“We’re still early to say that we’re controlling the whole outbreak,” Africa CDC official Wessam Mankoula told an online press briefing, noting that the outbreak “is still evolving.”
According to the latest government situation report published Thursday, the DRC had recorded 6,250 confirmed cases and 3,039 deaths as of Sept. 1, with a case fatality rate of 48.6 percent. A total of 1,439 patients have recovered. The outbreak has affected 60 health zones across six provinces.
Four health zones have interrupted transmission after reporting no new cases for more than 42 days, while another five are in “control phase”, which have gone between 21 and 42 days without a new case. Transmission, however, remains active in 51 health zones, Mankoula said.
“For the last two weeks, we are seeing a decline in the number of cases; we are almost at the plateau phase,” Mankoula said, cautioning that “it’s very early to say we have sustained decline in this outbreak.”
Mankoula said the plateau could reflect stronger surveillance, earlier case detection, active case finding, infection prevention and control measures, and improved case management. “Hopefully, when we’re following now the third week, we continue with this plateau, then we start seeing a decrease,” he said.
But he cautioned against drawing conclusions too soon. “We saw this plateau previously in June, then later on it’s followed by an increase. This is why we are cautiously interpreting those data,” Mankoula said.
The current outbreak, declared in May, has since become the country’s largest and deadliest Ebola epidemic on record and the second-largest globally, behind the 2014-2016 epidemic in West Africa.
Mankoula also noted that while Uganda recently declared its own Ebola outbreak over, the continued active transmission in DRC’s eastern provinces bordering Uganda poses a persistent cross-border risk.
He stressed that strong surveillance systems must remain in place at points of entry and along border communities to detect any potential spillover cases early and prevent a new wave of cross-border transmission.
“This outbreak is still evolving,” Mankoula said. “Incremental measures are no longer effective. This is the time for scaling up all different responses to control the situation on the ground.”
Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said Wednesday that Ebola in the DRC “remains extremely serious and continues to spread.” “Despite the considerable efforts of the (DRC) government and partners, we are not yet where we need to be,” said Kaseya.
With no approved vaccine or treatment specifically targeting Bundibugyo virus, the cause of the current outbreak, the international community is turning to experimental and repurposed medical tools.
As for vaccines, the Ervebo vaccine, the licensed shot against the Zaire ebolavirus, is currently being evaluated for cross-protection against the current Bundibugyo strain through an effectiveness study in the field.
Meanwhile, under protocol-governed compassionate use, which allows the use of unapproved or partially studied vaccines in an outbreak setting, vaccinations for frontline healthcare workers and at-risk populations began on Aug. 27.
As of Sept. 1, a total of 1,124 healthcare workers and frontline workers had been vaccinated, said Mankoula.
“So we think that very soon we’ll be able to provide more detail and a precise answer regarding the level of cross-protection using the Ervebo vaccine,” said Placide Mbala Kingebeni, Africa CDC’s director for research, clinical trials and innovation at the briefing, noting that Ervebo’s efficacy against the Bundibugyo ebolavirus has not been demonstrated yet.
Workers in protective equipment during the Ebola outbreak response in Ituri province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, 2026.
In a statement, the military said it was working to “neutralize” the tunnel network.
According to the military, Israeli troops had gained control of the ridge above and below ground, killing several Hezbollah members. It said the underground complex contained facilities including command centers, weapons storage rooms and living quarters, claiming that the infrastructure had been built over two decades with Iranian funding.
The development came amid continued tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border, following the seventh round of Lebanese-Israeli talks held in Rome, Italy, in early August. The talks focused on security arrangements along the border and the implementation of a framework agreement between the two sides.
The Ali al-Taher ridge, about 15 km from the Israeli border, has become a major flashpoint in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Israeli forces remain deployed in parts of southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire and Lebanese demands for their withdrawal.
A photograph taken from the southern Lebanese area of Nabatieh shows smoke as it rises from the site of Israeli strikes that targeted the hilltops of the mountainous area of the strategic Ali al-Taher Ridge on August 14, 2026. Lebanon became embroiled in the Middle East war after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel on March 2, prompting a widespread Israeli bombing campaign and ground invasion. More than 4,300 people have been killed, though violence has decreased since a US-Iran deal and a Washington-sponsored framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel went into force. (Photo by AFP) /
Nshimiyimana Augustin, formerly known as ‘Colonel Bora Manasse’ while serving in the FDLR, said the group has senior military and political leadership structures extending down to lower levels that resemble provincial administrations.
