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Today in Africa — May 25, 2026: Senegal’s Parliament Speaker Quits After Weekend Government Shake Up, Ebola Response Faces New Disruptions in DR Congo

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On May 25, coverage includes: uncertainty over Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s next political move after he fired the Prime Minister; growing concern in eastern DRC as attacks on health facilities and patient escapes complicate efforts to contain a worsening Ebola outbreak; and more.

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Lihle Z. Mtshali Today in Africa & Newsletter Editor
Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye stands in a formal hall inside the Presidential Palace in Dakar.
Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye fired the Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, over the weekend, and Parliament Speaker El Malick Ndiaye has resigned.

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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Senegal Political Rift Deepens as Parliament Speaker Steps Down

Senegal’s political uncertainty deepened after Parliament Speaker El Malick Ndiaye resigned days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye removed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the government over the weekend. The move has fueled speculation that Sonko, Faye’s former mentor and a powerful figure within the ruling Pastef party, could return to parliament and potentially take over as speaker, reshaping the country’s political balance.

What Else We’re Watching:

• Lawmakers have been called to meet tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26, to discuss Sonko’s return to parliament and elect a new speaker.

• Sonko was elected to parliament in 2024 but stepped down from the role to remain prime minister.

• Pastef already holds an absolute majority in parliament, which could complicate Faye’s ability to advance future policies.

• Senegal still needs a new prime minister, and parliament has up to three months to approve a nominee.

• The president cannot dissolve parliament before November, meaning any earlier attempt would be considered invalid.

Ebola Response in DR Congo Faces New Setbacks as Patients Flee Attacked Hospitals

Doctors responding to the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are facing mounting challenges as attacks on health facilities, public mistrust, and patient escapes disrupt containment efforts. Health officials say the fast-growing Bundibugyo outbreak has now surpassed 900 suspected cases and 220 suspected deaths, with the WHO warning that delayed detection has left responders struggling to catch up.

What Health Officials Are Watching:

• At Mongbwalu General Referral Hospital, 18 patients fled after isolation tents set up by Doctors Without Borders were set on fire.

• One confirmed Ebola patient who escaped is still moving within the community, according to hospital officials.

• A critically ill suspected Ebola patient died while trying to flee during a second attack on the hospital.

• Uganda has reported two additional confirmed cases, bringing its total to seven.

• WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said neighboring countries bordering DR Congo remain at high risk and should take immediate action.

Senegal Fans Jailed After AFCON Final Return Home After Morocco Pardon

A group of Senegalese football supporters jailed after violence surrounding the AFCON 2025 final in Morocco has returned home after receiving a royal pardon from King Mohammed VI. The release of the remaining 15 supporters comes months after tensions surrounding the controversial final, which Senegal is still challenging through an appeal process.

What Else We’re Watching:

• Eighteen Senegalese supporters were originally sentenced in February to prison terms ranging from three months to one year on hooliganism charges.

• Three supporters had already been released in April after completing shorter sentences.

• Moroccan authorities said charges were based on stadium surveillance footage and medical reports of injured security personnel and stewards.

• Damage linked to the stadium violence was estimated at more than €370,000 (about $430,000).

• Senegal appealed CAF’s decision to award the AFCON title to Morocco to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.

In Brief: More Stories Today

Benin’s New President Pledges Security and Jobs Focus

Benin’s new President Romuald Wadagni has taken office, promising to tackle rising security threats and make economic growth more visible in people’s everyday lives. The former finance minister, who won more than 94% of the vote, said his administration would focus on jobs, social protection, and stronger regional cooperation against growing jihadist attacks in northern Benin.

Tinubu Secures Ruling Party Backing for 2027 Race

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has secured his ruling party’s nomination for the 2027 presidential election after overwhelmingly defeating a little-known challenger. Tinubu defended his economic reforms, arguing that the current hardship is the cost of rebuilding the economy, even as many Nigerians continue to struggle with inflation and rising living costs.

South African Gaza Activists Allege Abuse in Israeli Detention

South African activists detained after attempting to breach Israel’s Gaza blockade say they were beaten and mistreated while held in an Israeli prison. The activists alleged they were denied adequate food, water, and basic necessities, while Israeli authorities rejected the claims and said the accusations were false.

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