This edition of Africa-wide news on 3 July 2026 highlights several major political, health, and legal developments across the continent.In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a clinical trial has officially begun for two potential treatments targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.

The World Health Organization confirmed that the first patient has been enrolled, as the outbreak—declared a public health emergency—has already caused more than 1,400 confirmed cases and 438 deaths.The urgency is heightened by the absence of approved vaccines or treatments for this strain, with cases also reported in Uganda and France.

In Southern Africa, a diplomatic dispute has emerged between South Africa and Ghana after allegations that a Ghanaian national was killed during anti-migrant protests in Cape Town.

While Ghana has demanded a full investigation, South African authorities deny any record of the alleged killing, though they are investigating a separate shooting incident in Nyanga.The situation has intensified tensions around migration and foreign nationals in South Africa.

Meanwhile, Rwanda has accused the United States of bias in its mediation of peace efforts between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, following sanctions imposed on a Rwandan gold refinery over alleged mineral trafficking.Kigali argues that the sanctions unfairly target Rwanda while ignoring alleged breaches by DR Congo-linked forces.

In West Africa, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formally notified the United Nations of their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, a move set to take effect in one year.The governments claim the ICC is politically biased, while human rights organisations warn this could reduce accountability for serious crimes.

Separately, in South Africa, three individuals have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2018 kidnapping and murder of British-South African botanists Rachel and Rodney Saunders, bringing long-awaited closure to a high-profile criminal case.