WHO Reports Ebola Patients Recovery in DR Congo, Infection Cases Rise

By Al Mayadeen English

1 Jun 2026 08:48

WHO says Ebola patients have recovered in Congo as cases spread in Uganda and eastern regions, with 134 confirmed infections and ongoing response efforts.

Five patients have recovered from a rare type of Ebola virus in an ongoing outbreak in eastern Congo, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) announced during a visit to Bunia, the capital of Ituri province.

"Four people will be discharged today, and there was one that was discharged the day before yesterday," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during the opening of a new Ebola treatment center in Bunia.

The WHO said on Friday that a patient had recovered from the Bundibugyo virus, the current strain of Ebola involved in the outbreak, which has no approved treatment or vaccine.

It marked the first documented recovery of a confirmed Bundibugyo case in the current outbreak. The health agency reported 134 confirmed cases across Congo and neighboring Uganda, including 18 confirmed deaths as of May 29.

Recoveries bring cautious optimism

Recovered patients described their experience as both traumatic and hopeful. Baraka Bulambulu, one of those discharged, said community fear led to isolation while they were receiving treatment. He said uncertainty about the illness was overwhelming, as patients initially feared they might die before receiving a diagnosis.

"Being able to come out of this alive is an immense source of happiness", Bulambulu said, adding that "Many people who were in the same situation died."

A nurse, Ezo Étienne, described severe symptoms including dizziness, vomiting, intense itching, diarrhea, and extreme weakness. He said he was tested seven times before Ebola was confirmed.

Treatment focused on symptom management, including fluids, anti-vomiting medication, and pain relief. He urged people not to dismiss early symptoms such as vomiting and headaches, warning that misinformation often delays hospital treatment.

Response challenges and insecurity

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said the virus is spreading faster than the response despite improved coordination and new resources. The group called for expanded testing, faster deployment of health workers, and improved access to medical supplies.

Health workers have also faced resistance from communities over burial protocols that conflict with local traditions, leading to at least three attacks on treatment centers.

The WHO stressed the importance of community engagement during outbreak response efforts. "If you come to health facilities when you have symptoms, you can get the support and recover," Tedros said. "The key is to come forward as early as possible".

"We can stop this Ebola, and anyone who has it can also recover. But the rule is this thing is everybody’s business."

However, armed violence in eastern Congo continues to disrupt health operations, including attacks by a group linked to the Islamic State organization. The Congolese army and civil society groups reported that ADF fighters killed seven people in Beni, North Kivu province. The outbreak has also spread across North Kivu and South Kivu, where the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group controls key cities including Goma and Bukavu.

Despite challenges, officials at the new treatment center expressed cautious optimism that the outbreak can be contained. 

MSF Warns Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo is Deeply Alarming

By Al Mayadeen English

30 May 2026 23:39

Médecins Sans Frontières warned that the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri Province is spreading rapidly and outpacing response efforts, as WHO monitors a growing public health emergency with hundreds of suspected cases.

The situation surrounding the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been described as “deeply alarming” by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), as health authorities and humanitarian teams struggle to contain a rapidly spreading outbreak in the country’s northeast.

Alan Gonzalez, deputy director of operations at MSF, said in a statement that the situation in Ituri Province has deteriorated significantly just two weeks after the outbreak was officially declared, warning that both communities and frontline health workers are facing mounting pressure.

He said the speed of transmission has placed response teams under severe strain, with infections emerging faster than they can be effectively tracked and contained.

Rising cases and strained health response

According to MSF, suspected Ebola cases are being identified on a daily basis, but limited testing capacity is slowing down diagnosis and delaying urgent response measures.

The organization warned that without a rapid expansion of testing and containment capabilities, health authorities risk losing control of the outbreak’s trajectory.

Gonzalez stressed that immediate scaling-up of diagnostic infrastructure is essential to prevent further spread, describing the current situation as one where response systems are struggling to keep pace with transmission.

WHO monitoring emergency situation

The warning comes as World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited Ituri Province to assess the situation on the ground.

The WHO has already classified the Ebola outbreak in both the DRC and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, highlighting the cross-border risks posed by the spread of the virus.

According to UN health data, more than 900 suspected cases have been reported in the DRC so far, including at least 223 suspected deaths.

Recurring outbreaks in Central Africa

The latest outbreak comes months after the previous Ebola epidemic in the DRC was declared over in October 2025, underscoring the continued vulnerability of health systems in parts of Central Africa.

Ebola outbreaks have repeatedly affected the region over the past decades, often exacerbated by limited infrastructure, delayed detection, and challenges in reaching remote communities.

Humanitarian agencies continue to warn that without sustained international support, rapid response capacity in outbreak-prone regions remains insufficient to prevent recurring health emergencies.

Egypt Condemns Somaliland Office in al-Quds, Backs Somalia Unity

By Al Mayadeen English

1 Jun 2026 19:19

Egypt reiterated its political backing for Mogadishu during talks in Seoul, stressing cooperation on security, development, and African Union stabilization efforts in Somalia.

Egypt has reaffirmed its full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, rejecting any unilateral measures that would undermine Somali state unity or infringe upon its sovereignty.

During his meeting with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi on the sidelines of the Korea–Africa Ministerial Meeting in Seoul, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized Cairo’s condemnation of Somaliland’s decision to open a representative office in occupied al-Quds, describing it as a “blatant violation” of international law and relevant UN resolutions, and a “direct affront to the legal and historical status of al-Quds."

The Egyptian minister reiterated Egypt’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Somalia across economic, developmental, and security fields, highlighting the depth of historical relations between the two countries.

Egypt seeks stronger strategic partnership with Somalia

Abdelatty also stressed the importance of ensuring sufficient and sustainable funding for the African Union mission for support and stabilization in Somalia, enabling it to fulfill its mandate in supporting security, stability, and counterterrorism efforts.

For his part, the Somali foreign minister reviewed domestic developments in his country and the government’s efforts to enhance security and build state institutions, expressing appreciation for Egypt’s continued support for Somalia at the political, security, and development levels.

In a related context, the Egyptian foreign minister held separate meetings with his counterparts from Cameroon and The Gambia, where they discussed ways to enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation, as well as coordination on African and regional issues, particularly developments in the Sahel region and efforts to support security, stability, and development across the continent.

Warnings of Rising Prices in South Africa Amid Iran War Supply Risks

By Al Mayadeen English

1 Jun 2026 15:42

Tiger Brands reported a marginal rise in half-year earnings, driven by revenue growth and improved margins, while warning of potential price increases amid economic fallout from the US-Israeli war on Iran.

South African food producer Tiger Brands has warned of rising price pressures ahead, citing ongoing supply chain disruptions linked to geopolitical instability, including the US-Israeli war on Iran.

The company also reported a marginal increase in half-year earnings, alongside plans for targeted price adjustments to offset expected cost pressures.

Tiger Brands reported a modest rise in headline earnings per share from continuing operations, increasing by 0.6% to 9.80 rand for the six months ended March 31, compared with a restated 9.74 rand a year earlier.

Revenue rose 1.3% to 17.9 billion rand ($1.10 billion), driven mainly by:

Volume growth of 2.6%

A price decline of 1.3%

On a like-for-like basis, excluding discontinued products and divestments, normalized volume growth reached 4.5%, reflecting resilient demand despite price sensitivity in the consumer market.

