World News Briefs: UN steps up response to Ebola, refugees ‘exiled’ in Africa, Political tensions rise in Somalia

In eastern Congo, UN agencies provide support to national health authorities through Ebola treatment centers, case management, surveillance efforts and delivery of critical medications and medical supplies.

According to Congolese authorities, more than 90 percent of reported cases are concentrated in Ituri province, although infections have also been detected in North and South Kivu.

The response to this is complicated by attacks on frontline workers, especially during safe burial operations, as well as persistent rumors and distrust that undermine public health efforts.

Preventive measure

Meanwhile in Uganda, the UN is supporting Government-led efforts to contain the outbreak under a national coordination structure.

Authorities, with technical support from WHOis conducting contact tracing, surveillance, infection prevention measures and public awareness campaigns.

Uganda has expanded screening at 31 priority entry points, including Entebbe International Airport, while rapid response teams and mobile laboratories have been deployed to strengthen monitoring of cross-border travel and movement.

UN agencies, incl UNICEF, IOM And UNHCRcontinue to support community outreach, testing and surveillance efforts to prevent further spread of the virus.

Refugees in East and Southern Africa have been exiled for decades

Refugees in East and Southern Africa remain displaced for about 16 years, according to new analysis by UNCHR, the UN refugee agency, which highlights the need for stronger long-term solutions beyond emergency aid.

Based on registration data from 2001 to 2025, the analysis found that 6.4 million refugees and asylum seekers were living across the region by the end of 2025.

Many refugees flee conflict and instability in countries including Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia, seeking refuge mainly in neighboring countries.

“Asylum saves lives, but after almost 16 years of living in uncertainty, refugees need more than just help; they need hope, opportunity and a way forward,” said Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.

Increased vulnerability

Children are among those most affected. Refugees registered before the age of five remain refugees for an average of more than 18 years, often spending their entire childhood and adulthood without long-term solutions.

“No child grows up with their future shrouded in uncertainty,” Balde said. “An entire generation of refugee children began their adult lives in exile.

UNHCR warns that prolonged displacement risks creating a generation dependent on humanitarian assistance and calls for greater support to expand opportunities for refugees to return home safely, access education and employment, and rebuild their lives with dignity.

The UN urges us to exercise restraint as political tensions rise in Somalia

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over renewed violence in Somalia after heavy gunfire broke out in central Mogadishu.

News reports indicate that former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire accused Government forces of attacking him ahead of planned protests.

The Secretary-General stressed the urgent need for all stakeholders to return to dialogue and identify a path forward that maintains 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 trigger further violence, and resolve political differences through peaceful dialogue.

Warning of a repeat of past crises

The UN Transition Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) said it and its international partners had repeatedly warned of the risk of a repeat of the political crisis that occurred in 2021 due to disagreements over the electoral roadmap.

The mission noted that the warnings were not heeded and urged Somali leaders to prioritize national interests and resume negotiations that ended on May 15.

International partners, he added, remain ready to support and facilitate new dialogue.

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