DR Congo's Ebola Outbreak Tops 6,000 Cases as Response Team Attacked
Congo's fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history has surpassed 6,000 cases and 2,911 deaths, authorities said today, Monday, August 31, though more than 1,360 people have recovered in what officials called an "encouraging" sign. The virus spread into two new health zones last week, and an Ebola response team was attacked by machete-wielding youths near a funeral in Ituri province on Saturday, injuring one member and prompting calls for better security.
Workers' Strike Snarls Flights at Nairobi's Main Airport
A strike by members of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union has delayed and canceled flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, leaving travelers stranded. Union leaders say talks with government representatives ended Sunday without an agreement over hiring practices, pay, and proposed management changes, marking the second such strike since February.
Somali Piracy Surges Amid Regional Maritime Conflict
Piracy near Somalia has spiked to its worst level in over a decade, with at least 13 ships attacked since the start of the year and two cargo vessels seized within four days last week. Analysts say pirates are exploiting the distraction of the US-Iran conflict and Houthi blockades further north, while a hijacking involving alleged Turkish weapons cargo has triggered unprecedented drone strikes and diplomatic tension between Somalia's federal government and the semi-autonomous Puntland region.
Algeria's President Seeks Death Penalty for Arsonists After Deadly Wildfires
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has ordered the justice ministry to draft changes reinstating the death penalty for arsonists, following wildfires that killed at least 12 people and burned through more than 100 sites in the country's northeast. Tebboune set a September 15 deadline for the amendments and said he hasn't ruled out foul play, while also ordering compensation for affected families and repairs to damaged homes.
Tunisia's Heatwave Triggers Power Cuts, Water Shortages, and Hospital Strain
Tunisia is enduring another brutal heatwave, with temperatures hitting 49.8°C in Kairouan last week, driving record electricity demand that's forced rotating power cuts and disrupted water pumping stations in some regions. Doctors reported an "unprecedented" rise in heatstroke-related hospital admissions, while President Kais Saied claims some disruptions were deliberate sabotage rather than technical failures, without naming suspects.
Spain's PM Clears Morocco of Blame in Ceuta Border Crisis, Blames Disinformation
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says there's no evidence Moroccan authorities were behind July's mass border crossing into Ceuta, which killed as many as 141 people, instead accusing Russia, Israel, and the international far right of spreading disinformation about the crisis. Israel's foreign minister called the claim a "brazen lie," while thousands of migrants, including over 1,000 minors, remain in Ceuta amid ongoing tensions with local residents and police.
Sweden Closes Liberia Embassy, Ending Decades of Aid and Support
Sweden is shutting its embassy in Liberia today, Monday, August 31, and ending billions of Swedish kronor in development aid, part of sweeping cuts to Swedish foreign assistance as funds shift toward Ukraine. Since 2008, Sweden has donated more than SEK5.77 billion ($445 million) to Liberia, becoming its second-largest donor and a leading supporter of women's rights and reproductive health programs — support that activists say leaves a major gap, especially after the earlier dismantling of USAID.
