Ebola Outbreak Kills 65 in Eastern DR Congo With 246 Cases Reported
Primary region Africa
Tags Health · Security
Regions Africa
A new Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of eastern DR Congo has killed 65 people with approximately 246 cases reported as of May 15, 2026, according to Africa's top health agency. The outbreak comes amid ongoing armed conflict in the region, with rebel fighters and Rwandan troops accused of atrocities in nearby areas. The combination of active warfare and a hemorrhagic fever outbreak creates a severe humanitarian crisis, as health workers face challenges reaching affected populations. International health organizations are mobilizing response efforts.
Strategic interpretation
The convergence of armed conflict and epidemic disease in eastern DR Congo illustrates how security vacuums enable public health crises. The outbreak may strain international health resources already stretched by other global health priorities. It also highlights the limitations of the WHO and African CDC in responding to outbreaks in active conflict zones, where access negotiations with armed groups are required.