Stronger margins support profitability

The company’s gross margin improved significantly to 32.1%, up from 29.8%, supported by:

Lower raw material costs in key categories

Ongoing efficiency initiatives

Factory optimisation and improved production processes

Cost savings in recipes, packaging, and logistics

Operating income increased sharply by 26.1% to 2.1 billion rand, outperforming expectations due to stronger margins and additional logistics savings.

Tiger Brands noted that the consumer environment remains highly competitive, with households continuing to prioritise affordability. The company said pricing pressure remains a key feature of the market, even as volumes show signs of recovery in certain categories.

Geopolitical risks drive inflation concerns

Looking ahead, Tiger Brands warned that global geopolitical uncertainty, including the war on Iran, is likely to intensify supply chain disruptions in the second half of the 2026 financial year.

The company said these risks could affect:

Global supply chains

Transport and logistics costs

Consumer disposable income

Input prices across key production categories

Industry-wide concerns have also grown over rising energy, fertilizer, and shipping costs linked to the war, which are expected to feed into broader inflationary pressure in South Africa.

Targeted price increases and cost controls planned

To manage potential cost pressures, Tiger Brands said it will rely on a combination of:

The company stressed that these measures aim to limit the impact on profitability while remaining competitive in a price-sensitive market.

Tiger Brands declared an interim dividend of 430 cents per share, an increase of 3.6%, reflecting its improved earnings performance and stable cash generation.

Iranian Strikes Damage at Least 20 US Military Sites, Satellite Images Show

Monday, 01 June 2026 6:37 PM

Iranian strikes damage at least 20 American military sites, according to satellite images and videos analyzed by BBC Verify.

Iranian retaliatory attacks have left at least 20 US military sites damaged since the start of the US-Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic, an analysis of satellite images and videos shows, indicating the strikes were more extensive than publicly acknowledged.

Satellite images and videos analyzed by BBC Verify showed that Iran has targeted key facilities across eight countries in West Asia since the end of February, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain and Oman.

The strikes caused millions of dollars of damage to state-of-the-art air defense systems, refueling aircraft and radars, according to the analysis.

As Washington has sought to limit satellite analysis of the war by requesting Planet, a major provider, to impose an "indefinite" restriction on new images of Iran and most of the region, the analysts used satellite imagery from other international providers combined with older images from Planet to track the damage caused by Iranian strikes.

In contrast to repeated claims of the White House that Iran's military has been almost wiped out, analysts noted that the damage seen at US facilities suggests that Tehran's retaliatory attacks have been more precise and extensive than American officials have previously acknowledged.

The actual figure could be higher, with some analysts putting the number of bases targeted as high as 28.

The Leader urges Muslim countries to deepen cooperation and shape a new regional and global order beyond American dominance.

According to the BBC analysis, among the significant losses were three advanced anti-ballistic missile battery systems at al-Ruwais and al-Sader airbases in the UAE, as well as Muwaffaq Salti airbase in Jordan.

The report also found that Iranian strikes severely damaged US refueling and surveillance aircraft at Prince Sultan Airbase in Saudi Arabia, with wrecked aircraft and burn marks visible at the site.

Among the aircraft identified by a MAIAR analyst was an E-3 Sentry surveillance plane, which could reportedly cost up to $700 million to replace.

Iranian strikes also hit Ali al-Salem Airbase and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. Analysts at MAIAR identified destroyed fuel storage bunkers, aircraft hangars, and troop accommodation in satellite imagery, indicating the base was struck multiple times during the war.

At Camp Arifjan, defense intelligence firm Janes reported significant damage to satellite communications equipment, according to the report.

The US and Israel started a fresh round of aerial aggression on Iran on February 28, some eight months after they carried out unprovoked attacks on the country.

Iran began to swiftly retaliate against the strikes by launching barrages of missiles and drone attacks on the Israeli-occupied territories as well as on US bases and interests in regional countries.

On April 8, a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire took effect and was later extended unilaterally by Washington.

Following the successful Iranian retaliatory attacks, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei last week stressed that the United States "will no longer have a safe haven for its mischief and for establishing military bases in the region" and was "growing more distant from its former status day by day."

Iran Warns Northern Israeli Settlers to Flee if Beirut Suburbs Come Under Attack

Monday, 01 June 2026 4:39 PM

The logo of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has issued an evacuation notice for settlers in northern occupied territories, should Israel carry out threats to bomb southern Beirut under the pretext of targeting the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah.

In a statement issued on Monday, the headquarters said Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has threatened to bomb the Dahiyeh district and the Lebanese capital, Beirut, in continuation of his sinister acts in the region.

“Given the [Israeli] regime's repeated violations of the ceasefire, if this threat is implemented, we warn residents of the northern parts and military settlements in the occupied territories to leave the area if they do not want to be harmed,” the statement said.

Netanyahu ordered military strikes on Monday on Dahiyeh and Beirut, saying they were a response to what he claimed to be Hezbollah's "repeated violations" of an ongoing truce.

The prime minister of the Israeli regime said he and the minister for military affairs, Israel Katz, had instructed the army to strike "targets" in the area.

Foreign Minister Araghchi says the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States applies across “all fronts, including Lebanon.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Monday that the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States covers “all fronts, including Lebanon,” warning that any violation on one front will constitute a breach of the broader ceasefire arrangement.

“For immediate attention: The ceasefire between Iran and the US is unequivocally a ceasefire on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” Araghchi said in a post on his X account.

Iran Draws Red Line: No Final Deal with US Until Israel Ends Onslaught Against Lebanon

Monday, 01 June 2026 9:56 AM

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman has stated that a ceasefire in Lebanon is inseparable from any final agreement to end the war, as the Israeli regime escalates assaults on Lebanon in violation of an earlier truce.

Speaking at his weekly press conference on Monday, Esmaeil Baghaei responded to a question about Lebanon's developments and the ongoing Israeli atrocities in the country.

"Our region is facing continuous warmongering by the Zionist regime. This is not just about today or yesterday. Over the past 80 years, the Zionist regime, with US support, has waged a permanent and endless war against the countries of the region," he said.

He noted that the developments of recent months constitute a "clear and flagrant violation" of the April 8 ceasefire.

The United States and Israel launched their illegal, unprovoked war of aggression against Iran on February 28.

Iran’s armed forces responded with at least 100 waves of decisive retaliatory strikes under Operation True Promise 4, launching hundreds of ballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as drones, against American military bases across West Asia and Israeli positions throughout the occupied territories.

Iran also effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz to vessels affiliated with adversaries and those cooperating with them.

A fragile Pakistan‑brokered ceasefire has been in place since early April, but a US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect.

Tehran says it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the blockade is lifted and the war permanently ends.

An Iranian lawmaker says the country’s nuclear issue was not and will not be subject to negotiations with the US as the current talks are centered on ending the war.

"We have emphasized and continue to emphasize that a ceasefire in Lebanon is an integral part of any ceasefire and any final agreement to end the war," Baghaei added.

The spokesman further stated that it is not only Israel that is “violating the ceasefire; the United States, on such a wide scale, is also committing violations of the ceasefire in our region."

