Photo : The Associated Press
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : The Associated Press
ETHIOPIA
Ethiopia goes to the polls amid conflict and political tensions
On 01 June, the BBC reported that Ethiopia opened voting in its seventh general election since 1991 against the backdrop of ongoing conflict, political tensions and restrictions on media access. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his ruling Prosperity Party are widely expected to retain power, although critics argue the election is taking place under increasingly constrained political conditions. Voting was excluded entirely in the northern Tigray Region, where post-war political tensions remain unresolved following the 2022 peace agreement, while insecurity persists in the regions of Amhara and Oromia due to insurgencies. Opposition groups questioned the competitiveness of the process, citing campaign restrictions and security concerns, whereas government supporters pointed to economic reforms and infrastructure development under Abiy’s leadership. The election unfolds amid concerns over democratic backsliding, regional instability and fears of renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia. (“Polls open in Ethiopia, but not everyone can vote,” BBC, 01 June 2026)
GHANA
Ghana approves controversial anti-LGBTQ+ Bill
On 30 May, the BBC reported that Ghana’s parliament approved legislation that would significantly expand restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, introducing prison sentences of up to three years for identifying as LGBTQ+ and criminalising the promotion or support of LGBTQ+ activities. The bill, which still requires approval from President John Dramani Mahama to become law, also introduces a duty to report prohibited acts to authorities. Supporters, including sponsor John Ntim Fordjour and religious groups, argued the measure protects Ghanaian cultural and family values, while rights organisations including Human Rights Watch warned it could intensify discrimination and surveillance against LGBTQ+ communities. The move follows broader regional trends, with countries including Uganda and Senegal adopting stricter anti-LGBTQ+ measures in recent years. (“Ghana's parliament passes anti-LGBTQ+ bill,” BBC, 30 May 2026)
RWANDA
Rwanda-Russia nuclear agreement part of Kigali’s strategy of diversifying partnerships
On 30 May, Al Jazeera reported that Rwanda’s latest nuclear cooperation agreement with Russia reflects not only technical collaboration in healthcare and nuclear science but also Kigali’s broader strategy of diversifying partnerships amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in Africa. Signed on 19 May during the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit in Kigali, the agreement builds on earlier deals between Rwanda and Russia and includes cooperation in nuclear medicine, training and long-term plans for a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology supported by Rosatom. While Rwanda has also pursued civil nuclear agreements with the United States and firms from South Africa and Austria, analysts view the move as part of a wider African trend toward hedging between global powers. Experts argue that Russia’s emphasis on sovereignty and fewer political conditions has increased its appeal across Africa, where nuclear cooperation is increasingly seen as both a development tool and a symbol of technological ambition. (“Rwanda-Russia nuclear deal underscores Africa’s shifting power balance,” Al Jazeera, 30 May 2026)
EBOLA OUTBREAK
Situation “deeply alarming” says MSF as WHO chief visits outbreak epicenter
On 31 May, the BBC reported that health agencies warned the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo was spreading at an unprecedented pace, with more than 1,000 suspected cases and at least 246 deaths recorded within two weeks of its declaration. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) described the situation as “deeply alarming”, warning that containment efforts had failed to keep pace with transmission and that hundreds of samples remained untested. During a visit to Ituri Province, World Health Organization head Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the importance of community involvement and urged safer burial practices to limit infections. The outbreak, caused by the rare Ebola virus disease strain Bundibugyo, has also spread into Uganda, while authorities in Brazil are investigating a suspected imported case. Meanwhile, Congolese authorities said that the number of confirmed cases in the DRC had doubled to 225 by the weekend. (“Ebola spread in DR Congo 'deeply alarming', MSF warns,” BBC, 31 May 2026)