Photo : WHO
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : WHO
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
WHO warns Ebola vaccine may up to nine months
On 21 May, the BBC and Africa News reported that The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that a vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola could take six to nine months to become available, complicating efforts to contain the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said around 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths have been reported so far, with the actual scale likely higher due to under-detection. Unlike the Zaire strain, Bundibugyo has no approved vaccine or targeted treatment, with two candidate vaccines still under development. The WHO has already declared the outbreak an international public health emergency, warning that overwhelmed health facilities and continued spread in eastern DRC could worsen the crisis. Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba warned that declining international aid was undermining frontline response efforts and scientific research, while authorities said emergency assistance was also being directed toward conflict-affected regions.(“Ebola vaccine could take nine months as death toll rises further, WHO warns,” BBC, 21 May 2026; “DR Congo appeals for global help as new Ebola outbreak spreads,” Africa News, 21 May 2026)
M23 rebels downplay Ebola fears in Goma
On 20 May, Africa News reported that the M23 rebel group downplayed concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo during a visit by a World Health Organization (WHO) team to health facilities in rebel-held Goma and Nyiragongo. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said 27 samples tested had returned negative results and highlighted the laboratory’s capacity to process cases from multiple provinces. However, concern continues to grow among residents in Goma, a city of more than two million people under M23 control since January 2025, as people fear a worsening humanitarian situation amid insecurity and economic hardship. (“M23 plays down Ebola fears as WHO visits treatment centres in eastern DRC,” Africa News, 20 May 2026)
SIERRA LEONE
Sierra Leone becomes latest African country to receive US deportees
On 21 May, Africa News reported that Sierra Leone received its first group of deportees from the United States under an agreement linked to President Donald Trump’s expanded immigration enforcement measures. Nine migrants from Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea and Senegal arrived in Freetown, with officials saying many appeared traumatised after months in detention. Sierra Leone has reportedly agreed to accept up to 300 deportees annually from ECOWAS member states, while the United States will provide USD 1.5 million in support for humanitarian and operational costs. The arrangement adds Sierra Leone to a growing number of African countries accepting US deportees, a policy that has drawn criticism from rights groups over concerns about transparency and human rights implications. (“Freetown welcomes first US deportation flight under Trump crackdown,” Africa News, 21 May 2026)
MOROCCO
France and Morocco to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties
On 21 May, Africa News reported that French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visited Morocco for high-level talks aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. During discussions with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Barrot reaffirmed France’s support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and reiterated backing for Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the basis for resolving the Sahara issue. The two sides also discussed broader cooperation, including plans for a bilateral treaty that Barrot described as a first-of-its-kind agreement for France with a non-European country. Moroccan officials further confirmed preparations for a future state visit by King Mohammed VI to France, during which a new political and legal agreement is expected to be signed. (“France and Morocco move toward historic bilateral treaty during high-level talks,” Africa News, 21 May 2026)