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Today in Africa — May 22, 2026: Ebola Risk Raised to “Very High” in DRC, U.S. Sanctions Tanzanian Police Chief

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On May 22, coverage includes: WHO escalating its warning over the fast-growing Ebola outbreak in DR Congo as containment efforts face new challenges; growing scrutiny of Tanzania’s political climate after Washington imposed sanctions over alleged human rights abuses.

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Lihle Z. Mtshali Today in Africa & Newsletter Editor
Kenyan journalist and human rights activist Boniface Mwangi (R) speaking at a press conference with multiple microphones in front of him, while Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire (L), eyes closed, comforts him.
Kenyan journalist and human rights activist Boniface Mwangi (R) and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire (L) at a press conference after being detained and allegedly tortured in Tanzania in June, 2025. The U.S. has sanctioned the police official accused of torturing them.

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 Raises Ebola Risk in DRC to “Very High” as Death Toll Climbs

The World Health Organization has raised the Ebola risk level in the Democratic Republic of Congo from “high” to “very high” as the Bundibugyo strain outbreak continues to spread. Health officials say the outbreak has now reached 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths, with insecurity and community tensions complicating efforts to contain a virus that currently has no approved vaccine or treatment.

What Health Officials Are Watching:

• WHO says 82 cases and seven deaths have been laboratory confirmed in DRC so far, while Uganda has reported two confirmed cases and one death linked to travelers from Congo.

• Uganda has suspended passenger travel with DRC for four weeks, including cross-border buses and flights, though cargo and food transport will continue.

• Oxford University researchers are developing a potential vaccine using the same platform as the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine, with clinical trials possibly beginning within two to three months.

• Health workers in Ituri came under military protection after relatives of a patient set fire to isolation tents at a hospital following a dispute over the handling of a body.

• WHO says violence and insecurity in eastern DRC, including cases in rebel-held areas, are making contact tracing and response efforts more difficult.

U.S. Sanctions Tanzania Police Chief Over Alleged Rights Abuses

The U.S. has sanctioned Tanzania police official Faustine Jackson Mafwele and barred him from entering the country over alleged human rights violations. The move follows growing international concern over Tanzania’s political climate after last year’s election and allegations of police abuse during the crackdown on opposition figures and activists.

What Else We Know:

• U.S. officials said the sanctions are tied to allegations that Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire and Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi were detained, tortured, and sexually assaulted while in custody in Tanzania.

• The two activists had traveled to Dar es Salaam in May last year to observe the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

• President Samia Suluhu Hassan won a full term in October with 97% of the vote after an election marked by political tensions and a crackdown on opponents.

• A government-appointed commission found that 518 people were killed and thousands more injured during post-election unrest, though opposition groups say the toll was higher.

• The commission also called for further investigation into police conduct, including reports that unarmed civilians were shot during protests.

Senegal PM Defends Anti-LGBTQ Crackdown, Blasts Western Influence

Senegal Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has defended the country’s tougher anti-LGBTQ laws, accusing Western countries of trying to impose homosexuality on other societies. Speaking before the National Assembly, Sonko backed legislation introduced earlier this year that expands penalties tied to same-sex relationships, a move that has drawn criticism from human rights groups.

What Else We Know:

• The new law doubles prison sentences for same-sex sexual acts from five years to 10 years.

• The legislation also criminalizes funding same-sex relationships and what it calls the “glorification of unnatural acts.”

• U.N. Human Rights chief Volker Turk previously warned that the law could increase discrimination, abuse, and arbitrary arrests.

• Human Rights Watch recently called for the release of 12 men arrested in Dakar over alleged “acts against nature.”

• Senegal joins a broader trend of African countries introducing stricter anti-LGBTQ laws in recent years.

In Brief: More Stories Today

South Africa Anti-Migrant Tensions Push Hundreds Into Shelter

About 250 foreign nationals, mostly women and children, sought refuge at a church center in Durban as anti-migrant protests and threats intensified. Migrants from countries including the DRC, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania said vigilantes had been going door to door demanding they leave by June 30, adding to fears of another wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa.

Kenya Transport Strike Called Off After Diesel Price Cut

Kenyan public transport operators have canceled plans to resume a strike after President William Ruto announced another reduction in diesel prices. The earlier strike over rising fuel costs brought Nairobi to a standstill and turned deadly, leaving four people dead and around 30 injured during clashes with police.

Nigeria Plans Biggest Telecom Overhaul in 26 Years

Nigeria is preparing a major shake-up of its telecom sector as growing outages, fiber cuts, and rising data usage put pressure on networks nationwide. Regulators are proposing reforms focused on broadband expansion, online safety, infrastructure sharing, and stronger protections for critical telecom systems.

Mali Fuel Blockade Deepens Pressure on Bamako

Dozens of vehicles, including fuel tankers and trucks, were burned near Bamako as al-Qaeda-linked group JNIM tightened its blockade of Mali’s capital. The blockade is worsening shortages and driving up prices ahead of Eid al-Adha, adding pressure on households already struggling with rising costs.

Central African Republic Unveils New Government

Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has announced a new government one month after beginning his third term in office. The lineup remains largely unchanged, with Prime Minister Félix Moloua keeping his position and only 10 new ministers joining the 29-member cabinet.

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