DR Congo Expands Gathering Ban as Ebola Cases Rise
The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned mass gatherings in Kinshasa and three additional provinces as confirmed Ebola cases climbed to 1,274, including 360 deaths. The government says the measure is aimed at preventing the virus from reaching the capital, though opposition parties argue it is intended to derail a planned July 8 protest against proposed constitutional changes.
HRW Accuses Mali’s Army and Militants of Abuses Against Civilians
A new Human Rights Watch report says civilians in Mali suffered serious abuses by both Islamist militants and the Malian military during attacks earlier this year. The rights group documented killings, drone strikes that allegedly killed civilians, and abuses targeting Fulani communities, warning that continued impunity is fueling the cycle of violence.
Residents Say DR Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal Has Failed to Deliver
One year after DR Congo and Rwanda signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement, residents of Goma say violence and insecurity remain unchanged. Analysts say a lack of trust between the parties has undermined implementation, leaving many people in eastern DR Congo with little confidence that diplomatic efforts will bring lasting peace.
Protests Erupt Over Senegal’s Proposed Constitutional Reform
Police fired tear gas outside Senegal’s parliament as lawmakers debated constitutional changes that would expand parliament’s powers and reduce those of the president. Critics say the ruling Pastef party’s proposal could shift the balance of power and deepen tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and parliament speaker Ousmane Sonko.
EU Tightens Visa Rules for Somali Nationals
The European Union has imposed tougher visa restrictions on Somali nationals, citing Mogadishu’s lack of cooperation in accepting the return of irregular migrants. The new measures end eligibility for multiple-entry Schengen visas, lengthen processing times, and remove some diplomatic visa privileges, though Somalia insists it accepts all genuine Somali citizens returned from Europe.
