Photo : AP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AP
KENYA
Legal disputes fail to halt US-Kenya health partnership
On 09 June, Africa News reported that Kenya and the United States officially launched a five-year health cooperation programme worth USD 1.6 billion after months of legal and political disputes. The initiative aims to strengthen disease surveillance, outbreak response, laboratory systems, medical supply chains, healthcare workforce development, and digital health infrastructure. Implementation had been delayed after Kenya's High Court suspended the agreement in December 2025 over constitutional concerns, before the Court of Appeal later lifted the freeze. Civil society groups and opposition figures have criticised the deal over issues of transparency, parliamentary oversight, data privacy, and legal immunity provisions for certain US personnel. The programme is expected to deepen bilateral health cooperation and strengthen broader US-Kenya strategic ties. ("Despite outrage, Kenya and U.S. launch $1.6 billion health programme," Africa News, 09 June 2026)
Protests against Ebola facility turn violent
On 10 June, the BBC reported that protests against a proposed US-funded Ebola quarantine centre in Nanyuki escalated, with reports that a demonstrator was shot during clashes with police. Protesters opposed plans to construct a 50-bed isolation facility for US citizens at a nearby military base, citing concerns over public health risks, lack of transparency, and inadequate public consultation. The demonstrations followed a High Court order halting the project after a legal challenge by a rights group. Kenyan authorities have defended the initiative, stating that the facility is intended to respond to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The controversy has sparked wider debate over public trust, health governance, and Kenya's cooperation with the United States. ("Man reportedly shot at Kenya protest against US Ebola quarantine centre," BBC, 10 June 2026)
SUDAN
Victims seek accountability for alleged RSF atrocities
On 10 June, Africa News reported that victims of alleged abuses committed during Sudan's civil war filed a complaint in Kenya seeking the prosecution of members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for torture and sexual violence. Submitted by Legal Action Worldwide, the complaint details alleged crimes committed in and around Khartoum between April 2023 and March 2025 and seeks charges against 10 RSF members, some of whom are believed to be residing in Kenya. The case represents the first attempt to prosecute RSF members outside Sudan. The complaint relies on Kenya's International Crimes Act, highlighting efforts to pursue accountability amid limited judicial options within Sudan. The RSF has faced repeated accusations of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide during the conflict. ("First war crimes complaint against Sudan's RSF filed in Kenya," Africa News, 10 June 2026)
EBOLA OUTBREAK
Ebola death toll passes 100 in DRC
On 09 June, Al Jazeera reported that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) confirmed 101 Ebola-related deaths and 550 confirmed cases as the outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain continued to spread, with authorities warning that insecurity and armed groups were obstructing response efforts. The latest figures included 35 new confirmed cases and 10 deaths recorded within 24 hours. The outbreak, declared in mid-May but believed to have circulated undetected for weeks, remains concentrated in the conflict-affected provinces of Ituri Province, North Kivu and South Kivu, where humanitarian access has been restricted by armed activity. Authorities also reported attacks on response teams, including an assault on a burial team in Bunia. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that population movement linked to mining activity increases the risk of wider regional spread. With no approved vaccine or treatment currently available for the Bundibugyo strain, neighbouring Uganda has also recorded imported cases and deaths linked to the outbreak. (“Ebola death toll in DR Congo climbs to 101,” Al Jazeera, 09 June 2026)
CDC warns that Ebola cases could top 20,000
On 08 June, Africa News reported that new modelling from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo could exceed 20,000 cases within months if containment efforts fail. The projections, described as scenarios rather than forecasts, suggest infections could remain closer to 10,000 if 50-70 per cent of cases are isolated but rise sharply if isolation rates stay low. Health officials warned that conflict, displacement and limited healthcare access are complicating efforts to control transmission and prevent a wider regional crisis. (“Ebola outbreak could exceed 20,000 cases, CDC warns,” Africa News, 08 June 2026)
Red Cross condemns attack on volunteers in DRC
On 09 June, Africa News reported that the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) condemned an attack on Red Cross volunteers carrying out a burial operation in Bunia, the epicentre of the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo. The incident, which occurred on 08 June during what the organisation described as a “safe and dignified burial”, injured several volunteers and highlighted growing security and trust challenges facing the response effort. Health authorities have also reported incidents of medical facilities being attacked and communities demanding the return of victims’ bodies, reflecting persistent mistrust seen in previous Ebola outbreaks. (“Red Cross volunteers under attack as Ebola Outbreak deepens in DR Congo,” Africa News, 09 June 2026)
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Central African Republic agrees to accept US deportees
On 08 June, Africa News reported that the Central African Republic had become the latest African state to agree to receive third-country deportees from the United States following a US delegation visit to Bangui last month. Details on the number of deportees, their nationalities and timelines were not disclosed. The reported arrangement forms part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration policy of relocating deportees to third countries through bilateral agreements. Rights advocates argue such arrangements can function as an indirect mechanism for returning asylum seekers to unsafe environments. According to Africa News, at least eight African countries - including Eswatini, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and Sierra Leone - have accepted US deportees, often linked to financial or logistical support arrangements. Rights groups have also challenged similar practices elsewhere in Africa. (“Report: CAR to accept third-country deportees from US,” Africa News, 08 June 2026)
THE GAMBIA
Gambia VP praises China’s Tianjin Port as model for green growth
On 08 June, Africa News reported that Gambian Vice President Muhammad B.S. Jallow praised the zero-carbon, fully automated terminal at Tianjin Port, describing it as an example of how economic development can be combined with environmental protection. Jallow said the port’s automation and zero-emissions approach were particularly relevant for The Gambia, which faces high vulnerability to sea-level rise due to its low elevation. “The level of automation, that is the thing that impressed me most, particularly, I mean as we are realizing that this is the first zero-emission port,” he said. He also suggested the experience offered lessons for countries confronting climate risks while pursuing growth. Additionally, Jallow welcomed China’s decision to introduce a zero-tariff regime for exports from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing, saying the policy could create new opportunities for Gambian exports. He specifically highlighted groundnuts as a product expected to benefit from improved access to the Chinese market. (“Gambia, China seek to strengthen trade ties,” Africa News, 08 June 2026)
NIGERIA
Cholera outbreak overwhelm healthcare facilities in Northeast Nigeria
On 09 June, Africa News reported that Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warned that a rapidly expanding cholera outbreak in northeastern Nigeria had killed at least 74 people and infected more than 7,800 since emerging in early May in Borno State. The suspected cases have been reported across 14 local government areas, placing severe pressure on a healthcare system already weakened by years of conflict, displacement and inadequate access to clean water. MSF said treatment centres are receiving hundreds of patients each day, many arriving in critical condition after long journeys and suffering severe dehydration, with more than 500 admissions recorded in a single day last week - the highest daily figure since the response began. Authorities are preparing a cholera vaccination campaign while humanitarian agencies scale up treatment capacity, hygiene measures and disease surveillance to contain further spread across the region. (“Cholera outbreak overwhelms health facilities in Northeast Nigeria,” Africa News, 09 June 2026)