Central African nation of vast minerals and complex security challenges
UK volunteers are joining a phase 1 trial to test the safety and immune response of the ChAdOx1 BDBV vaccine against Bundibugyo Ebola. The trial follows the DRC outbreak and uses the same tech as the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine. Doses have been stockpiled, and collaboration with Uganda continues as researchers move toward later-stage studies.
John Stones has joined Inter on a two-year deal after leaving Manchester City, becoming the latest English defender to move abroad. Inter beat Juventus for his signature and he links up with former City team-mate Akanji, ready to bring experience to Milan.
Lionel Messi has extended the men’s World Cup scoring record and continued a prolific tournament run. He has scored in consecutive World Cup matches, netting goals from open play and set pieces while helping Argentina secure group-stage wins and progress toward the knockout rounds in the 2026 tournament.
England has secured a last-16 spot after overturning a 1-0 deficit with Gordon assisting Kane’s brace; attention shifts to penalties and Tuchel’s preparation ahead of a clash with Mexico. Penalty strategy and shootout readiness dominate coverage as teams progress through the World Cup.
Rwandan and Congolese officials remain locked in a dispute over commitments under a Washington-brokered peace deal, with UN experts noting M23 remains active and minerals continue to flow from conflict zones. Western governments have stepped up sanctions, and the ICJ case against Rwanda has widened the international response.
Germany has exited the World Cup in the last-32 after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay. Julian Nagelsmann has stepped down; Jurgen Klopp is set to discuss replacing him. The German Football Association will pursue talks with Klopp while weighing the team's need for structural change to reclaim form.
France 24 reports that DR Congo has advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, following a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. England tops Group L after a win over Panama; Belgium faces Senegal; US advances to the Round of 16 with favorable simulations.
Pubs and hospitality venues across the UK have seen a surge in footfall and beer sales connected to World Cup matches. Data from MRI Software and Dojo show significant increases in late-night patronage and pint volumes, with regional towns and non-London areas recording the strongest boosts. Experts say the World Cup is driving a notable, ongoing uplift in the night-time economy.
Spain has sealed a spot in the World Cup last 16 after a 3-0 win over Austria. Mikel Oyarzabal netted twice and Pedro Porro added another as Lamine Yamal starred, creating chances and tormenting the Austrian defense. The victory keeps Spain as one of the favourites and sets up a round-of-16 clash against Portugal or Croatia.
The UK–US pharmaceutical deal has led to a BMJ analysis predicting the NHS will divert billions to fund new medicines, risking hundreds of thousands of excess deaths by 2036, with the toll higher if social care funding is included.
England has progressed to the World Cup knockout stages after Harry Kane’s late double against DR Congo. The team is set to face Mexico in a pre-dawn game in Mexico City, prompting discussions on late-night viewing for fans and potential changes to school and work start times.
England prepares for a 1am local kickoff in Mexico City as the World Cup last-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico tests players, staff, and fans. Altitude, travel fatigue, and sleep schedules are shaping preparations, while employers weigh flexible working policies for workers watching late games.
Health authorities have reported at least 1,759 confirmed Ebola cases and about 600 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo since mid-May, driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain. The World Health Organization has enrolled the first patient in a trial testing MBP134 and remdesivir; treatment centres are strained and insecurity and funding shortfalls are hindering response.
DR Congo has been eliminated from the World Cup after a 2-1 defeat to England in the Round of 16. Brian Cipenga gave Congo an early lead, but Harry Kane scored twice to seal the win. Desabre has publicly disclosed the personal loss of his father, which coincided with the post-match press conference.
Real Madrid has clarified it has no interest in signing Enzo Fernandez, dismissing speculation from Marca and others. The club reaffirmed respect for Chelsea and for Fernandez, whose 2022 World Cup win with Argentina preceded a 2023 move to Chelsea. The denial comes amid ongoing chatter about a potential deal, as Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season.
