed to 13 deaths and nearly 240 cases, with most fatalities reported in N’Djamena and Hadjer Lamis. Trade & Borders: AfCFTA is pushing customs digitisation via a 20-year concession deal, aiming to double intra-African trade from $220B by cutting border delays. Regional Sports: Chad is among eight countries confirmed for Cameroon’s inaugural Women’s African Minifootball Cup, running Sept. 30–Oct. 4 in Yaoundé. Humanitarian Risk: The UN WFP warns El Niño could drive tens of millions more into acute hunger, with southern Africa and East Africa hit hardest. Customs Crackdown: Nigeria Customs reports ₦362.2m in contraband seizures, including pangolin scales, ivory, and petrol, plus arrests tied to smuggling routes.

Lake Chad Security: Nigeria’s Operation HADIN KAI says it has identified and put 38 senior ISWAP leaders on a wanted list, offering rewards for tips after recovering devices during Lake Chad operations. Hostage Recovery: Nigeria also announced the release of 308 abductees from forests around Kainji Lake in a joint operation, including 163 freed from Woro (Kwara) and 145 from Niger. Chad Health: N’Djamena reports 8 cholera deaths, with 75 cases recorded and the disease now detected across nine neighborhoods. Sports—CAF Draw: CAF set up the 2026-27 CAF Confederation Cup preliminary rounds in Cairo, giving Chad’s AS FAR a second-round tie vs the winner of ASBSI (Chad) vs Kokoroko (Ivory Coast). U.S. Visa Policy: The U.S. made permanent a visa bond program for citizens of 30 African countries, effective Aug. 3, requiring up to $15,000 for B-1/B-2 visitor visas. AfCFTA Awareness: Afrobarometer finds only 13% of Africans have heard of AfCFTA, even as support for easier free trade rises to 62%.

Counterterrorism in the Lake Chad Basin: Nigeria’s Army says Operation HADIN KAI recovered a camcorder and other devices, then used forensic analysis to identify senior ISWAP leaders operating around Abadam and Kukawa, including ISWAP governor Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa and deputy Muhammad Jidda (“The One-Handed Man”). Bounties and manhunt: The military announced a combined ₦60m reward—₦50m for Ibn Muhammad and ₦10m for Jidda—urging the public to share credible tips. Regional security context: The UN warned ISIS remains resilient and is adapting in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, including using commercial drones. Oil and investment outlook: Nigeria’s NUPRC says 22 major offshore projects are expected from 2026–2030, with $30–50bn in investment potential. Humanitarian pressure from El Niño: WFP warns strengthening El Niño could push nearly 49 million more people into acute hunger by end of 2027. Community impact in Chad-linked news: South African swimmer Chad le Clos’s Sea Point home fire killed a neighbor and sparked donations coordinated by his foundation for affected residents.

Lake Chad Security: Nigeria’s Operation HADIN KAI says it identified senior ISWAP leaders after recent offensives in the Lake Chad region of northern Borno, naming a top “most wanted” commander and offering a reward for information. Food Security: The UN World Food Programme warns El Niño could worsen hunger across East and Southern Africa, with projections of about 49 million more people facing acute food insecurity by end-2027, and notes early action is already underway in places including Chad. Refugees & Youth Support: UNHCR-backed programming in Cameroon wrapped up a basketball camp for young refugees from Central African Republic, Chad and others, ending with a friendly match and awards. Public Health & Agriculture: A report flags African Swine Fever risks after residents in Bukidnon, Philippines looted pigs following a truck crash—an example of how fast livestock disruptions can spiral. Sports Tragedy: South African swimmer Chad le Clos says his Sea Point home in Cape Town was destroyed in a fire that also killed a neighbor, days after his Commonwealth Games record run. Customs Crackdown: Nigeria’s customs in Adamawa/Taraba seized contraband worth over ₦362m, including illegal wildlife parts, cannabis, and petroleum products, with suspects arrested.

Tragedy in Chad’s sports spotlight: South African swimmer Chad le Clos says his Sea Point home in Cape Town was destroyed in a fatal fire that killed a 93-year-old neighbour, with le Clos launching a fundraiser for displaced residents. Commonwealth Games fallout: A separate report argues South Africa’s swimming success masked weaker athletics results at Glasgow 2026, even as le Clos added to his medal haul. Regional security in focus: A new look at Sudan’s war describes Egypt’s shift from talk to action, including a covert drone hub tied to keeping the Sudanese Armed Forces in the fight. Humanitarian pressure in the Sahel: Coverage highlights how insecurity around the Lake Chad Basin is driving refugees into Niger, while Niger faces repeated Boko Haram attacks. Elsewhere in the week: The week’s biggest global shock remains the Twin Falls, Idaho In-N-Out mass shooting, with authorities releasing victim names and describing armed bystander action.

Idaho Tragedy: Ashley Garibay, 23, a Stockton In-N-Out worker, is remembered by her family as “a friend to all” after she was killed in the Twin Falls mass shooting; police identified the gunman as Chad Williams, who died by self-inflicted gunshot, while authorities still seek a motive. Local Voting: Wilson County saw nearly 18,000 cast ballots in two weeks of early voting ahead of Aug. 6 primaries. Sudan Diplomacy: The UN says five international bodies (“Quintet”) are continuing consultations with Sudanese stakeholders on an inclusive political process and confidence-building. Chad in the Spotlight: TIFF announced its 54-title Centrepiece lineup, including a film from Chad, as the festival ramps up for Sept. 10–20. West Africa Finance: EBID signed an €80 million deal with Coris Holding to expand lending to SMEs across countries including Chad. Security & Insecurity: Nigeria’s Tinubu approved new Army divisions to boost the fight against insecurity, aiming for faster responses and stronger border protection.

