The Borderlines

One Dead as Security Forces Open Fire During DRC Ebola Burial

BENI, DRC — At least one person was killed and several others were wounded on Thursday, September 24, 2026, after security forces opened fire during the safe burial of a suspected Ebola victim in the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Tensions flared at the Katula-Paida cemetery in Beni, located in North Kivu province, when local residents demanded to view the deceased person and questioned the Ebola diagnosis. The situation escalated, prompting security forces escorting the health response team to fire shots to control the crowd.

The tragedy highlights the persistent friction surrounding outbreak response protocols in the region. Strict safe burial procedures are required because the bodies of Ebola victims remain highly infectious, but these safety mandates frequently conflict with traditional mourning rituals and customary body viewings.

Compounding the crisis, North Kivu province has experienced a sharp surge in new infections that is overwhelming local health facilities. Public mistrust of authorities and health workers has repeatedly triggered community pushback, resistance to medical protocols, and heavy-handed security interventions across eastern Congo.

📷Gradel Muyisa Mumbere

Billionaire-Backed US Firm Uses AI to Find DR Congo Minerals.

A US mining company, KoBold Metals, is employing AI-driven technology to explore lithium and other critical minerals in Manono, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Founded in 2018 with backing from investors like Bill Gates, KoBold aims to reduce China's dominance in the critical mineral sector, given China's 70-80% control of the Congolese copper and cobalt market.

Although their work has sparked local interest amid poverty and challenging working conditions, KoBold has secured 14 exploration permits and plans to invest over $50 million by 2027, leveraging AI to generate predictive models from soil samples to guide its exploration efforts.

Despite US strategies to secure critical minerals, significant American investment has not yet materialised, and the company faces local scepticism due to historical exploitation by mining entities.

📷 AFP

UNMISS Patrols Foster Peace, Security, and Resilience Across Lakes State.

LAKES STATE - ​A series of integrated patrols by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) across Lakes State brought together Nepalese peacekeepers, UN Military Observers, UNPOL officers, local authorities, and community members to assess security conditions, strengthen early warning systems, protect civilians, and deepen community engagement.

​During the missions, teams tackled pressing security concerns, including cattle raiding, ambushes, and looting, alongside critical humanitarian challenges such as drought, severe food and water shortages, limited healthcare access, and inadequate infrastructure.

​By bridging the gap between local populations and peacekeepers, the patrols successfully enhanced information-sharing, boosted community confidence, and actively supported grassroots efforts to prevent and peacefully resolve conflicts.

Prime suspect Nsamba Vincent, 41, has been arrested in connection with the murder of Afrigo Band musician Matovu Moses.

His apprehension happened in Ochange Ward, Yesu Amala, Nansana Division, Wakiso District, Uganda.

Ongoing investigations aim to clarify the circumstances surrounding the musician's death.

Quote of the day from South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit at the national dialogue on Thursday, September 26, 2026. The dialogue brings together political leaders and stakeholders to build consensus ahead of the planned December 2026 general elections.

A beautiful house in Uganda's Oyam District.

This is matoke, a banana harvest from Morobo County. Morobo is widely recognized as one of the major food-producing areas and a critical breadbaskets in South Sudan.

Located within Central Equatoria State, it sits inside the country's fertile green belt region.

However, the lack of road infrastructure and insecurity are affecting the market for farmers.