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Today in Africa — May 20, 2026: DRC’s Ebola Outbreak Likely Began Months Ago, It May Be Lights Out for Johannesburg Soon

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On May 20, coverage includes: health officials warning that eastern DRC’s Ebola outbreak may be larger and more widespread than first thought; South Africa’s biggest city struggling to pay its electricity bills and facing power cuts; and more.

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Lihle Z. Mtshali Today in Africa & Newsletter Editor
Night skyline of Johannesburg with lit buildings and curving roads under clouds.
Johannesburg’s bright lights may soon go out as South Africa’s biggest city struggles to pay its electricity bills.

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 Says DRC Ebola Outbreak Likely Began Months Ago

The World Health Organization says the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo likely began about two months ago and is expected to keep growing as health teams race to understand its full scale. The outbreak, linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain with no approved vaccine or treatment, has now reached nearly 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths in DRC, with confirmed infections also reported in neighboring Uganda.

What Health Teams Are Facing:

  • WHO says the outbreak may have accelerated after a suspected super-spreader event linked to either a funeral or a healthcare facility.

  • Fifty-one cases have been laboratory confirmed in DRC, with two additional confirmed cases in Uganda.

  • WHO says two possible vaccines are under consideration, though development could take between three and nine months.

  • The U.S. has committed an initial $13 million and plans to help establish 50 Ebola treatment clinics, while South Africa has pledged $2.5 million toward the response.

  • Hospitals in affected areas report overcrowding, staff shortages, and a lack of isolation wards and protective equipment.

Johannesburg Faces Power Cuts Over Growing Debt

South Africa’s state-owned power utility, Eskom, says it may reduce or cut electricity supply to parts of Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city and economic hub, after the city and its power utility, City Power, accumulated billions in unpaid debt. Eskom says the city owes 5.26 billion rand (about $315 million), with another 1.58 billion rand (about $95 million) due in early June, adding pressure to ongoing concerns over Johannesburg’s financial health.

What’s Adding Pressure:

  • Eskom says it has spent more than two years trying to resolve the debt issue with Johannesburg.

  • Earlier this month, the National Treasury raised concerns about the city’s financial sustainability and compliance with public finance laws.

  • Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said city officials had agreed to consider “serious remedial actions” and submit a formal response to Treasury.

  • Treasury described recent talks with Johannesburg officials as ongoing and focused on protecting service delivery and long-term financial stability.

  • Eskom recently reported its first full-year profit in eight years after a turnaround in the performance of its power stations.

In Brief: More Stories Today

Nigeria Says Joint U.S. Operations Kill 175 Islamic State Militants

Nigeria’s military says joint operations with U.S. Africa Command have killed 175 Islamic State militants in northeastern Nigeria in recent days as both countries deepen security cooperation. Officials said the operations targeted ISWAP infrastructure and followed the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of the militant group’s top global leaders, along with several other senior figures.

Somaliland to Open Embassy in Jerusalem After Israeli Recognition

Somaliland says it plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem after Israel became the first country to formally recognize the self-declared republic. Somaliland officials say they hope the move will strengthen diplomatic ties and encourage other countries to recognize the territory, a step Somalia strongly opposes.

DRC Opposition Forms Coalition Against Constitutional Changes

Major opposition parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo have joined forces against proposed constitutional reforms linked to President Félix Tshisekedi’s government. Opposition leaders accuse the administration of trying to create a path for Tshisekedi to remain in power beyond the country’s two-term limit, an allegation that has intensified ahead of future elections.

Nigeria Arrests Former Power Minister After 75-Year Corruption Sentence

Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency says it has arrested former Power Minister Saleh Mamman after he was sentenced to 75 years in prison for diverting funds linked to major hydroelectric projects. Authorities said Mamman had gone into hiding after his conviction, in a case being viewed as a rare follow-through against a senior official.

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