Capital, megacity, economic and political hub of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has reached unprecedented speed, with cases surpassing 4,000 and deaths above 2,000. Health workers face strikes over pay, security risks rise amid conflict, and aid cuts hinder response as experts warn the outbreak could escalate further.
An Ebola outbreak in Congo is spreading faster than responses can keep up. Health workers report dangerous conditions and unpaid salaries as authorities battle transmission amid mounting cases and deaths. Kinshasa remains on alert as international aid actions unfold.
The Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached over 4,000 confirmed cases with about 1,900 deaths, and is progressing at an unprecedented rate. Health workers face unpaid wages, security threats and misinformation while WHO and Africa CDC coordinate trials and vaccination efforts amid a volatile security situation.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded an unprecedented Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak that has spread across six provinces and produced more than 5,000 confirmed cases and over 2,600 deaths. WHO and partners have allocated 70,000 Ervebo vaccine doses—20,000 for a Phase III trial and 50,000 for frontline workers—while CEPI has funded a Bundibugyo-specific vaccine and the US has sent MBP134 treatment vials to Uganda.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded more than 2,500 deaths in a Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak declared in May; the United Nations says infections are growing exponentially and have spread across an area larger than France. Vaccines for the Zaïre strain will be trialled and thousands of doses will go to frontline staff, but security, local hostility and funding shortfalls are hampering the response.
A fire has swept through a dense Bukavu neighbourhood and spread into two adjacent schools, Ujamaa and Furaha, killing at least 24 children and injuring dozens. The blaze has destroyed hundreds of wooden homes in Kadutu’s Cimpunda area. Local medical facilities are treating dozens of survivors while authorities say the death toll remains provisional.
The Tooro kingdom in western Uganda has been without a settled monarch since King Oyo has died of cancer. Clan elders have named Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a television anchor, as the new king. The late king's immediate family — led by Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and Princess Ruth Komuntale — has said a 2022 will names an undisclosed young son as heir and has rejected the elders' choice, raising the prospect of court action and prolonged division.
The Malian army faces a major assault by JNIM at the Dioura base on Sept. 10, with hundreds of militants and civilian concerns. In response, Mali’s military leadership proclaims operational pressure while authorities note casualties and the strategic impact on security in the region.
Amnesty International has documented alleged abuses by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels at artisanal mines in North and South Kivu, including torture, killings, and forced labor. The report covers January 2025 to March 2026 and cites 26 interviewees across Rubaya and Lomera mines, with claims of smuggling minerals to Rwanda amid ongoing conflict.
A vessel carrying about 100 people and cargo has capsized near Mapera, on Lake Tanganyika, Congo. Rescue operations are under way and the cause remains unclear. About 49 people have been rescued so far; search continues for missing passengers.
A Let 410 UVP crash near Kenge, Kwango province, has killed 14 people, including two senior military officers. An investigation is opened as the Congolese military reports a technical fault and a crash into a residential area while en route to Kinshasa.
AU mediators have carried out consultations in Goma and Kigali to advance the Washington Peace Agreement and related processes, focusing on security commitments, refugee protection, and regional economic cooperation. The talks add to ongoing Doha and Washington tracks and aim to secure progress amid escalating fighting in eastern DRC.
Human Rights Watch says US deportations to African countries violate international law by removing third-country nationals to destinations with little or no ties. The program has expanded under Trump’s return to power, with over 500 people affected and at least 12 LGBTQ individuals sent to hostile states. Critics warn of non-refoulement breaches and opaque deals.
Kabila has announced the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN), a politico-military alliance that replaces the AFC/M23. He will lead the FRN, with deputies from AFC-M23 figures. The FRN vows to end tyranny by any means, including force, amid ongoing fighting in eastern DR Congo and stalled Doha peace talks.
The UK has threatened a total visa ban on Eritrean nationals unless Eritrea accepts the return of people the UK says have no right to remain, including foreign national offenders. Ministers have already suspended fast-track visas for Eritrean VIPs and restricted diplomats' travel outside London. Eritrea has refused to engage under threat and says it will only discuss returns after proper dialogue.
The White House is investigating a donor scheme involving Richard Grenell, Turhan Mildon and Alina Habba. A May 2025 transfer of 17.6 million dollars to a Texas defense contractor allegedly included a 5.6 million donation intended for the Kennedy Center, which never arrived. Grenell denies wrongdoing while officials seek to establish the money’s origin and purpose.