He also pointed to the continuation of "maritime banditry and aggression against Iranian commercial shipping," saying, "Add to this violation of the ceasefire the continuation of maritime banditry and aggression against Iranian commercial shipping, which itself is both a violation of the ceasefire and an act of aggression against Iran."

Iranian officials have warned that any new aggression will be met with a far more devastating response than before.

A senior Iranian diplomat says the new regulations devised by Iran govern maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

No effort will be spared to help Lebanon, Lebanese resistance

Baghaei reiterated that the Islamic Republic will withhold no effort in assisting Lebanon and the Lebanese resistance against the unlawful aggression of the Zionist regime.

"As the Islamic Republic of Iran, we once again emphasize that we consider ourselves committed to taking any action we can to help Lebanon and to help the resistance in Lebanon against the aggression and unlawful violations of the Zionist regime," he stated.

New or contradictory US demands prolonging negotiations

Responding to a question about the main obstacles to the negotiations with the US, Baghaei said, "In a situation where the other side constantly changes its views, raises new or contradictory demands, and sends different and inconsistent media messages, it is natural that this situation prolongs the negotiation process."

No nuclear talks held with US

When asked about US President Donald Trump's recent claim that Iran's buried enriched uranium must be removed and destroyed, and whether Iran needs foreign technology to access the Fordow site, Baghaei responded, "Whenever we need to take action on nuclear issues, we know very well how to proceed."

"Regarding the details of nuclear-related discussions, no negotiations have taken place at this stage. I repeat once again that at this stage, our focus is on ending the war," he added.

Release of blocked funds is Iran's definitive demand

Addressing a question about the release of Iran's blocked assets and reports that the US is willing to deliver $6 billion of Iran's frozen assets in Qatar in the form of food and medical equipment rather than cash, Baghaei stated that what Iran received during the JCPOA process were the blocked funds belonging to the Iranian people.

"At present, we are not seeking concessions; we are seeking to receive the rights of the Iranian nation that have been unjustly violated. One of these violated rights is Iran's blocked or restricted assets, which in recent years have been frozen in some foreign countries due to illegal US actions," he added.

Any NATO action in Persian Gulf will complicate situation

Responding to a question about NATO's announcement that it intends to take actions to lift the maritime blockade and engage in military intervention, Baghaei said that any movement or action that leads to further complication of the situation in the Persian Gulf is unwise, and no responsible or rational actor would accept such a risk.

"If NATO, European countries, and members of this coalition want to fulfill their responsibilities, they must hold the United States and the Zionist regime accountable, because they are the ones who have caused this situation in the first place," he concluded.

Iran Says US Directly Responsible for Israeli Truce Violations in Lebanon

Monday, 01 June 2026 7:12 PM

Iran’s Foreign Ministry says the US is responsible for Israel’s continued violations of the Iran-US truce terms in Lebanon.

Iran has warned the United States that Israel's ongoing attacks on Lebanon constitute a clear violation of the April 8 ceasefire with Tehran, and that it holds Washington responsible for the breaches.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a Monday statement that the US has violated the terms of the April 8 ceasefire announced by Pakistan by attacking Iranian ships and facilities in the Persian Gulf, while it has also failed to contain Israeli attacks on Lebanon, which Tehran views as a clear violation of the truce.

“Despite the efforts of the United States in the initial days following the ceasefire to pressure the Israeli regime into halting its aggressions against Lebanon, the direct responsibility of the United States, both for violating the ceasefire against Iran and for the Israeli regime's violation of the ceasefire against Lebanon, is evident,” said the statement.

The statement said Washington should bear the costs of the Israeli violations of the truce in Lebanon and their impacts and consequences for the situation in the entire region.

Iran’s highest operational command unit warns residents in northern areas and military settlements in the occupied territories to leave the area amid Israel’s threats to bomb Lebanon.

It said that Iran would act to defend its interests “everywhere it deems necessary” based on its legitimate right to self-defense, adding that the Israeli regime has violated the territorial integrity of Lebanon by launching dozens of attacks and operations against the Arab country, which have killed thousands and displaced nearly two million people.

The statement came after Iran's central military command warned settlers living in the Israeli-occupied territories to evacuate their homes and properties in anticipation of a potential Iranian attack in response to evacuation warnings issued by the Israeli regime to people in areas of the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

However, the Iranian warning caused US President Donald Trump to intervene immediately. He said in a post on social media that he had convinced the Israeli regime to halt its plans for attacks on Beirut.

The escalation in the situation in Lebanon comes despite reports showing that Iran and the US had moved closer to signing an initial agreement aimed at permanently ending the US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

Iran has repeatedly said that any deal to end the aggression against the country must include a cessation of attacks on allied resistance forces in other parts of the region.

‘Iran’s Patience Has Limits,’ Senior Advisor to Leader Warns Israel, US

Monday, 01 June 2026 6:12 PM

Mohsen Rezaei, former chief commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)

A senior advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution has warned Israel and the United States over the regime’s escalating aggression against Lebanon and the American blockade of Iranian ports, saying Tehran’s patience has a threshold.

Mohsen Rezaei made the remarks in an X post on Monday, as Israel has intensified its attacks on Lebanon and the US continues its naval piracy near the Strait of Hormuz, which has been controlled by Iran since the illegal US-Israeli war of aggression against the Islamic Republic.

“The Strait of Hormuz is under Iran’s control. We will not allow the naval blockade to continue, and will not tolerate the escalation of tensions in Lebanon,” he said.

“The patience of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran has limits,” warned Rezaei, a former chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

A massive wave of displacement has unfolded in Beirut’s southern suburbs following Israeli threats to bomb the Lebanese capital.

The unjustified US-Israeli aggression on Iran began on February 28. In response, the Iranian Armed Forces targeted sensitive and strategic American and Israeli targets throughout the region and restricted transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

On April 8, forty days into the war, an Islamabad-brokered ceasefire went into effect. However, the first round of Tehran-Washington negotiations failed to reach an agreement.

Iran is insisting that the ceasefire agreement with the United States includes a cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon.

Tel Aviv and Beirut announced a truce on April 17, but the occupying regime violated it by conducting several deadly attacks on Lebanon.

‘Every Choice Has a Price’: Speaker Qalibaf Warns US, Israel Over Naval Blockade, Lebanon Carnage

Monday, 01 June 2026 10:57 AM

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has warned that the US naval blockade of Iran’s ports and Israel’s growing war crimes in Lebanon will come at a price for Washington and Tel Aviv.

In a post on his X account on Monday, Qalibaf said the US naval blockade imposed on Iranian ships and ports and the escalation of war crimes by the "genocidal Zionist regime" in Lebanon clearly show the US's lack of compliance with the ceasefire.

“The naval blockade and escalation of war crimes in Lebanon by the genocidal Zionist regime are clear evidence of US noncompliance with the ceasefire,” he wrote.

The top Iranian negotiator in indirect talks with the US further warned against the consequences of continued violent acts, which would ultimately come at a cost.

"Every choice has a price, and the bill comes due," Qalibaf said, adding, "It will all fall into place."

The top Iranian parliamentarian’s warning comes amid Israel’s continued violations of the ceasefire agreement, including repeated incursions north of the Litani River, deadly strikes on civilian areas, and displacement orders targeting southern Lebanese communities.

