WHO declares DR Congo Ebola outbreak an international emergency

The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a public health emergency of international concern.

The outbreak in Ituri province has recorded around 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths, with confirmed infections also reported in Kinshasa, Goma and neighbouring Uganda.

Health officials warned that insecurity, displacement and weak healthcare infrastructure could accelerate the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no approved vaccine currently exists

Ukrainian drone attack kills three in Moscow region

At least three people were killed and several others injured after what Russian officials described as one of the largest Ukrainian drone attacks on the Moscow region in more than a year.

Andrei Vorobiev, the Regional governor said a woman was killed in Khimki, north of Moscow, while two more victims died in the village of Pogorelki. India’s embassy in Moscow separately confirmed that one Indian national was killed and three others wounded in the strikes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky defended the operation as a justified response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including a recent strike on Kyiv that killed 24 people.

UAE reports drone strike near Barakah nuclear plant

The United Arab Emirates said a drone strike triggered a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, raising fresh concerns over the widening regional conflict.

Authorities said two drones were intercepted after entering UAE airspace, while a third struck an electrical generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter. Officials said there were no injuries or radiation risks.

The UAE condemned the incident as a violation of international law, while the International Atomic Energy Agency said it was closely monitoring the situation. The attack comes amid heightened tensions between the UAE and Iran following months of regional warfare.

Taiwan vows to defend sovereignty amid US-China tensions

William Lai Ching-te said Taiwan would not surrender its democracy or sovereignty under pressure from China, following renewed tensions over the island’s status.

Lai’s remarks came days after Taiwan featured prominently in talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly warned that moves toward formal independence could trigger conflict.

Israeli strikes kill five in Gaza as ceasefire efforts falter

Israeli air strikes killed at least five Palestinians in the Gaza Strip as attempts to secure a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel continued to stall.

Medical officials said strikes hit areas in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, including a community kitchen near Al-Aqsa Hospital. Israel said one of the targets was a militant posing an immediate threat to its troops.

The escalation follows intensified Israeli military operations in Gaza after the end of joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Thai train driver charged after deadly Bangkok rail crash

Thai police have charged a train driver with negligence after a freight train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok, killing eight people and injuring 32 others.

Investigators said the bus had stopped on the tracks before the collision, which sparked a fire and dragged several nearby vehicles along the railway line.

Authorities said both the train and bus drivers could face further charges as officials review safety measures at rail crossings across the country.

AFRICA

Tunisians protest against Saied over economic crisis and arrests

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Tunis to protest against President Kais Saied, accusing him of undermining democratic freedoms and worsening the country’s economic crisis.

Protesters denounced rising arrests of opposition figures, journalists and activists while criticising soaring prices, shortages of medicines and deteriorating public services.

Saied has faced growing criticism since dissolving parliament and expanding presidential powers in 2022.

Sierra Leone to receive migrants deported by US

Sierra Leone has agreed to accept hundreds of West African migrants deported from the United States under a new agreement with Washington.
Timothy Kabba, the Foreign minister said the country would receive up to 300 deportees annually from across the ECOWAS region, with the first group expected later this month.

The arrangement is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to expand third-country deportation deals with African states.

Somalia faces renewed famine risk amid aid cuts and conflict

Parts of southern Somalia are facing the risk of famine for the first time since 2022, according to global food security monitors.

The reports warned that severe drought, insecurity and cuts to international aid were worsening hunger levels, particularly in the Bay region’s Burhakaba district, where acute malnutrition among children has surged.

Aid agencies also cited the wider economic fallout from the Middle East conflict as a factor complicating humanitarian relief efforts.

Comoros suspends fuel price hikes after deadly protests

Comoros has temporarily suspended controversial fuel price increases following protests and clashes that left one person dead and several others injured.

The government said the hikes, introduced in response to soaring global energy costs linked to the Iran conflict, would be paused pending consultations with affected communities.

Demonstrations erupted on the island of Anjouan after fishermen and transport operators protested against rising fuel prices.