In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, UN agencies are supporting national health authorities through Ebola treatment centers, case management, surveillance, and the delivery of essential medicines and medical supplies. According to Congolese officials, over 90% of reported cases are concentrated in the Ituri province, with infections also detected in North and South Kivu. The response has been complicated by attacks on frontline workers, particularly during safe burial procedures, and by rumors and insecurity that continue to undermine public health measures.
Preventive Measures
Meanwhile, in Uganda, the UN is backing government-led efforts to control the outbreak under national coordination structures. With technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), authorities are conducting contact tracing, surveillance, infection prevention measures, and public awareness campaigns. Uganda has expanded screenings at 31 priority points of entry, including Entebbe International Airport, deploying rapid response teams and mobile laboratories to strengthen the monitoring of travel and cross-border movements. UN agencies such as UNICEF, IOM, and UNHCR continue to support community engagement, screening, and surveillance efforts to prevent further spread of the virus.
Millions Displaced for Decades in East and Southern Africa
Refugees in East and Southern Africa have been displaced for approximately 16 years, according to new analysis by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). This highlights the need for stronger long-term solutions beyond immediate aid. The analysis, based on registration data from 2001-2025, indicates that by the end of 2025, the region will host 6.4 million refugees and asylum-seekers. Many refugees have fled conflict and instability in countries like Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia, seeking refuge in neighboring countries. “While asylum saves lives, after nearly 16 years living in uncertainty, refugees need more than just aid; they need hope, opportunity and a road map,” said Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.
Growing Vulnerability
Children are among the most affected. Refugees registered before the age of five have lived displaced for over 18 years on average, often stepping into adulthood having spent their entire childhoods in limbo. “No child should have to grow up with a future overshadowed by uncertainty. A generation of refugee children is entering adulthood in exile,” Balde stated. UNHCR warns that prolonged displacement risks creating generations dependent on humanitarian aid, calling for increased support to expand opportunities for refugees to return home safely, access education and employment, and rebuild their lives with dignity.
UN Calls for Restraint as Political Tensions Rise in Somalia
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over the renewed violence in Somalia after heavy gunfire was heard in central Mogadishu. According to reports, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire claimed government forces attacked him ahead of planned protests. The Secretary-General stressed that all stakeholders must return to dialogue and determine a roadmap that preserves the progress Somalia has made in recent years while ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. He called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid actions that could fuel further violence, and resolve political differences through peaceful dialogue.
Warning of Past Crisis Recurrence
The UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) stated that it and its international partners had repeatedly warned of the risk of a recurrence of the political crisis seen in 2021 due to disagreements over the electoral roadmap. The mission noted that these warnings were not heeded and urged Somali leaders to prioritize national interests and resume negotiations, which concluded on May 15. It was added that international partners stand ready to support and facilitate any renewed dialogue.