These acts of aggression have caused significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure in Lebanon, despite the truce that took effect in April. The heightened tensions in Lebanon also increased concerns over the humanitarian and security consequences of continued hostilities in the region.

The Federation of Labor and Health Unions in the Bekaa Valley has issued a strong condemnation of the latest Israeli aggression targeting Nabatieh in southern Lebanon.

On April 8, forty days into the US-Israel-imposed war on the Islamic Republic, a Pakistan-brokered temporary ceasefire between Iran and the US took effect.

Negotiations ensued in the Pakistani capital Islamabad but stopped short of an agreement amid Washington’s maximalist demands and insistence on unreasonable positions, including a naval blockade it has imposed on Iranian vessels and ports.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Monday stated that a ceasefire in Lebanon is inseparable from any final agreement to end the war, amid the Israeli regime's escalating assaults on Lebanon.

"Our region is facing continuous warmongering by the Zionist regime. This is not just about today or yesterday. Over the past 80 years, the Zionist regime, with US support, has waged a permanent and endless war against the countries of the region," he said.

He noted that the developments of recent months constitute a "clear and flagrant violation" of the April 8 ceasefire.

Lesotho's Kao Diamond Mine to Shut Down Amid Fuel Cost Surge, Weak Prices

Source: Xinhua| 2026-06-01 01:52:00|Editor: huaxia

MASERU, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Storm Mountain Diamonds (SMD) in Lesotho will cease operations at its Kao Mine on June 30 due to rising fuel costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East and a prolonged slump in global diamond prices.

The company announced earlier this week that the Kao Mine would be placed under care and maintenance from July, citing unsustainable fuel costs, depressed diamond prices and mounting capital requirements. The move is expected to affect hundreds of workers.

"The biggest challenge confronting the operation was the prolonged, severe decline in global rough diamond prices," SMD Chief Executive Officer Neo Hoala said, noting that the market downturn is the primary trigger for the closure.

However, rising fuel costs have dealt an additional blow to the company.

Since the United States and Israel struck Iran in late February, triggering the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, global oil supplies have been severely disrupted, with landlocked countries such as Lesotho bearing amplified price shocks at the end of long logistics chains.

The Kao Mine consumes about 600,000 litres of diesel each month to power heavy machinery and haulage operations. Following successive fuel price increases, the mine's monthly diesel bill has nearly tripled.

The fuel crisis has compounded a deeper structural challenge facing the diamond sector -- the rapid proliferation of synthetic diamonds produced at a fraction of the cost of natural stones. Consumer demand has increasingly shifted toward laboratory-grown alternatives, placing sustained downward pressure on prices for natural diamonds.

"This technology has advanced and production volumes have surged globally," Hoala said. "For smaller, independent producers like Storm Mountain Diamonds, this shift is felt acutely."

About 750 permanent employees and contractors will be directly affected by the shutdown. Hoala said the company could not provide a timeline for resuming operations but added that the board would review market conditions every three months.

The closure deepens Lesotho's economic vulnerability at a time when global energy disruptions continue to reverberate across some of southern Africa's most resource-dependent economies

South Africa's National Team Delays World Cup Trip Over Visa Issues

Source: Xinhua| 2026-06-01 00:06:15|Editor: huaxia

JOHANNESBURG, May 31 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been plunged into disarray following a major administrative failure that has left the national team stranded due to visa delays.

The South African Football Association confirmed on Sunday that the team, known as Bafana Bafana, is facing significant challenges in securing visas for several players and technical staff, but did not specify the cause of the bottleneck.

The national broadcaster SABC has characterized the situation as a massive "administrative bungle."

The delay has sparked a scathing response from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who took to social media to express his outrage and demand immediate consequences for those involved.

"This SAFA travel and visa debacle is embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff," McKenzie wrote on X. "I need a report, and action must be taken against those responsible for this mess. We are being made to look like fools."

The timing of the crisis is particularly critical. Bafana Bafana is scheduled to face Jamaica in a final warm-up friendly in Mexico this Friday. Following that, they are set to play the high-profile World Cup opening match against co-hosts Mexico on June 11.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, jointly hosted by 16 cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

According to local media reports, officials are currently scrambling to secure U.S. visas for the squad. These documents are essential not only for transit but for the team's second group-stage fixture against the Czech Republic, which is scheduled to take place in Atlanta.

In a brief statement, SAFA insisted it is "working around the clock" to ensure the delegation departs for Mexico City by Monday at the latest.

The administrative crisis adds further pressure to a team already struggling for form. South Africa is making its first World Cup appearance since hosting the finals in 2010, and enters the newly expanded 48-team tournament on the back of a four-game winless streak. 

5 Ebola Patients Recover as DR Congo Reports 263 Confirmed Cases

Source: Xinhua| 2026-06-01 00:08:15|Editor: huaxia

KINSHASA, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Five patients infected with the Ebola Bundibugyo virus have recovered in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), health authorities said Sunday.

Four of the recovered patients, all medical workers, were discharged on Sunday from an Ebola treatment center in Bunia after testing negative twice for Ebola, while another patient, a laboratory worker, had already returned home, according to the DRC's National Institute of Public Health.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was present in Bunia for the inauguration of a new Ebola treatment center and hailed the recoveries.

"We are still working on vaccines and treatments, but that does not mean that people cannot recover from Ebola," Tedros said.

The recoveries came as the DRC stepped up laboratory testing and case management in affected areas. DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba said Saturday that there were no pending samples awaiting laboratory testing, stressing that response teams were continuing surveillance, contact tracing, and case verification.

The DRC Health Ministry said Sunday that 263 confirmed cases had been reported in the country as of May 29, including 42 deaths among confirmed cases.

Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Jean Kaseya said on Sunday that more than 1,100 test results were still pending as of May 30.

EAC to Hold Emergency Health Ministers' Meeting Over Ebola Outbreak

Source: Xinhua| 2026-06-01 00:15:15|Editor: huaxia

DAR ES SALAAM, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The East African Community (EAC) will convene an extraordinary virtual meeting of health ministers from June 1 to 2 to coordinate a regional response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting parts of East Africa, the regional bloc said in a statement on Sunday.

The meeting will focus on strategies to contain the outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment, according to the statement.

It noted that the high-level session is part of urgent regional efforts following outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

The statement added that the outbreak is concentrated in eastern DRC, particularly Ituri Province, a high-mobility area that raises concerns about further regional spread.

EAC Secretary General Stephen Mbundi said the bloc is strengthening preparedness through coordinated surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, infection prevention, and risk communication.

"We are working closely with member states, Africa CDC and the WHO to prevent cross-border transmission and protect public health," Mbundi said.

Key interventions include deploying nine mobile laboratories at strategic border points, activating a pool of more than 180 rapid response experts, and rolling out specialized training for health workers, he added.

The EAC is also supplying personal protective equipment and advancing plans for a regional framework to fast-track approval of Ebola vaccines and diagnostics, the secretary general said.

The bloc urged member states to enhance surveillance, public awareness and emergency preparedness measures.

As a regional intergovernmental organization, the EAC comprises eight East African countries that work together to promote economic, political, and social integration. The member states are Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Egypt Uncovers Ancient Egyptian, Greco-Roman Artifacts South of Cairo

Source: Xinhua| 2026-06-01 03:32:00

|Editor: huaxia

CAIRO, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Egypt announced Sunday the discovery of artifacts dating back to the ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman eras in Beni Suef Governorate, south of Cairo.

