Photo : WHO
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : WHO
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
WHO declares latest Ebola outbreak an emergency of international concern
On 17 May, Africa News reported that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring Uganda an emergency of international concern, warning that the true scale of infections may be larger than currently detected. The outbreak, linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain, has resulted in at least 88 deaths and 336 suspected cases according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Health officials warned of heightened regional transmission risks due to cross-border mobility and mining activity, while Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) described the rapid spread as “extremely concerning”, noting that no vaccine or specific treatment currently exists for the Bundibugyo strain. (“WHO declares Ebola outbreak an emergency of international concern,” Africa News, 17 May 2026)
NIGERIA
50 children kidnapped in Mass school abduction in northeast Nigeria
On 17 May, the BBC reported that gunmen abducted more than 50 children from three schools in Mussa in northeastern Nigeria, with most of the victims reportedly aged between two and five years. Witnesses said the attackers arrived on motorcycles shortly after military patrols had left the area and used the children as human shields while fleeing, preventing security forces from engaging them. Although no group claimed responsibility, reports suggested similarities with tactics previously used by Boko Haram. The incident has heightened fears in the conflict-affected region, with residents fleeing the area while local communities appealed for government intervention and ongoing security operations to secure the children’s release. (“Toddlers among more than 50 schoolchildren kidnapped in Nigeria,” BBC, 17 May 2026)
SUDAN
UN says 40 per cent of Sudan’s population facing “crisis” levels of food insecurity
On 17 May, Africa News reported that a UN-backed hunger monitoring agency warned that nearly 19.5 million people in Sudan - around 40 per cent of the population - are facing crisis levels of acute food insecurity as the civil war enters its fourth year. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, around 135,000 people are in IPC Phase 5 (catastrophe), while more than 5 million are in emergency conditions and another 14 million are in crisis levels of food insecurity. Aid groups warned that worsening violence, displacement, funding shortages and limited humanitarian access are deepening the crisis, with 14 areas in Darfur and South Kordofan identified as being at risk of famine during the June-September lean season. (“Agency says over 40 per cent of Sudanese face acute food insecurity,” Africa News, 17 May 2026)