Col Bora said the military wing, known as FDLR/FOCA, is led by Ntawunguka Pacifique, also known as General Omega, who is deputized by Uzabakiriho Cyprien, known as Kolomboka.
He explained that FDLR/FOCA has departments responsible for personnel, known as J1; intelligence, J2; operations, J3; logistics, J4; and planning, J5.
“J1 is led by Emile Ruterimbere, J2 by Uwimbabazi Sebastien, commonly known as Kimenyi, J3 by Nzabanita Lucien, J4 by Gaterura, and J5 by Nouvelle. That is how it is structured at the headquarters.”
How FDLR organises its military operations
Col Bora explained that the FDLR has different groups of fighters deployed across various parts of eastern DRC.
He said some of its units are based in Kalehe and other parts of South Kivu, as well as in Virunga National Park and the Pinga area of Walikale Territory.
The FDLR also has a special combat unit known as CRAP, which, according to Col Bora, is led by Guillaume Rurakabije.
He said the group also has lower-level structures known as sub-sectors, including those referred to as Canaan and Sinai. One is led by Gustave Omega, while the other is led by Gustave Kubwayo, also known as Sirkoof.
Col Bora further explained that the FDLR established a special structure responsible for recruiting and enrolling new fighters, known as Groupement des Écoles.
According to him, the structure is responsible for recruiting fighters among Rwandan refugees living in the DRC, their descendants and Congolese nationals.
However, he said the structure is no longer operating effectively as it once did because areas where it operated have come under attacks by AFC/M23.
“These days, M23 is firing in those areas, so it is no longer operating, but it is still there. It is called Groupement des Écoles, and it is responsible for recruiting soldiers to strengthen the group,” he said.
FDLR’s political leadership
In addition to its military structures, Col Bora said the FDLR also has a political leadership that oversees the group’s activities more broadly.
At the political level, the FDLR is headed by President Byiringiro Victor, also known as Gaston Iyamuremye or Rumuri.
The political leadership also includes Commissioner Busogo, who is responsible for military affairs; Rukorera, who oversees mobilisation; and Cure Ngoma, who is responsible for intelligence and serves as the group’s spokesperson.
There is also a special military adviser, Colonel Binego, while Mihigo Cyrille, known as Henganze, is responsible for military and civilian intelligence.
Binego previously served as the burgomaster of Satinsyi Commune in the former Gisenyi Prefecture.
Col Bora said FDLR’s lower-level structures include what he called “Regional Committee”, which he compared to provincial administrative structures.
“I would compare them to a governor who is responsible for knowing the problems of refugees at the grassroots level, preparing reports and sending them to the commission responsible for refugees or to Rumuri. Issues they cannot resolve are sent to Kinshasa,” he said.
The FDLR has operated in eastern DRC for decades and has been accused of contributing to insecurity in the region.
The group was formed by Interahamwe militia members and former soldiers and political officials who were involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and fled to the DRC.
Brig Gen Ezechiel Gakwerere (front) was arrested in 2025 while serving as the FDLR Secretary General.Col Bora Manasse explained that the FDLR is organised along both military and political lines.
The call came during “Fermentation: from Evidence to Scale,” a high-level Breakthrough Event convened by Sight and Life at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The session brought together senior leaders from Rwanda, Nigeria and Ethiopia, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture of Rwanda and Nigeria, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia and the French Ambassador to Rwanda, alongside representatives from philanthropy, science and Africa’s culinary community to examine what is needed to move fermented foods from longstanding traditional practice towards wider recognition, investment and responsible scale.
Fermentation has been part of African food cultures for generations, transforming locally produced foods and supporting preservation, dietary diversity and livelihoods. Yet despite its widespread use, its potential remains relatively underrepresented within contemporary nutrition and food systems strategies.
“Fermentation has long been part of how African communities produce, preserve and enjoy food. The opportunity now is to strengthen that foundation with better evidence, innovation and investment so it can contribute more to nutrition, livelihoods and resilience,” said Elvis Gakuba, Africa Director at Sight and Life. “We need to back fermentation as a practical, locally rooted pathway to healthier diets, stronger local economies and more resilient food systems,” he said.
Elvis Gakuba – Africa Director, Sight and Life
Moving an African food tradition onto the food systems agenda
Discussions throughout the session underscored a central message that fermentation should not be viewed simply as a tradition to preserve, but as an existing part of African food systems whose potential can be strengthened through science, policy and investment.
Speakers explored the diversity of fermented foods already consumed across the continent and the opportunity to build on knowledge embedded within communities rather than beginning solely with solutions developed elsewhere.
