Africa
Politics, business, climate, and security developments across Africa.
Gates Foundation commits $15 million to Ebola response in DRC and Uganda
The Gates Foundation has announced $15 million in emergency funding for Ebola response efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, with money routed to Africa CDC and WHO.
Young men storm Congo hospital treating Ebola patients to demand bodies of their kin
Angry young men stormed an Ebola treatment hospital in Mongbwalu, eastern Congo, demanding the bodies of relatives and forcing staff to evacuate patients amid gunfire. The attack came during a wave of violence against Ebola care sites in the outbreak zone.
Uganda confirms three new Ebola cases
Uganda’s health ministry confirmed three additional Ebola cases on May 23, bringing the country’s total to five amid warnings of regional spread risk from the Bundibugyo outbreak.
Trump accepts credentials of SA’s new ambassador Roelf Meyer
US President Donald Trump accepted the credentials of South Africa’s new ambassador, Roelf Meyer, at the White House on May 22, 2026. South African media said Meyer described the ceremony as warm and formal.
Umalusi denies certificate backlog as thousands of students left in limbo
Umalusi told Parliament it has no backlog of unprocessed certificates, saying delays are caused by incomplete or incorrect data submitted by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Ebola outbreak in Congo tops 130 suspected deaths as WHO sends emergency supplies
WHO says the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo has surpassed 130 suspected deaths and 500 suspected cases, prompting emergency supplies and an intensified response.
Kenya transport protests turn deadly as four killed in fuel price unrest
Kenya’s transport strike over record fuel prices turned violent on May 18, with four people killed and more than 30 injured. AP later reported the strike was suspended after two days of protests and that 348 people were arrested.
Africa Finance Corporation commits up to $100 million to Africa-focused technology fund managers
Africa Finance Corporation has approved a commitment of up to $100 million to Africa-focused technology fund managers, starting with anchor commitments to Lightrock Africa Fund II and Future Africa Fund III.
Officials say 39 pupils abducted in Nigeria's Oyo state, one teacher killed
Authorities in Nigeria's Oyo state say gunmen abducted at least 39 pupils and seven teachers from schools in Oriire district, killing one teacher in captivity and prompting a rescue operation.
Kenya protests erupt over record fuel prices and rising cost of living
Protests and a transport strike broke out across Kenya on May 18 after a fuel price review pushed petrol and diesel to record levels, disrupting commuter traffic and prompting clashes in Nairobi and other towns.
Uganda and DR Congo sign six new bilateral agreements
Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo signed six memorandums of understanding in Kampala on May 11 after three days of joint commission talks. The deals are aimed at deepening cooperation on trade, border management, tourism, ICT and broader economic ties.
Kemi Seba tells South African court he fears for his life if returned to Benin
Kemi Seba told a South African court that he fears for his life if extradited to Benin, according to reporting on a Pretoria bail hearing. The case is tied to Benin’s push to have him returned over allegations linked to a failed coup plot.
UN expands Nairobi hub as Guterres pushes African representation
The United Nations has begun expanding its Nairobi hub with a new conference facility and office buildings, a roughly $340 million investment paired with António Guterres’s call for stronger African representation in global institutions.
NRM, SPLM sign cooperation pact to deepen regional ties
Uganda’s NRM and South Sudan’s SPLM signed a memorandum of understanding in Kampala on May 11, formalizing their cooperation and setting out plans for party development, women and youth empowerment, and regional integration.
WHO says six MV Hondius hantavirus cases are confirmed, with two suspected
WHO's latest reporting shows six confirmed hantavirus cases and two suspected cases linked to the MV Hondius outbreak. Authorities are tracing passengers and preparing for the ship's arrival near Tenerife.
Mali: More than 30 killed in twin central attacks
Two coordinated attacks in central Mali killed more than 30 people, with Reuters putting the toll near 50 and JNIM claiming responsibility.
UN rights chief says Tunisia must end repression of civil society, journalists
The UN rights chief has urged Tunisia to stop repressing civil society groups and journalists, citing recent suspensions, a journalist's detention and wider pressure on dissent.
South Sudan's President Kiir fires army chief and finance minister
President Salva Kiir has dismissed South Sudan's army chief and finance minister and named new replacements, according to Reuters and state media reports.
Cape Verde: three evacuated from MV Hondius over suspected hantavirus
WHO says the MV Hondius outbreak linked to Cabo Verde has now reached eight cases, with five confirmed hantavirus infections, three suspected cases and three deaths.
South Sudan's President Kiir fires army chief and finance minister in latest reshuffle
President Salva Kiir has dismissed South Sudan’s army chief and finance minister and appointed new replacements, in another major reshuffle reported by state media and Reuters.
UN rights chief says Tunisia must end repression of civil society, media
The U.N. human rights chief has called on Tunisia to stop its widening crackdown on civil society, journalists, rights defenders and opposition figures.
Rwanda, Botswana sign six cooperation deals
Rwanda and Botswana signed six bilateral cooperation agreements in Gaborone during Kagame’s state visit, widening ties across trade, mobility, aviation and investment.
Ivory Coast dissolves electoral commission after opposition criticism
Ivory Coast’s government has dissolved the Independent Electoral Commission after sustained opposition criticism, saying it plans to create a new election-management system.
Cameroon former House president Cavaye Yéguié Djibril dies aged 86
Former Cameroon National Assembly president Cavaye Yéguié Djibril has died at 86, according to multiple local and state-media reports. Coverage says he died on May 6 in Mada/Tokombéré, with funeral arrangements already under way.