Photo : Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters
KENYA
Kenya health minister held in contempt over Ebola facility
On 22 June, the BBC reported that Kenya’s Health Minister Aden Duale was found guilty of contempt of court for allowing construction of a US-funded Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki to continue despite a judicial order suspending the project. The centre was intended for US citizens exposed to Ebola during the outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Protests against the facility led to three deaths. The court rejected government arguments that construction served national interests, while President William Ruto defended the project as humanitarian preparedness. (“Kenya minister found in contempt of court over US-backed Ebola centre,” BBC, 22 June 2026)
SOUTH SUDAN
South Sudan to hold long-awaited elections in December
On 23 June, the BBC reported that authorities in South Sudan announced plans to hold the country’s first-ever election on 22 December after years of delays since independence in 2011. President Salva Kiir has remained in office for 15 years without an electoral mandate, while repeated postponements followed civil war and stalled implementation of the 2018 peace agreement. Electoral chief Abednego Akok Kacuol warned that legal disputes and funding shortages continue to obstruct preparations. Political tensions remain high after opposition leader Riek Machar was removed as vice-president and placed under house arrest, while his party warned that campaigning in areas under its control could face resistance, raising concerns that instability could again derail the vote. (“South Sudan sets December date for long-delayed first-ever election,” BBC, 23 June 2026)
LIBYA
Egypt hosts talks with US on Libya
On 22 June, Africa News reported that Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met US presidential adviser Massad Boulos in Cairo to discuss developments in Libya, where officials expressed cautious optimism over signs of cooperation between the country’s eastern and western authorities. Boulos pointed to recent joint military exercises with the US and Libya’s first unified national budget in 13 years as indicators of progress, following an agreement by Libya’s governing bodies on a roadmap for presidential and parliamentary elections within eight months. Separately, Abdelatty held consultations with the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, stressing that regional stability remains tied to resolving the Palestinian issue and reiterating support for an independent Palestinian state based on the 4 June 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. (“US advisor expresses 'cautious optimism' on Libya after talks with Egyptian FM,” Africa News, 22 June 2026)
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa repatriates over 3,500 Malawians amid anti-immigrant tensions
On 23 June, Africa News reported that more than 3,500 citizens of Malawi had been repatriated from South Africa as authorities responded to rising anti-immigration tensions and protests against undocumented migration. According to Malawi’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Stella Ndau, 1,549 people had arrived back in Malawi, 1,260 were en route and around 700 had been formally deported. South African authorities opened a second temporary deportation centre in Durban to manage overcrowding, while roughly 10,000 Malawians remained at an existing site awaiting return. Officials said deportations required legal processing and had slowed due to limited transport capacity from Malawi, as concerns over anti-foreigner sentiment and potential violence continue to grow. (“More than 3000 Malawian nationals deported in South Africa,” Africa News, 23 June 2026)
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Ebola cases in DR Congo Surpass 1,000
On 22 June, Africa News reported that confirmed Ebola cases in Democratic Republic of the Congo had risen to 1,003, including 254 deaths and 100 recoveries, little more than a month after the outbreak was declared on 15 May. The outbreak, driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain - for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment - remains concentrated in Ituri Province, with at least 365 patients hospitalised or isolated. Authorities said contact tracing coverage remained at only 55 percent and more than 35,000 contacts still needed to be identified, while officials have yet to determine the index case. (“Confirmed Ebola cases rise to 1003, including 254 deaths, DRC says,” Africa News, 22 June 2026)