Africa: All of Africa Today - May 29, 2026

Ethiopia is scheduled to hold elections on June 1, 2026. The country faces internal security challenges and heightened competition for power in the Horn of Africa. Regional powers like Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel are pushing for influence in this strategically vital region, already destabilised by Sudan's conflict and disputes over the Red Sea. Analysts have said that tensions over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the Nile River continue to shape regional politics. Kebour Ghenna, executive director of Initiative Africa and a former opposition candidate, says opposition parties are fragmented and weak as this election approaches. More than 50 million Ethiopians have registered to vote, according to the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). Over 10,400 candidates from various political parties and independent candidates are competing at both the federal and regional levels.

WHO Chief Calls for Ceasefire as Ebola Crisis Deepens in DR Congo

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, travelled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the country battles a resurgence of Ebola in the conflict-hit eastern region. The trip is meant to show support for the African country amid the ongoing deadly Ebola outbreak. Since mid-May, the DR Congo has recorded 105 confirmed cases and 10 deaths. Neighbouring Uganda has reported seven cases and one death. Tedros appealed to armed groups to declare a ceasefire so that health workers can reach people and halt the spread of the disease. The current Ebola outbreak is caused by a strain of the virus known as Bundibugyo. There is currently no vaccine or treatment. He acknowledged the exhaustion, insecurity and mistrust faced by residents, while urging communities and young people to support prevention efforts. Tedros said WHO teams would remain on the ground for as long as necessary to help contain the outbreak and strengthen health systems.

Angola has recorded 13 confirmed cases of mpox in the northern provinces of Cabinda and Uige, according to Health Minister Silvia Lutucuta. Nine cases were reported in Cabinda and four in Uige. According to the minister, in the province of Cabinda, there have been cases diagnosed since last year, highlighting that this year the region has reported, so far, five positive cases of Mpox. Lutucuta appealed to the population to continue to observe the prevention measures that have been passed on by the health authorities to avoid the spread of the disease in the country. The minister said health authorities are supp