Photo : AFP/BBC
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AFP/BBC
EBOLA OUTBREAK
Three Red Cross volunteers die from suspected Ebola in DRC
On 24 May, the BBC reported that three Red Cross volunteers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo died from suspected Ebola infections believed to have been contracted while handling bodies in Ituri province before the outbreak was formally identified. The volunteers, among the first known victims of the outbreak, had been working in Mongwalu, the current epicentre of the crisis. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola for which no approved vaccine exists, has surpassed 850 suspected cases and over 200 suspected deaths. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the national risk level to “very high”, Uganda reported additional infections, and authorities in DR Congo imposed measures including flight suspensions and restrictions on gatherings amid growing concerns over regional spread and community resistance to response efforts. (“Red Cross volunteers die from suspected Ebola in DR Congo,” BBC, 24 May 2026)
Oxford University scientists developing Ebola vaccine that could be ready for clinical trials in two to three weeks
On 23 May, the BBC reported that scientists at University of Oxford are developing an experimental vaccine against the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola that could enter clinical trials within two to three months amid the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The vaccine uses the ChAdOx1 platform developed during the Covid-19 pandemic and aims to train the immune system against Bundibugyo, a rare Ebola strain with no approved vaccine. Researchers stressed that animal studies and human trials are still needed, with production support expected from the Serum Institute of India if the candidate proves successful. (“UK scientists developing Ebola vaccine that could be ready for trials in months,” BBC, 23 May 2026)
Uganda reports three new Ebola cases as Africa CDC warns 10 other countries at risk
On 23 May, Al Jazeera reported that Uganda confirmed three new Ebola infections, raising the country's total cases in the current outbreak to five as authorities intensified contact tracing and containment efforts linked to the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The new cases included a driver, a healthcare worker, and a Congolese woman who had crossed the border into Uganda. Meanwhile, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention warned that 10 additional African countries were at risk of spread. The crisis has been further complicated by shortages of medical resources and attacks on Ebola facilities, with another treatment tent in eastern DR Congo set on fire, leading to the escape of 18 suspected patients into the community. (“Uganda confirms 3 new Ebola cases, as 10 more countries ‘at risk’ of virus,” Al Jazeera, 23 May 2026)
Ebola centers in DRC face increasing attacks
On 24 May, Al Jazeera reported that attacks on Ebola treatment facilities were intensifying in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as health authorities struggled to contain the outbreak. Health centres in Rwampara and Mongbwalu in Ituri province were targeted by angry residents protesting strict burial protocols for Ebola victims, resulting in treatment tents being burned. Aid groups said resistance was being driven by fear, misinformation and mistrust, with some community members believing Ebola response efforts were being exploited for profit. Authorities warned that such incidents, alongside patients fleeing treatment centres, could worsen transmission. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention placed 10 countries on high alert and regional governments moved to strengthen cross-border surveillance and response coordination. (“Attacks on Ebola centres intensify in eastern DRC amid outbreak fears,” Al Jazeera, 24 May 2026)
SENEGAL
Senegal PM dismissed by president amid rift
On 23 May, the BBC reported that Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the government following months of tensions between the former allies. The move came after Sonko publicly criticised Faye’s handling of Senegal’s debt crisis during a parliamentary session, exposing growing divisions within the ruling Pastef movement that had jointly brought them to power in 2024. The political split unfolds amid mounting economic pressure, with Senegal’s public debt reaching 132 per cent of GDP and the International Monetary Fund freezing a USD 1.8 billion lending programme. (“Senegal's president sacks PM and former ally after months-long feud,” BBC, 23 May 2025)