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Today in Africa — July 3, 2026: DR Congo Begins Ebola Treatment Trial, UN Raises Alarm Over Sudan’s Al Obeid

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On July 3, coverage includes: the WHO expanding its response to the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak as health workers face ongoing challenges; warnings that escalating violence in Sudan could trigger another wave of mass displacement; and more.

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Lihle Z. Mtshali Today in Africa & Newsletter Editor
Health workers hold an Ebola awareness poster in a busy market street in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Workers with UNICEF's 'U-Report' group raise awareness about Ebola transmission at Alanine market on June 24, 2026, in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Standing intro blurb: Every day, OkayAfrica shares a roundup of news we’re following but haven’t published as full articles. These short updates cover what’s happening on the continent — in culture, politics, and beyond. For more on stories like these, be sure to check out our News page, with stories from across the regions.

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First Patient Enrolled in DR Congo Ebola Treatment Trial

The World Health Organization says the first patient has been enrolled in a clinical trial testing experimental treatments for the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, where there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for the strain. The outbreak has caused more than 1,400 cases and 438 deaths, while WHO officials warn that mistrust and violence, including a deadly attack on an Ebola treatment center in Ituri province, continue to complicate the response.

Outbreak Response

  • The trial will test Mapp Biopharmaceutical’s MBP134 antibody treatment alone and with Gilead Sciences’ antiviral drug remdesivir.

  • More than 1,000 patients are expected to take part, with results expected to take months.

  • Gilead has donated more than 4,000 vials of remdesivir for emergency use and the trial.

  • DR Congo now has 10 laboratories able to test for Ebola, and health workers are following up with four out of five identified contacts.

  • Treatment capacity has expanded to 650 beds, with WHO and partners working to add another 300.

UN Warns of New Human Rights Catastrophe in Sudan’s Al Obeid

The United Nations is warning that another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan’s besieged city of Al Obeid, where civilians have endured months of severe shortages and attacks as fighting intensifies between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). UN human rights chief Volker Turk says his office has documented patterns of killings, abductions, torture, and sexual violence in the wider Kordofan region, raising fears of a repeat of the atrocities seen in El Fasher last year.

Growing Concerns

  • Al Obeid is home to about 500,000 people, including more than 83,000 internally displaced people.

  • The International Organization for Migration warned that a full-scale attack could force hundreds of thousands more people to flee.

  • More than 219,000 people have been newly displaced across the Kordofan region since February.

  • The UN human rights office said at least 45 civilians were killed and 41 injured in drone strikes in and around Al Obeid between June 6 and 28.

  • The RSF says its operations are military-focused and has previously said it does not intentionally target civilians.

South Africa Deploys Soldiers as Protests Over Illegal Immigration Continue

South Africa has deployed more than 3,000 soldiers to support police as protests calling for tougher action on illegal immigration continue across the country. The deployment follows nationwide marches this week that were mostly peaceful but included some attacks on foreigners and looting of migrant-owned businesses, leaving many immigrants fearful even as some say returning to their home countries is not an option.

What’s Happening

  • President Cyril Ramaphosa says 3,405 soldiers would be on standby, with the deployment expected to cost about $3.37 million.

  • Protest organizers say they plan to march every Thursday until their demands, including mass deportations, are addressed.

  • Police arrested more than 900 people during Tuesday’s protests for offenses including public violence, robbery, immigration violations, and harboring undocumented migrants.

  • South Africa has about 3 million immigrants, representing around 4% of the population, according to official figures.

  • The country hosts more than 167,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, according to the United Nations.

In Brief: More Stories Today

U.S. Move Puts African Union Mission in Somalia at Risk

The U.S says it will stop supporting UN logistical operations for the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia after this year, a decision officials warn could threaten the future of the nearly 12,000-member force. Washington says Somalia has not made enough progress in taking over its own security despite years of international support, while the AU warned the move could affect the mission’s operations and funding as it continues fighting al-Shabaab.

U.S. Withdraws Most Troops After Joint Operation Against ISIS in Nigeria

The U.S. has withdrawn most of its forces deployed for a recent operation against Islamic State militants in Nigeria and will continue providing intelligence support at Abuja’s request. U.S. Africa Command says the May joint operation killed senior ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and showed its strategy of supporting African-led security efforts with specialized capabilities.

Russia Expands Diplomatic Presence Across Africa

Russia plans to open new diplomatic missions in The Gambia, Liberia, Togo, and Comoros as it strengthens ties across Africa amid worsening relations with the US and Europe. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says the expansion will bring Russia closer to having embassies across the entire continent, rebuilding a presence that declined after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

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