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Today in Africa — June 5, 2026: WHO’s $518M Ebola Plan, 49 Nigeriens Die of Thirst in Sahara Desert

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On June 5, coverage includes: global health officials’ race to contain a fast-moving outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda amid funding gaps, testing challenges, and community mistrust; a deadly truck breakdown in northern Niger, highlighting the dangers faced by travelers crossing one of the world’s harshest desert regions; and more.

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Lihle Z. Mtshali Today in Africa & Newsletter Editor
Tourists and vehicles on orange sand dunes near Iferouane in the Sahara Desert in northern Niger.
49 people from Niger died of thirst after being stranded in the Sahara Desert on their way back from Mali when their truck broke down.

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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WHO Launches $518 Million Plan as Ebola Response Ramps Up in DR Congo and Uganda

The World Health Organization and Africa CDC have launched a $518 million six-month response plan to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, warning that health authorities are still trying to catch up after the virus spread undetected for weeks. Officials say the outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has reached 381 confirmed cases and 62 deaths in DR Congo, with Uganda reporting 19 cases and two deaths, while challenges, including limited testing capacity, insecurity, and community mistrust, continue to hamper efforts.

Key Challenges Ahead:

• The Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment, making this the most serious Bundibugyo outbreak recorded to date, according to Africa CDC.

• Donors have pledged $315.8 million so far, leaving a significant funding gap for the response plan.

• Only about 45% of known contacts of Ebola patients are currently being traced, well below the WHO’s target of 90% needed to contain the outbreak.

• Attacks on burial teams and treatment centers have been reported, including an incident in South Kivu where responders abandoned a coffin after coming under attack.

• WHO assesses the risk as very high within DR Congo, high across the region, and low globally, noting that Ebola spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids and is not airborne.

49 Die of Thirst After Truck Breaks Down in Niger’s Sahara Desert

At least 49 people have died after a truck carrying travelers home from Eid al-Adha celebrations in Mali broke down in a remote stretch of the Sahara Desert in northern Niger. Authorities say the group became stranded more than 80 kilometers from the border town of Assamaka and ran out of water after spending days trying to repair the vehicle in extreme heat. Only two people survived, making it to Assamaka on foot to alert authorities.

What Authorities Found

• The victims were all Nigerien nationals and were buried in mass graves by rescue teams sent to the area.

• Officials say the truck had departed from the Malian town of Telhandek but veered off its intended route before breaking down.

• While returning from the rescue mission, authorities found another truck carrying more than 60 stranded travelers whose vehicle had been disabled by a battery failure.

• Rescue teams distributed water, repaired the second truck, and helped its passengers continue their journey safely.

• Local officials and aid workers say the Niger desert remains a major migration and trade corridor despite longstanding risks linked to breakdowns, extreme temperatures, and a lack of water sources.

In Brief: More Stories Today

More Than 1,000 Nigerians Seek Repatriation From South Africa

The number of Nigerians seeking voluntary repatriation from South Africa has surged to 1,094 following recent xenophobic violence, up from just 130 previously registered. Nigerian and South African officials are conducting a joint screening process to determine eligibility before finalizing flight arrangements, with authorities waiving penalties for visa overstays but excluding anyone facing criminal charges.

Rights Groups Challenge U.S. Deportations to Equatorial Guinea

Human rights organizations have filed a complaint with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights over the deportation of 14 people from the U.S. to Equatorial Guinea. The groups say several deportees had legal protections against being returned to their home countries and are asking the commission to halt further removals and ensure access to legal representation.

U.S. Hospitals Say They Are Ready to Treat Ebola Patients

Most hospitals in a U.S.-funded network for high-risk infectious diseases say they are prepared to treat Ebola patients if needed, amid debate over Washington’s plan to quarantine exposed Americans in Kenya. Public health experts have urged the U.S. government to continue its longstanding practice of bringing infected citizens home for treatment, arguing that specialized facilities already exist across the country.

Most U.S. Deportees Sent to DR Congo Have Left

Nine of the 15 migrants deported from the United States to the Democratic Republic of Congo in April have since returned to their home countries, according to Congolese authorities and one of the migrants. The deportations were part of a bilateral agreement between Washington and Kinshasa that has drawn criticism from rights groups and legal experts.

Cape Town Data Center Expansion Faces Environmental Questions

Community organizations in South Africa are pushing for greater transparency around a proposed Equinix data center expansion in Cape Town, citing concerns about water use, electricity demand, emissions, and other environmental impacts. The company says it has purchased land but has not yet submitted development applications and will provide more information if the project moves forward.

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