Photo : Reuters/BBC
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters/BBC
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Angry protesters attack hospital in Rwampara amid Ebola outbreak
On 22 May, the BBC reported that tensions surrounding the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo escalated after an angry crowd attacked Rwampara General Hospital near Bunia when family members and supporters of a young man believed to have died from Ebola were prevented from removing his body for burial. Protesters reportedly set fire to isolation tents and threw projectiles at the hospital, injuring a healthcare worker before police dispersed the crowd with warning shots. Officials said misinformation and distrust contributed to the violence, with some residents believing Ebola was fabricated by outsiders. The incident came as concerns grew over the outbreak’s spread, with suspected deaths rising above 130 and reports emerging of a first case in areas controlled by the M23 in South Kivu, further complicating containment efforts. (“Angry crowd sets Ebola hospital tents on fire in DR Congo,” BBC, 22 May 2026)
MALI
JNIM intensify Bamako blockade
On 21 May, the BBC reported that suspected militants from Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) intensified pressure around Bamako by setting dozens of vehicles, including fuel tankers, trucks and minibuses, on fire about 45 kilometres west of the capital as part of an expanding blockade campaign. The blockade, aimed at disrupting fuel and supply routes into the landlocked country, has reportedly worsened shortages and driven up prices of basic goods ahead of Eid al-Adha, with residents reporting rising food costs and difficulty obtaining livestock. The crisis also highlights the continuing security challenges faced by the military government of Assimi Goïta despite support from Africa Corps, as armed groups continue to exert pressure on key transport corridors and economic activity. (“Dozens of vehicles burnt as Mali jihadists enforce blockade ahead of Eid holiday,” BBC, 21 May 2026)
INDIA-AFRICA SUMMIT
India-Africa summit postponed due to Ebola outbreak
On 22 May, the BBC reported that India and the African Union postponed the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit, which had been scheduled in New Delhi from 28-31 May, due to the worsening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The decision followed the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, with around 600 suspected cases and 139 deaths reported so far. Although no cases have been detected in India, authorities issued health advisories for travellers arriving from Ebola-affected countries, directing them to report symptoms or possible exposure to health officials. (“Africa summit in India postponed over Ebola outbreak fears,” BBC, 22 May 2026)