21 May 2026 • 8 min read
ZYMP Global News — 21 May 2026
WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak as Public Health Emergency of International Concern
AFRICA
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola virus disease outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The outbreak, which was first reported in early May 2026, has spread across nine health zones in Ituri Province, DRC, and has now reached Kinshasa through an infected traveller returning from Ituri.
As of 18 May 2026, the outbreak has resulted in significant mortality, with deaths reported among health workers. The WHO has activated its emergency response mechanisms, including consideration of experimental vaccines, as cases continue to rise. The situation is particularly concerning due to the movement of infected individuals between provinces and across national borders.
United States Indicts Former Cuban President Raúl Castro
AMERICAS
The United States has issued a federal criminal indictment against Raúl Castro, Cuba’s former president, and five other individuals in a significant escalation of the Trump administration’s campaign against the country’s communist regime. The 94-year-old political figurehead was charged in Miami, Florida, with conspiracy to kill US nationals, four counts of murder, and two counts of destruction of aircraft.
The charges relate to a 1996 incident in which Cuban military forces shot down aircraft flown by exiles, resulting in four deaths. Other defendants include a fighter pilot initially charged in connection with the incident. The indictment marks a dramatic development in US-Cuba relations and represents the highest-level legal action taken by the United States against Cuban leadership.
Papua New Guinea Issues Fishing Warning After Mystery Marine Life Deaths
ASIA PACIFIC
Papua New Guinea’s government has issued warnings to communities not to fish from parts of the New Ireland coastline after preliminary testing revealed evidence of metals in water samples. The advisory follows months of residents reporting unusual numbers of dead marine life washing ashore, with concern first raised in December 2025.
Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong announced on 7 May that initial testing conducted by an independent company detected various metals in water samples taken from affected areas around Kafkaf village and Larairu lagoon in New Ireland. “The results indicate the presence of poisonous minerals in the marine environment and further investigations are continuing,” Wong stated at a press conference, confirming that the environmental investigation is ongoing.
Australia’s Unemployment Rate Jumps to 4.5%
AUSTRALIA
Australia’s unemployment rate has climbed to 4.5%, reaching its highest level since November 2021, in what analysts describe as the highest level in four and a half years. The surprise rise in the jobless rate was driven by a drop in female employment and suggests that the labour market is cooling faster than anticipated.
The increase will provide the Reserve Bank of Australia with more reason to hold off on a fourth rate hike at its next meeting in June, as central bank officials balance concerns about spiking inflation against signs of a slowing economy. Financial markets have already adjusted their expectations, pricing in a slightly lower chance of another rate increase following the unexpected labour market data.
Russian Jet Causes ‘Dangerous’ Near Miss with RAF Spy Plane
EUROPE
A Russian Su-35 fighter jet flew dangerously close to an RAF Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft over the Black Sea, getting close enough to trigger the British plane’s emergency systems and disable its autopilot. A Russian Su-27 jet also carried out six passes in front of the RAF plane, approaching as close as six metres (19 feet) from its nose.
The UK Ministry of Defence has released footage of the incident and described the intercepts as “dangerous and unacceptable.” This marks the most dangerous Russian action against a British Rivet Joint aircraft since a plane fired a missile over the Black Sea in 2022. The incident comes amid increased Russian military activity in Europe and rising tensions between NATO and Russia.
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