England defeats DR Congo 2-1, with Harry Kane scoring twice to secure a place in the Round of 16. DR Congo are eliminated after finishing bottom of Group F. The Congolese coach Desabre reveals his father’s death after the match. The result preserves England’s unbeaten run and advances them to face Mexico in the next round.
The Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo has intensified, with cases rising and deaths increasing. Health workers are striking over unpaid salaries, while international partners warn the official figures may undercount the true toll. Trials for treatments have begun, and vaccination efforts remain limited by the absence of a vaccine for this strain.
Frontline workers at Ituri’s Ebola response facilities have struck over unpaid wages as the Bundibugyo outbreak expands to more provinces. The situation adds strain to an already overwhelmed health system, with clinics at capacity and mistrust hampering containment efforts. New cases have been confirmed in Haut-Uele and Tshopo, raising the outbreak’s regional footprint.
England has beaten Mexico 3-2 at the Estadio Azteca, going 10 men after a red card, with Dan Burn and a late substitute performance shaping the win. They now face Norway in Miami in the quarter-finals while Haaland’s form continues to draw attention ahead of a potential semifinal clash.
France has been eliminated from the World Cup by Spain in a semi-final that exposed tactical limits and compact Spain control. Mbappé’s late pressing plus Spain’s suffocating midfield defined the result; bronze medal match awaits in Miami.
England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina features enforcement of a new rule allowing red cards for players who cover their mouths during verbal confrontations. Paredes questioned Kane’s actions; Hincapié and Almirón were punished earlier in the tournament for similar moves. The IFAB and FIFA have supported the measure, signaling stricter enforcement going forward.
Backlogs in digital number plate production and cargo sealing create widespread delays at borders and in vehicle registration, crippling imports, deliveries and revenue collection. Authorities pledge to scale up production and streamline processes amid mounting costs and frustrations.
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC continues to escalate with thousands affected as nations tighten travel and quarantine rules. Reports show Americans abroad face do-not-board restrictions and extended stays outside the country. Health officials warn that swift, coordinated action is essential to curb spread.
Aston Villa has announced Visit Rwanda as the front-of-shirt sponsor across men’s, women’s and academy teams in a multi-year agreement. Amnesty International UK has raised concerns about Rwanda’s human rights record and sportswashing, while DR Congo has accused Rwanda of backing rebel groups and military actions in eastern Congo.
The latest UNICEF/WHO data show zero-dose children remain concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria and Yemen among the hardest hit. Cameroon's RTS,S malaria vaccine is reducing severe illness, but booster uptake is slipping, while global funding cuts threaten progress. The trend underscores uneven access to vaccines and the ongoing fight against preventable diseases.
The UK has sanctioned individuals and entities linked to networks financing Sudan's war economy, targeting RSF and SAF-linked actors and key mining operations. The move aims to curb illicit gold flows that fund fighting, with officials warning of mass harm to civilians as El Obeid faces fresh peril.
Kenya's High Court has dismissed a bid by Rastafarians to legalise cannabis for religious purposes, stating the law does not violate freedom of religion. The ruling urges a broader national discussion on cannabis policy, acknowledging widespread use while underscoring the colonial-era roots of drug laws.
The US has expanded travel restrictions for people who have recently been in Congo amid the Congo Ebola outbreak. The policy requires 21 days outside the United States before boarding a commercial flight, with exemptions possible for humanitarian or law-enforcement reasons; several reports note the restrictions may slow deployment of medical staff.
Smoke from hundreds of active wildfires in Canada has blanketed large parts of the US Midwest and Northeast and made air quality hazardous in cities including Detroit, Chicago and New York. Authorities have issued health alerts, opened cooling centres and distributed masks; officials expect rain to disperse some smoke but warn that pollution will linger in the Upper Midwest.
A team studying primates in Lomami National Park has confirmed a new African monkey species, Colobus congoensis, known locally as Likweli. The animal is rare, has distinctive orange facial markings, and roars in the trees. Researchers published their findings in PLOS ONE, noting the species’ limited range and threats from hunting and habitat loss.