A statement by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the discovery, made by an Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities at the "Ihnasya al-Medina" site, shed new light on the religious and cultural prominence of the ancient city across various historical eras.

Among the key findings is a reused stone block featuring a prominent inscription of Pharaoh Senusret III's coronation and birth names, alongside a cartouche of the deity "Osiris-Naref," a major god worshiped in Ihnasya during ancient Egyptian and Ptolemaic times.

Hisham Elleithy, secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, said uncovering the cartouche of King Senusret III is a "significant find," as the pharaoh was historically linked to several major monuments at the site.

The mission also excavated structural extensions of a Roman basilica, the remnants of an ancient Doric temple, fragments of wall statues, and Roman-era pottery molds used for minting coins. A rare marble statue head of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, was also discovered, the statement said.

One of Egypt's most vital archaeological sites, "Ihnasya al-Medina" flourished during the Greco-Roman eras, when it was known as Herakleopolis Magna.

Kenya: Gachagua Blasts Govt After Court Stops Ebola Quarantine Proposal

VOA

29 May 2026

Capital FM (Nairobi)

By Irene Mwangi

Nairobi — Former Deputy President Rigathi has accused the government of mismanagement, corruption, conflict of interest and state capture, claiming Kenyans would resist attempts to expose the country to health risks.

Gachagua, who welcomed the High Court decision suspending the establishment of any Ebola-related quarantine, isolation or treatment facilities in Kenya linked to foreign arrangements, described the ruling as a safeguard against what he termed a dangerous government scheme.

"While other nations are protecting their people against health pandemics, Kenya's William Ruto is exposing the Kenyan people to death," he said.

In a statement issued, Gachagua praised the Judiciary for what he called standing firm against "the excesses of a rogue regime.

"The judiciary must at all times remain steady as the last line of defence in saving the Kenyan public from the excesses of a rogue regime that has gone berserk with sheer impunity," Gachagua said.

He hailed the High Court ruling that temporarily halted plans for any Ebola centre linked to arrangements with the United States or other foreign entities, arguing that such a move would have placed millions of Kenyans at risk.

"I salute and welcome the High Court of Kenya ruling on putting brakes on the evil scheme to establish an Ebola centre in our country, putting millions of lives at risk," he stated.

Gachagua also commended healthcare professionals and members of the public who have voiced opposition to the reported plans, accusing President William Ruto's administration of endangering public health.

"I commend the people of Kenya, especially our health professionals, for boldly speaking out against this reckless and ill-thought-out misadventure," he said.

His remarks came hours after the High Court issued conservatory orders restraining the government from establishing, facilitating or permitting the operation of any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facility in Kenya under arrangements involving the United States or any foreign government pending the hearing of a petition.

Justice P.M. Nyaundi issued the orders after certifying as urgent a petition filed by Katiba Institute challenging the planned facilities and the possible transfer or admission of Ebola-exposed persons into Kenya.

The court ruled that public interest favoured granting interim relief, noting the petitioner's claim of an imminent threat to life should the orders not be issued.

"The application is certified as urgent," Justice Nyaundi ruled in orders dated May 28.

The court restrained the State Law Office and other respondents from establishing, operationalising, facilitating, approving or permitting any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facility in Kenya arising from arrangements with the United States or any foreign government or agency pending the hearing of the application.

In a further order, the judge barred the respondents, their officers, agents or persons acting under their authority from admitting, transferring, receiving or facilitating the entry into Kenya of persons exposed to or infected with Ebola under the disputed arrangements.

The petition was filed by Katiba Institute, which argues that the proposed move raises concerns over public safety and constitutional safeguards.

According to court documents, the application is supported by an affidavit sworn by Nora Mbagathi, who contends that urgent intervention was necessary to prevent potential harm before the matter is fully heard.

The court directed the petitioner to physically serve the notice of motion and petition on the respondents within 24 hours.

Respondents were ordered to file their responses within 48 hours of being served, while the petitioner was granted leave to file a further affidavit within one day after receiving the responses.

The matter will be mentioned on June 2, 2026, for further directions.

The conservatory orders remain in force pending the inter-partes hearing of the application.

Read the original article on Capital FM.

Kenya High Court Halts Establishment of Ebola Quarantine Facilities Linked to U.S.

VOA

29 May 2026

Capital FM (Nairobi)

By Irene Mwangi

Nairobi — The High Court has issued conservatory orders temporarily barring the establishment or operation of any Ebola-related quarantine, isolation or treatment facilities in Kenya under arrangements involving the United States government or any foreign entity.

Justice P.M. Nyaundi issued the orders after certifying as urgent a petition filed by Katiba Institute challenging the planned facilities and the possible transfer or admission of Ebola-exposed persons into Kenya.

The court ruled that public interest favoured granting interim relief, noting the petitioner's claim of an imminent threat to life should the orders not be issued.

"The application is certified as urgent," Justice Nyaundi ruled in orders dated May 28.

The court restrained the State Law Office and other respondents from establishing, operationalising, facilitating, approving or permitting any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facility in Kenya arising from arrangements with the United States or any foreign government or agency pending the hearing of the application.

In a further order, the judge barred the respondents, their officers, agents or persons acting under their authority from admitting, transferring, receiving or facilitating the entry into Kenya of persons exposed to or infected with Ebola under the disputed arrangements.

The petition was filed by Katiba Institute, which argues that the proposed move raises concerns over public safety and constitutional safeguards.

According to court documents, the application is supported by an affidavit sworn by Nora Mbagathi, who contends that urgent intervention was necessary to prevent potential harm before the matter is fully heard.

The court directed the petitioner to physically serve the notice of motion and petition on the respondents within 24 hours.

Respondents were ordered to file their responses within 48 hours of being served, while the petitioner was granted leave to file a further affidavit within one day after receiving the responses.

The matter will be mentioned on June 2, 2026, for further directions.

The conservatory orders remain in force pending the inter-partes hearing of the application.

Read the original article on Capital FM.

Congo-Kinshasa: WHO Chief Calls for Ceasefire Amid DR Congo Ebola Outbreak

Carmel Ndomba Mbikayi/UNICEF

A shipment of emergency Ebola response supplies arrives at Bunia airport in Ituri province, DR Congo.

28 May 2026

UN News Service

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) headed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Thursday as the country continues to combat a deadly resurgence of Ebola in its volatile eastern region where instability is rife.

Ahead of his arrival, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus appealed to armed groups to declare a ceasefire so that health workers can reach people and halt spread of the disease.

Since 15 May, UN agencies have been supporting the DRC and neighbouring Uganda to contain the outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is no treatment.

As of Wednesday, there were 105 confirmed cases and 10 confirmed deaths in the DRC, while Uganda has reported seven confirmed cases and one confirmed death.

'We are committed'

In a message to the people of DRC, particularly those in Ituri province - the epicentre of the crisis -Tedros underscored WHO's solidarity.

"We are working under the leadership of the Government of DRC, together with all relevant partners, united around one goal: to stop this outbreak and protect your communities," he wrote.

"No one is working alone. No one is working at cross purposes. We are coordinated, we are committed, and we are here."

