World News in Brief: UN scales up Ebola response, refugees ‘exiled’ in Africa, Political tensions escalate in Somalia
In eastern DRC, UN agencies are supporting national health authorities through Ebola treatment centres, case management, surveillance efforts and the delivery of essential medicines and medical supplies. According to Congolese authorities, more than 90 per cent of reported cases are concentrated in Ituri province, though infections have also been detected in North and South Kivu. The response has been complicated by attacks on frontline workers, particularly during safe burial operations, alongside persistent rumours and mistrust that continue to undermine public health measures.Prevention measuresMeanwhile in Uganda, the UN is supporting Government-led efforts to contain the outbreak under national coordination structures. Authorities, with technical support from WHO, are carrying out 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 travel and cross-border movement. UN agencies, including UNICEF, IOM and UNHCR, continue supporting community outreach, screening and surveillance efforts to prevent further spread of the virus.Refugees in Eastern and Southern Africa exiled for decadesRefugees in Eastern and Southern Africa remain displaced for around 16 years, according to new analysis by UNCHR, the UN refugee agency, highlighting the need for stronger long-term solutions beyond emergency assistance.Drawing 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 had fled conflict and instability in countries including Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia, seeking refuge mainly in neighbouring countries.“Asylum saves lives, but after nearly 16 years of living in limbo, refugees need more than help; they need hope, opportunity and a way forward,” said Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa.Increased vulnerabilityChildren are among those most affected. Refugees registered before the age of five remain displaced for a median of more than 18 years, often spending their entire childhood and entering adulthood without a durable solution. “No child should have to grow up with their future clouded by uncertainty” Mr. Balde said. “An entire generation of refugee children are starting their adult lives in exile.UNHCR warned that prolonged displacement risks creating generations dependent on humanitarian aid and called for greater support to expand opportunities for refugees to return home safely, access education and work, and rebuild their lives with dignity.UN urges restraint as political tensions escalate in Somalia