A global humanitarian picture shows funding shortfalls and ongoing emergencies across Mozambique and Somalia. OCHA and NGO reports highlight displacement, disease, food insecurity and the need for sustained aid amidst conflict and climate shocks. New funding gaps risk undermining relief efforts and recovery.
The UK has announced a substantial reduction in overseas development aid to Africa, with direct support projected to fall by up to 90% in some countries by 2029 as the government reallocates funds to defence. The plan covers multiple nations, including Malawi, Mozambique and DRC, sparking criticism from development groups about heightened risk to health, education and humanitarian programs.
Uganda is reviewing and tightening safety rules for school transport after a spate of deadly crashes linked to educational trips and daily learner transport. A cross-government committee will enforce vehicle inspections, driver qualifications and safer routes, with color-coding of school vehicles as an immediate step. Kenya’s 2025 school-transport rules are a benchmark.
Nelson Mandela Day is marked with community service across South Africa. Volunteers highlight Ubuntu and cross-community solidarity, while anti-migrant groups push a stricter stance. The Nelson Mandela Foundation condemns xenophobia as tensions surface amid economic strain.
Wildfire smoke from Canadian fires continues to affect the US Midwest and Northeast, with air quality remaining unhealthy in several cities. Authorities warn that smoke will transport east and south in coming days, and residents are advised to limit outdoor activity and seal homes where possible.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Bundibugyo-ebola outbreak has intensified. More than 2,973 confirmed cases and 1,309 deaths have been reported. Health workers are on strike over two months of unpaid bonuses, disrupting care at Elikya Ebola Treatment Centre in Bunia and complicating the response as cases rise and insecurity persists.
UKHSA has evacuated a UK resident from the DR Congo for precautionary isolation. The individual, who had been treating patients in the Ebola outbreak response, is asymptomatic and under monitoring in a London hospital. No UK cases have been confirmed, and incubation is 2-21 days. WHO notes ongoing outbreak in DRC and Uganda.
The latest SOFI report shows 645 million people faced hunger in 2025, a drop from 2024 but still above prepandemic levels. Africa now hosts the most hungry people in absolute terms, with 309 million, while Africa and other regions face rising food insecurity driven by conflict, climate extremes and higher costs. Nutrition indicators remain poor, with stunting, obesity and low diet diversity continuing to challenge progress.
Uganda and Africa CDC have formally urged the United States to remove travel restrictions tied to the Ebola outbreak. Uganda reports no new cases since July 16, with the last patient discharged, while the DRC faces a worsening Bundibugyo outbreak. Regional partners warn that border controls complicate trade and health work, as WHO warns the outbreak could be larger than detected.
The UN and world powers are pressing for governance reform as demand for critical minerals rises. Leaders warn that without local processing and stronger rule of law, mining profits will bypass local communities and fuel conflict. New commitments aim to channel wealth into public services and jobs amid a global scramble for cobalt, lithium, nickel and rare earths.
Candidates for the UN secretary-general post have presented reform-minded visions amid a funding and credibility crisis. Straw polls begin late July with a January 2027 appointment target; Latin America is pushing for a regional rotation.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has published an open Instagram letter arguing the World Cup was a global success marked by safety, joy and unity, amid ongoing criticism over visas, officiating and controversies that surrounded the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Uganda has declared the end of its 2026 Ebola outbreak after completing a 42‑day monitoring period. Twenty confirmed cases were recorded, 18 recovered and two deaths, with most cases linked to Congo’s outbreak. Authorities say there is no evidence of further transmission and the Bundibugyo strain remains without a vaccine or treatment.
The latest updates show the Bundibugyo-virus outbreak has grown rapidly in Congo, with thousands of cases and over a thousand deaths reported. The virus has no approved vaccines or treatments, distinguishing this outbreak from the 2014-2016 crisis.