Similar challenges

This marks the 17th time that the DRC is facing Ebola since the virus was first discovered in 1976. The largest outbreak - which spread across North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri provinces - took place from 2018 to 2020.

"Ebola is not new to me personally," Tedros said, as during that epidemic he made 14 visits to North Kivu, the epicentre of that particular outbreak - "one of the most complex in history".

It unfolded amid armed conflict that sparked displacement and disrupted supply routes, with "health workers operating under constant threat". At the same time, "mistrust ran deep," he recalled.

Heavy burden in Ituri

Tedros noted that such challenges are not so different today in Ituri, where some 90 per cent of cases have been reported, with smaller numbers in the Kivus. He underscored the burden the people of the province are bearing.

"I know that many of you are exhausted," he wrote. "You are already carrying so much: malaria, hunger, insecurity, and the daily struggle to keep your families safe. And now Ebola. It is not fair, and I will not pretend otherwise."

He highlighted the vital role of young people, urging them to talk to their friends and families and share what they know about Ebola in efforts to "help break the fear and the silence that allow this virus to spread."

Tedros also had a message for health workers in Ituri, who are "the backbone of this response." WHO stands with them and is working to get the support they need.

He acknowledged regional instability, where "conflict and displacement make everything harder, including reaching people who need care and keeping health workers safe."

Speaking frankly, Tedros said "this is one of our greatest challenges. We cannot do this work if those who are trying to help are prevented from doing so or put in danger," adding that WHO is working closely with all relevant partners to reach communities.

Ceasefire appeal

"That is why today I am making a direct appeal to all warring parties in this region: please, declare a ceasefire. Even briefly. Even just enough to let health workers through," he said.

"People are dying from Ebola who do not have to die. Children are sick. Families are suffering. No cause, no conflict, no grievance is worth condemning innocent people to death from a preventable disease."

He stressed that "a ceasefire, even a temporary one, would save lives. I urge you, I implore you: give us the space to help the people who need it most."

Anger and mistrust

Tedros also addressed the issue of anger and mistrust in some communities, saying he understands why.

"Trust must be earned, it cannot be assumed," he said. "We have not always done things correctly. But I promise you, we are here to learn as much as we are here to help."

He explained that most previous Ebola outbreaks in the DRC were caused by the Zaire virus strain, which can be treated.

'There is much we can do together'

Although no approved vaccines or treatments are currently available for the Bundibugyo strain, "there is much we can do together to prevent the spread of this virus and save lives," he insisted.

"Early supportive care in our treatment centres can make a real difference," he said. "Coming forward early can make the difference between life and death. And everything we do, we will do with you."

Tedros noted that WHO teams are already on the ground and will stay there for as long as necessary.

"And when this outbreak is over, we will not quietly disappear," he said. "We will not forget you. We will stay, and we will keep working with you to build health systems that protect every person in every community."

Read the original article on UN News.

WHO Chief Reports 5 Ebola Recoveries as a New Treatment Center Opens in Eastern DR Congo

By JUSTIN KABUMBA and MARK BANCHEREAU

12:08 PM EDT, May 31, 2026

BUNIA, Congo (AP) — Five patients have recovered from a rare type of Ebola virus, the head of the World Health Organization said Sunday during a visit to Bunia in eastern Congo, a city at the heart of an outbreak.

“Four people will be discharged today and there was one that was discharged the day before yesterday,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during the opening of a new Ebola treatment center in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province.

“Of course, we’re still working on vaccines and treatments but that doesn’t mean that people cannot recover from Ebola,” he added.

The WHO said Friday a patient had recovered from the Bundibugyo virus, the current species of Ebola, which has no approved treatment or vaccine. It was the first documented recovery of a confirmed Bundibugyo patient during the current outbreak.

The health organization said authorities have reported 134 confirmed cases in Congo and neighboring Uganda, including 18 confirmed deaths as of May 29.

Recovered patients describe their experience

Baraka Bulambulu, one of those who recovered, told The Associated Press on Sunday that community members feared contracting an unknown illness from them, keeping their distance while delivering food and medicine.

He said the uncertainty was overwhelming, as he and other patients believed they might die without knowing what disease they had, though testing eventually confirmed Ebola.

“Being able to come out of this alive is an immense source of happiness,” Bulambulu said. ”Many people who were in the same situation died.”

Ezo Étienne, a nurse, said his symptoms began during ward rounds when he suddenly felt dizzy, then rapidly deteriorated into vomiting, intense itching, severe diarrhea and extreme weakness. He was tested seven times before Ebola was confirmed.

His treatment remained purely to treat the symptoms: medications to control vomiting, fluids to prevent dehydration and pain relievers. “That was all they could provide,” he said.

He urged the public and healthcare workers not to dismiss early symptoms such as vomiting and headaches, warning that misinformation leads many people to believe they have been poisoned rather than seeking hospital care.

Lack of supplies, distrust and insecurity complicate response

Doctors Without Borders, or MSF, said Saturday the virus continues to spread faster than the response despite better-organized health facilities and new aid arrivals. It called for the immediate expansion of testing, faster deployment of aid workers and sustained access for medical supplies.

The dangers faced by health workers have been heightened by anger among residents over the stringent medical protocols for handling the victims’ bodies, which clash with local burial rites. Residents have launched at least three attacks against health centers.

Tedros stressed the importance of involving the community in the outbreak response during the opening of the new treatment center on Sunday.

“If you come to health facilities when you have symptoms, you can get the support and recover, so the key is to come forward as early as possible and to get the necessary support,” the WHO chief said.

“We can stop this Ebola and anyone who has it can also recover. But the rule ... is this thing is everybody’s business and every citizen should be involved,” he added.

Attacks in the region by the Allied Democratic Forces, a rebel group allied with the Islamic State group, and a coalition of ethnic militias have also hindered the response.

ADF fighters killed seven people Saturday in Beni, North Kivu province, an area also affected by the outbreak, the Congolese army and civil society groups said.

The illness also has been reported in both North Kivu and South Kivu, south of Ituri, where the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group controls many key cities, including Goma and Bukavu.

“The final message we would like to share with the Ituri community is that there is hope,” Pierre Akilimali, incident manager at Congo’s National Institute of Public Health, said during the inauguration on Sunday.

“With the symptomatic treatment that we are currently providing, we are seeing patients recover,” Akilimali added.

“We truly have hope. The virus here is not as complicated as those we have dealt with in the past, and with the support of all our partners, we believe we will be able to bring this outbreak under control as quickly as possible,” said Davin Ambitapio, another doctor at the treatment center.

——

Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal.

As Ebola Scourges DR Congo, Experts Warn of Link to Eating Wild Animals

By RODNEY MUHUMUZA

1:22 AM EDT, May 30, 2026

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — The vendors of wild meat at the sprawling Masina Market in the Congolese capital don’t always display their goods openly. Customers must ask for whatever they’re looking for, whether it is a giant swamp rodent or the severed parts of an antelope.

Others occasionally sell in the open, like the women who preside over impossibly large baskets of squirming caterpillars at the market in Kinshasa.

For many in Congo and elsewhere in Central and West Africa wild meat is a craving and a key part of the cultural milieux. Even a disease as punishing as Ebola, currently ravaging a remote part of eastern Congo, has failed to stem demand for wild meat from the Congo Basin, an expansive forested ecosystem sometimes called Earth’s second lung.

