Ebola Response & Public Health: Congo has started an Ebola vaccination drive, with officials saying the Ervebo shots will first go to front-line workers in Kisangani, as the outbreak—now driven by the Bundibugyo strain—pushes health systems toward a tougher phase. School Continuity: With schools due to reopen Sept. 1, the government is using a green/orange/red risk system, but teachers in Ituri warn that reopening without strong safeguards could endanger students and families. Governance & Political Risk: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a national dialogue starting in all 26 provinces, ending in Kinshasa, with armed groups and foreign-backed actors excluded—an approach critics say may not fully address the constitutional tensions around a possible third term. Infrastructure & Trade: Congo and Portugal’s Mota-Engil signed a concession for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway, feeding the Lobito Corridor vision of moving minerals toward Atlantic ports, with a 30-year concession and Congo receiving a stake plus royalties. Urban Mobility: Kinshasa’s restored sky-blue urban train is back after nearly 15 years, easing some gridlock but drawing complaints over overcrowding, heat, and short stops. Anti-Corruption Case: Belgium’s Brussels court referred Semlex, tied to Congo’s biometric passports, to the criminal court over alleged bribery, money laundering and tax fraud. Regional Business Links: Uganda and DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to push trade partnerships across sectors like agriculture, pharma, construction materials and dairy.