Photo : Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
WHO says Ebola outbreak maybe spreading faster than first thought
On 19 May, the BBC reported that residents in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo expressed growing fear over the worsening Ebola outbreak as the World Health Organization warned the virus may be spreading faster and more widely than initially believed. Officials reported 136 deaths and more than 514 suspected cases in DR Congo, with one confirmed death in neighbouring Uganda. WHO officials and researchers suggested the true scale of infections could be substantially higher than reported, while conflict, displacement, weak healthcare infrastructure and population movement around mining areas have raised concerns over broader regional transmission. (“Ebola outbreak may be spreading faster than first thought, WHO doctor warns,” BBC, 19 May 2026)
NIGERIA
Joint Nigeria-US strikes kill 175 ISIL fighters
On 20 May, Al Jazeera reported that Nigerian forces, working with the United States Africa Command, said joint strikes in northeastern Nigeria had killed 175 ISIL and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in recent days. Nigerian authorities said the operations targeted checkpoints, weapons depots, logistics hubs and financing networks, while also eliminating senior militant figures including Abd-al Wahhab and other ISWAP leaders. The operations follow the reported killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIL’s global second-in-command, and indicate a more active US role in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts despite earlier descriptions of its deployment as primarily advisory and training-based. (“Nigeria says joint US strikes kill 175 ISIL fighters in country’s northeast,” Al Jazeera, 20 May 2026)
SOMALILAND
Somaliland to open embassy in Jerusalem; Israel to open one in Hargeisa
On 19 May, Al Jazeera reported that Somaliland announced plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem while Israel is expected to establish diplomatic representation in Hargeisa, marking a further step in relations following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland’s independence last year. Somaliland’s ambassador to Israel described the move as reflecting growing strategic cooperation, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the decision. The development remains controversial, however, as Somaliland’s independence is not recognised by the international community and the status of Jerusalem continues to be disputed within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (“Somaliland to open embassy in Jerusalem, Israel in Hargeisa: Envoy,” Al Jazeera, 19 May 2026)
UGANDA
Uganda quarantines over 100 amid Ebola concerns
On 20 May, Africa News reported that authorities in Uganda placed more than 100 people under quarantine as officials sought to contain an outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. Ugandan officials said experienced medical teams were monitoring those exposed and maintained that the situation remained under control, citing the country’s experience in handling previous outbreaks. The measures come as neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to face a worsening Ebola outbreak, where officials have reported at least 131 deaths and more than 500 suspected cases, raising concerns over wider regional transmission. (“Uganda quarantines over 100 people as WHO raises alarm over Ebola spread,” Africa News, 20 May 2026)
SOUTH AFRICA
US plans to increase Afrikaner refugee intake
On 19 May, Africa News reported that the US administration of Donald Trump was preparing to significantly increase the intake of white South African refugees, particularly Afrikaners, potentially raising the annual cap from around 7,500 to 17,500. The reported expansion has triggered debate over refugee criteria, with supporters citing security concerns raised by some Afrikaner communities, while critics argue the move risks politicising refugee protections. The South Africa government has rejected claims of systematic persecution, maintaining that violence affects all communities and is linked to broader criminal activity rather than racial targeting. (“U.S. plans major expansion of Afrikaner refugee admissions amid political debate,” Africa News, 19 May 2026)