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources of Rwanda, Dr. Patrick Karangwa, Director General of Agriculture Modernization at the Ministry, highlighted the importance of recognising fermentation within the broader shift towards African-led food systems solutions.
“Fermentation is not a foreign solution being introduced to Africa. It is rooted in our own food traditions and communities,” said Dr. Karangwa. “The opportunity is to strengthen that knowledge through science, standards and policy so that it can contribute more deliberately to nutrition and food systems transformation. We welcome Sight and Life’s leadership in bringing this conversation to the African Food Systems Forum.”
Dr. Patrick Karangwa, Director General of Agriculture Modernization for the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Republic of Rwanda
The discussion also examined the practical role governments can play, including strengthening research, food composition data, food safety and quality standards, dietary guidance and other policies that create an enabling environment for fermented foods.
Nigeria: linking fermentation with food security and local value addition
Nigeria’s long history of fermented foods was another important focus of the dialogue.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Nigeria, highlighted the relevance of fermentation to Nigeria’s wider priorities around food security, domestic processing and agricultural value addition.
“Nigeria already has a rich diversity of fermented foods and generations of knowledge around how they are produced. The opportunity is to strengthen what already exists, through research, improved processing, standards, innovation and stronger markets,” said Senator Kyari. “This can create opportunities for better nutrition, for farmers, processors, women entrepreneurs and local businesses throughout our food value chains.”
Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Nigeria
Speakers emphasised that women are particularly important to this agenda. Across many African communities, women play a central role in the production, processing and sale of fermented foods. Expanding access to finance, technology, markets and business support could therefore enable fermentation to contribute more strongly to both nutrition and women’s economic participation.
A Global South solution rooted in existing knowledge
The session also drew attention to Ethiopia’s extensive fermentation heritage, including foods such as injera that have long been central to diets and culture.
Demeke Mekonnen Hassen, former Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Founder and Board Chairperson of YADAM Foundation, argued that fermentation demonstrates the value of looking within African food systems for solutions that can be strengthened through science.
“This is a strong example of an initiative emerging from the Global South and building on practices African communities have carried for generations,” said Demeke Mekonnen Hassen. “In Ethiopia, fermented foods are already deeply embedded in our diets and culture. The next step is to strengthen the research around them and create the policy, regulatory and investment environment that allows promising solutions to move to scale.”
Demeke Mekonnen Hassen, former Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia; Founder and Board Chairperson of YADAM Foundation
He also reaffirmed YADAM Foundation’s interest in working with Sight and Life to strengthen research and explore how fermentation can contribute to nutrition and public health priorities in Ethiopia.
Bringing the evidence to Africa
A central part of the session was Sight and Life’sSpecial Report, Fermentation: An Ancient Solution to Modern Challenges.
The report brings together the science behind fermentation, examines barriers and opportunities for scale, presents experiences from low- and middle-income countries and outlines a framework for moving from evidence towards action.
At AFSF, Sight and Life shared key insights from the report with a high-level continental audience, while scientists at the session examined what is known, and what still needs to be understood about the nutritional and health potential of African fermented foods.
Dr. Elmer Nayra Ametefe, Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, stressed the need to strengthen Africa’s own evidence base.
“Africa’s fermented foods carry generations of knowledge, but science can help us understand their full potential,” said Dr. Ametefe. “By strengthening the evidence around their nutritional and health benefits, we can better position these foods as part of the solutions for healthier diets and stronger food systems.”
The conversation also highlighted the need for greater investment in characterising traditional fermented foods, understanding their composition and safety, and translating scientific findings into products, programmes and policies.
From evidence to investment
Speakers also discussed how funders, development partners and investors can support the evidence, innovation and partnerships needed to take fermentation to scale.
“At CIFF, we are pleased to support this work because it brings together three things that matter for scale: strong evidence, locally rooted solutions and the partnerships needed to move from research into practice. Fermentation is already part of people’s diets and communities; the opportunity now is to strengthen the evidence and enabling conditions so that its potential can be realised more widely and sustainably,” Anna Hakobyan, Chief Impact Officer and Executive Director, Nutrition, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation said.
That emphasis on locally relevant solutions was echoed by Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director and CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, who highlighted the importance of supporting solutions that can operate within existing food systems and reach communities at scale.
“For the Aliko Dangote Foundation, tackling malnutrition means backing solutions that are practical, locally grounded and capable of reaching people at scale,” said Youssoufou. “Fermentation offers that opportunity, building on foods Nigerians already know, produce and consume, while using evidence and innovation to unlock greater nutritional value, strengthen livelihoods and improve food and nutrition security.”
