The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has expressed deep concern over the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Uganda.

In a Press Statement by the African Union Commission on Monday, May 18, 2026, the Chairperson addressed the growing risk of regional spread within Africa.

“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expresses deep concern over the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Uganda, and the growing risk of regional spread within our continent,” read the statement in part.

He went on to commended the Governments of the DRC and Uganda, as well as national health authorities and frontline workers, for their swift response and continued efforts to contain the outbreaks under difficult circumstances.

“I also welcome the preparedness measures being undertaken by neighbouring countries, particularly South Sudan,” said Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

The African Union has said it stands in full solidarity with the peoples and Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda at this critical time.

“Africa has overcome major public health challenges before, and through unity, coordination, and collective action, we shall overcome this one as well,” he added.

The African Union has reaffirmed its full support for the leadership of the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in coordinating a continental response, working closely with Member States, the World Health Organisation, humanitarian partners, donors, and all relevant stakeholders.

“The protection of African lives and the safeguarding of our continental health security remain our highest priority,” the Chairperson underscored. “We call upon all Member States and partners to intensify support for preparedness, surveillance, and rapid response efforts in affected and at-risk countries.”

“The African Union remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Africa’s public health security and strengthening the continent’s preparedness and response architecture,” he added.

Ebola outbreak

The African Union’s statement comes days after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern.

The agency said the outbreak in DR Congo’s eastern Ituri province, which has seen around 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths reported, does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency.

But it warned it could potentially be “a much larger outbreak” than what is currently being detected and reported, with significant risk of local and regional spread.

The current strain of Ebola is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, the health agency said, for which there are no approved drugs or vaccines.

Early symptoms include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, headache and sore throat, and are followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, a rash and bleeding.

The WHO said there are now eight laboratory-confirmed cases of the virus, with other suspected cases and deaths across three health zones, including Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, and the gold-mining towns of Mongwalu and Rwampara.

One case of the virus has been confirmed in the capital Kinshasa, believed to be in a patient returning from Ituri.