Sudan Crisis: The UN says drone strikes in North Darfur are driving a rising civilian death toll, including a reported attack on a traditional court that killed at least 35, as aid groups warn civilians and humanitarian operations are increasingly at risk. Regional Sports: The 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket kicks off in Abidjan with Chad drawn in Group A alongside Côte d’Ivoire’s rivals Nigeria and Egypt, giving Chadian prospects a shot at the U19 World Cup. Haiti Security: The UN-backed “Anti-Banditry Forces” mission in Haiti now has Mongolia leading the multinational headquarters, with contingents including Chad already on the ground. Idaho Shooting Fallout: In Twin Falls, police and families continue to identify victims and detail how a civilian and an off-duty trooper returned fire against gunman Chad Williams, who later died by suicide. Local Governance/Environment: Michigan’s Supreme Court ordered a redo of a key permit for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel plan under the Straits of Mackinac, a win for Great Lakes protection advocates.

Humanitarian Crisis in Chad: Médecins Sans Frontières reports over 1 in 5 pregnant and breastfeeding women in eastern Chad are acutely malnourished, with the situation in Adré driven by severe funding shortages hitting food and healthcare access. U.S. Immigration Policy: The U.S. moved visa application services for 25 African cities to regional hubs starting Aug. 1, forcing many applicants to travel farther for interviews and processing. Idaho Shooting Fallout: In Twin Falls, police say suspected gunman Chad Williams died by self-inflicted gunshot, while an off-duty trooper and armed bystander fired back and helped prevent more casualties; authorities are still working to determine motive. Local Tech & Services: Craven County launched an online Planning and Inspections Portal for permits, scheduling, payments, and email updates. Sports & Community: Rice Lake Speedway’s Late Models return this Saturday after a long break, with drivers adapting to a reshaped track.

Idaho Violence: Twin Falls police identified the In-N-Out shooter as 24-year-old Chad Williams, who died by self-inflicted gunshot after killing 3 and injuring 7; investigators say he acted alone, while an off-duty trooper and an armed citizen returned fire and helped prevent more casualties. Community Impact: In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder mourned an employee killed in the attack and urged people to “turn to God” for comfort. Chad in Sports: The 2026 U18 FIBA AfroBasket draw placed Chad in Group A with Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, and Nigeria, with the tournament set for Abidjan Aug. 5–16. Chad-Linked Justice Watch: Analysts warn Chad’s planned withdrawal from the International Criminal Court could complicate accountability efforts tied to Darfur, where Chad shelters large numbers of Sudanese refugees.

Lake Chad Basin Terror Tension: ISWAP leadership is reportedly roiled after four Shura Council seniors were detained by the group’s leader, Ba Shuwa, following surveillance by its Amniyya unit over “subversive” audio messages tied to Nigerian military psychological operations. Niger Security Shock: At least 14 Nigerien soldiers were killed in a Boko Haram ambush in Diffa, with the governor attending funerals as the region continues to bleed from jihadist attacks. Gold Smuggling Pressure: Marsad Al Dahab says informal gold trade is draining African states of billions as hundreds of tons flow outside official channels, with sanctions now hitting Sudan-linked gold routes. Aid Cuts Hit Newborns: UNHCR-linked data shows neonatal deaths across refugee women in 20 nations jumped 81% from 2025 to 2026 amid widening aid shortfalls. Chad-Related Diplomacy: Chad embassy updates its voluntary return process, as regional movement and security pressures keep spilling into consular planning.

Boko Haram in the Lake Chad zone: At least 14 Nigerien soldiers were killed in a clash and reported ambush in Diffa, with the governor attending funerals as the region’s long-running insurgency grinds on. Humanitarian pressure in Niger: Drought, conflict, and displacement are pushing malnutrition risks higher in Maradi and Katsina, while violence across the Lake Chad Basin has driven 360,000 refugees into Niger. Niger boosts drone capacity: Niamey has reportedly received six Turkish Bayraktar TB2 armed drones to expand surveillance and precision strikes against jihadist groups. Regional security coordination: ECOWAS leaders reaffirmed commitments to fight insecurity, including re-engagement at the highest levels with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. Chad-linked Sudan arms allegations: UN experts say Boeing aircraft used an air corridor involving Chad to move fighters, drones, and weapons for Sudan’s RSF, with Libya flagged as a transit point. Chad embassy process: The Chadian embassy in Libya rolled out a new registration system for voluntary humanitarian return, routing applicants through IOM interviews and warning against paid shortcuts.

ICC Exit & US Pressure: Chad formally notified the UN it plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, joining Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso as the Trump administration pushes more countries to quit; Trump even joked he’s “not yet” an ICC target while Marco Rubio calls the court illegitimate. Humanitarian Return Process: Chad’s embassy in Libya rolled out a new voluntary return registration system with IOM, including interviews and warnings against paid “faster” processing. Lake Chad Security: Boko Haram attacks in the Lake Chad region killed about 10 Nigerien soldiers near N’Guigmi, while Nigeria’s operations also reported rescues of abducted travelers and clashes tied to Boko Haram/ISWAP. Sudan Arms Route Claims: A UN panel says a covert air route using Libya as a transit point moved weapons and fighters to Sudan’s RSF, including flights involving Boeing 727s. Regional Health Funding: 14 African countries including Chad pledged over $45M to support WHO’s first investment round. Sports (Chad in the mix): Chad qualified for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket in Abidjan.