Participants agreed that moving fermentation to scale will require collaboration across sectors. Governments have a role in creating enabling policy and regulatory environments; researchers must continue strengthening the evidence; businesses and entrepreneurs can translate knowledge into products and markets; and philanthropic and development partners can help support innovation and de-risk early investment.
From conversation to action
Sight and Life used the AFSF session to call for fermentation to receive greater consideration within Africa’s nutrition and food systems agenda.
Rather than creating an entirely new solution, the opportunity lies in strengthening practices and foods that already exist, supporting them with the science, standards, investment and partnerships required to increase their contribution to nutrition, economic opportunity and resilient food systems.
“The question is no longer simply whether fermentation has potential,” Elvis Gakuba added. “The question is what we are prepared to do collectively, through research, policy, partnerships and investment, to unlock that potential. Kigali has helped move that conversation forward, and our focus now must be on turning that momentum into action.”
Sight and Life is expected to continue working with governments, researchers, philanthropic organisations and other partners to strengthen the evidence around fermented foods and identify pathways towards responsible scale.
About Sight and Life
Sight and Life is a Swiss-based innovation and systems-transformation foundation, working to end malnutrition and build resilient food systems. Founded four decades ago on the belief that better evidence can improve lives, we bridge science, governments, markets and communities to turn nutrition research into solutions that reach people at scale.
About the Africa Food Systems Forum
The Africa Food Systems Forum is a leading continental platform for African agriculture and food systems, bringing together governments, businesses, researchers, development partners, farmers and other stakeholders to advance practical action on food systems transformation.
Its mission is to inform, influence and catalyse the transition to sustainable, resilient and inclusive food systems across Africa, with a strong focus on investment, policy reform, women and youth.
For the 2026 edition, the Forum is being held in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme “Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience.”
Speakers with the Sight and Life Special Report on Fermentation
Xi made the remarks in his speech at the “SCO Plus” meeting in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek.
“The meeting today focuses on strengthening the role of the United Nations and building a multipolar world, and it demonstrates SCO’s commitment to reforming and improving global governance as required by our times,” Xi said.
“Currently, major changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the globe. Hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism are resurging against historical trends. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of the world do not condone power politics, conflict and confrontation, or isolation and backwardness,” he added.
What they want instead, Xi said, is to hold a place on the world stage through national development and international cooperation.
Xi noted that in recent years, the rise of the Global South is driving a profound shift in the international balance of power, adding that the trend toward a multipolar world is irreversible.
“What kind of multipolarity does the world need? How are countries going to take part in and promote it? The international community should build consensus and make the right choice that can stand the test of practice and history,” Xi said.
Noting that as a responsible major country, China advocates for an equal and orderly multipolar world, Xi said sovereign equality and mutual respect are fundamental principles; balance, order and the rule of law are inherent requirements; multilateralism, dialogue and consultation are essential pathways; mutual benefit, win-win and inclusiveness are the way forward for development.
“We should ensure equal rights, equal opportunities and equal rules for all countries, regardless of their size, strength and wealth,” Xi said, adding that “as an important part of a multipolar world and a key driving force behind it, the Global South countries ought to have greater representation and voice in international affairs.”
He called on various parties to promote the common values of humanity, reject double standards, exceptionalism, foreign interference, bullying and the law of the jungle, and advance the rule of law in international relations.
“Major countries in particular should take the lead in observing international norms and honoring the rule of law, and work together to tackle global challenges,” he added.
Xi also said that world affairs should be discussed by all, and international norms should be set by all.
“The authority and vitality of the United Nations need to be restored. Multilateral mechanisms, global and regional, should enhance their coordination and improve their efficiency,” he said.
“We should focus on the development agenda, uphold openness and cooperation, and bridge the digital and AI divides, so that technological revolution and development achievements can benefit all nations,” Xi added.
Xi noted that after a 25-year journey, the SCO has successfully set a stellar example in conducting relations among big countries, among neighbors, and among countries of different sizes.
The SCO, Xi said, has successfully brought together half of the world’s population and a quarter of the global economy, generating strong driving forces for development, adding that a more united and vibrant SCO is fully capable of making greater contributions to a multipolar world.
“It is important that SCO member states and partners ride the trend of history and shoulder the responsibility of our times. Let us take the people-centered and action-oriented approach, jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world, make global governance more just and equitable, and build a community with a shared future for humanity,” Xi said.