The Congo Basin is rich in all kinds of wildlife, from great apes to serpents — both of which are hunted for their meat. One consequence for locals is exposure to zoonotic diseases such as Ebola.

Although Ebola is generally not spread by food, cases in Africa have been associated with hunting, butchering and processing meat from infected animals, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said.

“Once there is human, animal and environment interface, we have these kinds of outbreaks on a frequent level,” said Dr. Tolbert Geewleh Nyenswah of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. “And this is why one health approach in dealing with virus outbreaks is important, because we still interact with the bats, and our hunters are still killing monkeys, and we are close to the environment.”

The link between wild meat and Ebola

The Congolese government has confirmed more than 1,000 suspected cases, with at least 220 deaths, since it declared an outbreak of Ebola on May 15. It appears the virus spread undetected for weeks, and the World Health Organization suspects it is much larger than what has been reported.

Ebola, named for a tributary of the Congo River, was first discovered in 1976 in simultaneous outbreaks in Congo and present-day South Sudan. Outbreaks are believed to start with the virus spilling over into humans from an infected animal such as a fruit bat. These cross-species infections often happen when people handle and eat wild meat, experts say.

But since Ebola outbreaks happen only sporadically in communities that regularly eat wild meat, some people “don’t believe the linkage” and others are “totally ignorant” of the health threat from eating wild meat, said Dr. Misaki Wayengera, a microbiologist who advises Uganda’s Ministry of Health on epidemics.

“It is very difficult to change some of these core practices,” he said.

Locals have paid a heavy price for occasional outbreaks of Ebola, whose bloody symptoms can terrorize entire villages and cause many to believe they are under an evil spell.

The Ebola virus is responsible for 17 outbreaks in Congo and many others elsewhere in the region. The deadliest outbreak, in West Africa between 2014 and 2016, infected an estimated 28,000 people and killed more than 11,300.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization — which studied the Ebola risk stemming from the eating and handling of wild meat after West Africa’s epidemic — animal-to-human spillovers of Ebola are rare, but “their consequences are nonetheless disastrous.”

Once Ebola has infected one person, the virus then spreads through close contact with sick or deceased patients’ bodily fluids, such as sweat, blood, feces or vomit. Health workers without sufficient protective gear are seen as highly vulnerable.

The current outbreak in eastern Congo is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare type of Ebola that has no approved medicines or vaccines.

The outbreak is occurring in a part of Congo that also faces armed violence by rebel groups and the displacement of large numbers of people fleeing the violence.

A need for education

While Congolese authorities have prohibited hunting endangered wildlife, including great apes sent to the brink of extinction by poachers, there is no blanket ban on the wildlife trade and illegal hunting persists for totemic creatures like the bonobo.

Many in and around the Congo Basin have wild meat as their primary source of animal protein. The yearly extraction rate of wild meat from the Congo Basin is estimated at 4.5 million tons, according to the Center for International Forestry Research.

Viande de brousse, as wild meat is known in French, is a popular food, even served in trendy restaurants. That’s intensified pressure on the dwindling resources of the Congo Basin. Despite the ongoing biodiversity losses, the Congo Basin remains the world’s largest carbon sink, surpassing the Amazon in its ability to capture and store carbon.

Public health campaigners need to step up education campaigns on how Ebola starts and is spread among communities that face recurring outbreaks, said Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of the Uganda-based Conservation Through Public Health group.

People need to be told that “eating meat from an unknown source, or a dead animal, is a no-no,” Kalema-Zikusoka said. “It’s a very cultural thing.”

Some fruit bats are believed to be natural hosts of the viruses that cause Ebola, according to the WHO. Yet bats are known to be a delicacy in many parts of Central and West Africa. The soup of a roasted fruit bat is highly sought after, as are the parts of a wide range of monkeys.

In Kinshasa’s Masina Market one recent morning, before the latest Ebola outbreak, traders said they sold antelope, rodent and snake meat sourced from the Congo Basin.

They said they long ago stopped selling the meat of monkeys, possible reservoirs of the Ebola virus.

One vendor, Guyva Mputu, was selling python, whose frozen flesh started to steam in the humid weather.

Another, Charles Ntanga, wielded a flywhisk to swat flies that settled on the rancid carcass of a giant rodent, with a kilogram going for about $17. Ntanga said he gets clients from all walks of life.

“We sell wild meat,” he said. “We make our lives through this business.”

Associated Press writer Mogomotsi Magome in Johannesburg, South Africa, contributed to this report

As US-Canada Ties Sour Under Trump, More Americans Consider Moving to Canada: Report

Saturday, 30 May 2026 11:52 PM

File photo shows the headquarters of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Canada's immigration agency, in Ottawa.

A growing number of Americans are seeking Canadian citizenship under recently expanded eligibility rules, according to data from Canada's immigration agency, amid strained relations between the US and Canada during President Donald Trump's administration.

Reuters published the report on Saturday, citing the figures, which suggested many Americans were interested in obtaining Canadian citizenship by descent following changes to Canadian law that have broadened access beyond first-generation descendants of Canadian citizens born abroad.

Data provided by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) showed that approvals for proof of citizenship by descent have increased significantly since new rules took effect in December 2025.

The expanded framework allows more descendants of Canadians to claim citizenship than was previously permitted under first-generation restrictions.

According to the data, approvals under the newly established category totaled 1,140 in January, 1,255 in February, and 1,405 in March. By comparison, there were 275 additional approvals in December 2025, when the law entered into force.

The data also indicated that approximately 48 percent of the additional approvals through February originated from the United States.

Lawyers cite political uncertainty, practical considerations

Immigration lawyers said the high proportion of American applicants reflects the longstanding relationship between the neighboring countries, while also highlighting Canada's appeal as a place to live or study.

William Hunnewell, a 41-year-old Seattle resident whose great-grandfather settled in Saskatchewan before World War One and whose grandfather was born in Canada, said he applied for citizenship earlier this year and expects a response within nine months to a year.

"The biggest thing is it gives our family options," Hunnewell said.

"If my kid wants to study or live in Canada, she can just go — there's no visa, no deadlines," he said.

Nick Berning, a US-based immigration lawyer, said many applicants were primarily interested in preserving future opportunities.

"Current interest in Canadian citizenship is definitely influenced by US politics," Berning said. "They want to stay in the US, but if things become untenable, they want a way out."

Growing tensions between Washington and Ottawa

The report came amid heightened tensions between the United States and Canada.

Ties between the countries have become strained since Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and discussed the possibility of annexing Canada as "the 51st state."

The report also noted that political divisions in the United States have deepened, with polls showing growing dissatisfaction with the Trump administration.

Iran to Respond More Forcefully to Any Fresh Enemy Aggression: Senior Army Commander

Saturday, 30 May 2026 9:45 PM

Iran's Deputy Army Commander for Coordination, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari

A senior Iranian Army commander strongly warns the Islamic Republic's adversaries against attempting fresh aggression against the country, asserting that such miscalculation will receive a response more forceful than previous retaliation.

Deputy Army Commander for Coordination, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari made the remarks on Saturday.

"The enemy should know that any aggression against the country's territory will be met with a response even more forceful than before," he stated.

"Today, the Army of the Islamic Republic stands firmly and resolutely against any hostile move by the enemy," the commander added.