To further enhance the SCO’s role, Xi called for advancing common prosperity in the vast continent straddling Asia and Europe with the SCO Strength.
“We should continue to leverage our strengths, unlock our potential, and connect the multiple growth poles across the continent through high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. We should empower each other, help each other succeed, and work together to create new opportunities and promote shared prosperity,” Xi said.
“We should promote the development and rise of the Global South through the SCO Wisdom,” Xi said, calling on various parties to “carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, strengthen and expand the SCO Plus partnerships, and jointly speak up for peace, foster synergy for development, build bridges for cooperation, and pave the way for win-win outcomes.”
Xi also proposed that the SCO countries should guide the reform and improvement of global governance through the SCO Action.
“We should stay committed to building partnerships rather than alliances, and engaging in dialogue rather than confrontation,” he said.
Xi also called for sticking to the principle of “planning together, building together and benefiting together” to encourage equal participation in global governance by all countries and ensure all will benefit from it.
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers an important speech during the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus” meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Sept. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a group photo session during a welcome banquet held by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov ahead of the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus” meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Sept. 1, 2026. Xi attended the “SCO Plus” meeting and delivered an important speech on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
Muzungu made the announcement in an interview with Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) on September 2, 2026.
He said Afrinest Engineering Ltd, a boat-manufacturing company based in Karongi that built the vessel, is currently repairing it, with plans to return it to the water next year.
“Afrinest Engineering, the company that makes boats, also built this vessel, so they are repairing it. We work with them regularly, and they have given us confidence that next year it will be back in the water,” Muzungu said.
He added that the Kivu Queen uBuranga will not be the only vessel expected to operate on Lake Kivu, saying more boats are being built to improve transport across the lake.
“It is not the only one. There are other boats that will increase transportation on Lake Kivu, so that they can carry people from Rubavu to Rusizi and elsewhere, in a way that will improve transportation on Lake Kivu compared to what is happening today,” he said.
Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga, which operated as a floating hotel, struck a rock in Lake Kivu in 2024 while sailing from Nyamasheke District towards Karongi.
The incident occurred in Kagano Sector, in Ninzi Cell, when the vessel was in waters near Nyamasheke.
The vessel did not sink, and all passengers and crew members on board were safely evacuated without injuries.
Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga, a floating hotel on Lake Kivu, is expected to resume operations in 2027
A total of 34 Toyota pickup trucks equipped with mounted weapons, two light armored vehicles (one of which was destroyed), and dozens of motorcycles, weapons and accessories, among others, were recovered, Niger’s national television reported.
Niger’s Forces vives de la Nation, a grouping representing various sectors of society, organised a rally Wednesday at the Place de la Concertation in Niamey.
The rally was attended by members of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, government officials, and thousands of residents. Organizers said the event was intended to express support for the national authorities and reaffirm their commitment to Niger’s sovereignty and national refoundation.
The Nigerien Defense Ministry announced Saturday that it had foiled an attempted mutiny involving a group of soldiers at Air Base 101 in Niamey.
According to a ministry statement, a group of soldiers “who had broken with military discipline and regulations” attempted to detain some of their fellow soldiers at the base and opened fire at several sensitive sites in the capital. The swift response of the defense and security forces brought the movement under control and enabled them to regain control of the sites concerned.
Niger’s Defense and Security Forces seized a large cache of weapons and military equipment after quelling a mutiny at Base 101 in Niamey, local media reported Wednesday.
“It was a very heavy attack last night, and we’re prepared to do another one any time we want,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
The U.S. military “took out all of the new equipment that they tried to build along the Strait of Hormuz,” said Trump.
Iranian officials said Wednesday that the U.S. strike on Tuesday night hit a wedding party in southern Iran, killing at least four people and wounding dozens of others.
The U.S. Central Command said Wednesday it was looking into the reports and the U.S. military “never targets civilians.”
When asked on Wednesday afternoon whether he really intended to rename the Strait of Hormuz after himself, Trump said: “No, no … it was just thrown out there.”
Trump floated the idea of renaming the strategic waterway earlier Wednesday, less than one week after he signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America” amid escalating tensions with Canada over tariff disputes.
“Now that we have it under U.S.A. control, should we change the name Hormuz Strait to TRUMP STRAIT???” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
Trump told a rally in Long Island last month that he would declare the strait a U.S. territory, U.S. media reported.
“After we finish defeating Iran — which is being very badly defeated — pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States,” Trump said.
Trump told a rally in Long Island last month that he would declare the strait a U.S. territory