Sayyari underlined that the country's military forces, including all the branches of the Army, were equipped with the most advanced defense systems and equipment outfitted with modern technologies.

The comments echoed verification by American officials, themselves, that Iran retains significant firepower, despite the latest bout of unprovoked aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime that targeted the country between February 28 and April 7.

Speaking to CBS News last month, the officials said the Islamic Republic continues to maintain substantial military capabilities, despite weeks of US and Israeli strikes.

The officials, who were familiar with intelligence assessments, said public statements by the White House and the US Department of War might understate the extent of Iran’s remaining military strength following the aggression.

Also last month, The Washington Post wrote in a report that Pete Hegseth’s public claims of "American success" during the aggression might not fully reflect the reality on the ground, raising concerns about the accuracy of information being relayed by the secretary of war.

"Pete is not speaking truth to the president. As a result, the president is out there repeating misleading information," the daily wrote, citing an official.

Five Americans Injured in Iranian Missile Strike on Kuwait Base: Report

Saturday, 30 May 2026 10:17 AM

File photo of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)'s ballistic missiles (Photo by Tasnim News Agency)

An Iranian ballistic missile attack on a Kuwaiti air base has wounded several American military personnel and caused serious damage to two US MQ-9 Reaper drones, according to a new report.

The American news outlet Bloomberg, citing an informed source, said in a report published on Saturday that the attack on the Ali Al Salem Air Base resulted in minor injuries to approximately five individuals, including US service members and contractors.

It also caused significant damage to two MQ-9 Reaper drones, with one reportedly destroyed and another heavily damaged. Each drone is valued at around $30 million.

According to Bloomberg, Kuwaiti air defences intercepted an Iranian Fateh-110 missile before it reached its intended target. However, debris from the intercepted projectile fell onto the US-operated Ali Al Salem Air Base, causing the injuries and damage.

The latest development comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.

On Thursday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed that Iran had launched a missile toward Kuwait, describing the action as a “gross violation of the ceasefire.”

In a statement issued later in the day, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said it had deliberately targeted the US base, noting that it had been used to launch an earlier American attack.

The IRGC went on to say that US forces had conducted a strike using aerial projectiles against a location near Bandar Abbas airport earlier that morning, describing its missile attack as a warning to the US.

It also vowed that any future acts of aggression would be met with a stronger response, stressing that responsibility for any escalation would rest with the party initiating hostile actions.

The US and Israel started an aggression against Iran on February 28, some eight months after they carried out unprovoked attacks on the country.

Iran began to swiftly retaliate against the strikes by launching a barrage of missiles and drone attacks on the Israeli-occupied territories as well as on US bases in regional countries.

On April 8, forty days into the war, a Pakistan-brokered temporary ceasefire between Iran and the US took effect.

Negotiations ensued in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, but stopped short of an agreement amid Washington’s maximalist demands and insistence on unreasonable positions.

WHO Chief Calls for Reconsideration of Travel Bans as DR Congo Battles Ebola Outbreak

Source: Xinhua| 2026-05-31 00:50:15|Editor: huaxia

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is pictured in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, May 30, 2026. Tedros on Saturday called on countries that have imposed travel bans or closed borders in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda to reconsider such measures. (Xinhua)

BUNIA, DR Congo, May 30 (Xinhua) -- World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Saturday called on countries that have imposed travel bans or closed borders in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda to reconsider such measures.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Bunia, the capital of the northeastern Ituri Province and the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak, Tedros said such restrictions could complicate response efforts and risk discouraging transparency and trust, which are essential to saving lives.

"I call on countries that have imposed travel bans or border closures to reconsider. These measures make the response harder, and they discourage transparency and trust that saves lives," Tedros said.

Despite the lack of approved vaccines and specific medicines, the WHO chief said patients could still recover if they receive timely, quality medical care.

Tedros said his visit to Bunia was also aimed at engaging directly with affected communities in this outbreak, in which over 1000 suspected cases have been reported.

Uganda has also reported nine confirmed cases after detecting two new infections in the capital, Kampala, the Ugandan health ministry said on Friday.

DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba said the country aims, "in the best-case scenario," to contain and end the outbreak within "four to six months," based on its experience in responding to epidemics and the known course of the Ebola virus disease.

He said the immediate priority is to contain the virus within the three affected provinces -- Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu -- and prevent further spread.

Kamba also highlighted the country's strengthened laboratory testing capacity, with no backlog of samples remaining. Around 900 samples had been tested, of which about 260 were positive, he said, adding that the country now has the capacity to process all incoming samples, even if daily testing rises to 200 or 300 samples.

Interview: Congolese Virologist Urges Stronger Surveillance as Ebola Outbreak Spreads

Source: Xinhua| 2026-05-18 17:20:45|Editor: huaxia

KINSHASA, May 18 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo must quickly strengthen active surveillance, trace transmission chains and prevent the Ebola virus from spreading after the latest outbreak in the country, a leading Congolese virologist has warned.

Jean-Jacques Muyembe, director general of the National Institute of Biomedical Research, told Xinhua on Sunday that the immediate response should rely on core public health measures like isolating patients, carrying out active surveillance, tracing contacts, protecting health workers and disinfecting health facilities.

The outbreak in the eastern province of Ituri is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, a rare variant of the Ebola disease that has no approved therapeutics or vaccines.

RARE STRAIN

Congolese health authorities declared the new Ebola outbreak in Ituri on Friday, the country's 17th since 1976. According to data released Saturday by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), 336 cases and 87 deaths have been reported.

Muyembe said the current outbreak was not caused by the more familiar Ebola Zaire strain, but by the Bundibugyo strain, which was first identified in Uganda in 2007 and later caused an Ebola outbreak in 2012.

Of the 17 Ebola outbreaks recorded in the country, 15 were caused by the Zaire strain and two by the Bundibugyo strain, he said.

The main difference, Muyembe said, is pathogenicity. The Zaire strain is among the most virulent forms of Ebola and can have a fatality rate of around 80 percent or higher, while the Bundibugyo strain has a fatality rate below 50 percent.

HEIGHTENED RISKS

Muyembe said the current outbreak spread to multiple areas in Ituri. The risk of further transmission is especially high in eastern Congo because of population density, frequent movement and the challenges of managing an epidemic in a conflict zone, he said.

"The risk that the virus escapes these health zones and spreads to other health zones, or even to other provinces, is very great," he said.

A confirmed case has also been reported in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. The city, currently under the control of the March 23 Movement rebel group, lies on the border with Rwanda and is a major urban and cross-border hub.

After the case was confirmed in Goma, Rwanda temporarily closed border posts with the city. Muyembe said that under the International Health Regulations, the response to Ebola should be strengthening cross-border health coordination, screening and contact tracing, instead of closing borders.

PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE MATTERS

The Africa CDC has said there is currently no specific vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain. Muyembe said research is continuing to assess possible vaccine candidates and medical options that could be used against it.

He noted that the 2012 Ebola outbreak, also caused by the strain, was controlled through public health measures.

"For those who are hospitalized and sick, we have standard care techniques. By applying them, we stop the outbreak," he said.

Depicting health as a matter of sovereignty, Muyembe said that while partners could provide support, it was ultimately up to the government to take charge and establish mechanisms to detect outbreaks as quickly as possible and mount an effective response.