MSF warns of dangerous gaps in Ebola response as epidemic outpaces efforts in DRC
via Business News3 min read
Médecins sans frontières MSF reported on Monday, June 15, 2026, that the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC is worsening, progressing faster than the response efforts. The organization expressed concern over significant deficiencies in testing, surveillance, and community awareness. Kate White, MSF Emergency Medical Coordinator in the DRC, stated that one month after the epidemic's declaration, its true extent and the exact areas of virus circulation remain unknown. MSF is calling for increased mobilization and a response commensurate with the ongoing crisis. The DRC officially declared the epidemic on May 15, marking the 17th Ebola outbreak in the country. Two days later, the World Health Organization WHO issued an international health alert. The current outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists. Congolese authorities and the WHO have reported 782 cases, including 181 deaths, though MSF believes these figures likely represent only a fraction of the reality. MSF highlighted that despite recent intensification, significant gaps in diagnosis, surveillance, contact tracing, and community engagement compromise control efforts. While the WHO noted improved contact tracing, with over 70% of exposed individuals now monitored, MSF's Emergency Coordinator in the DRC, Frédéric Lai Manantsoa, warned that time is critical, stating that the epidemic can still be controlled but the margin for action is
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Former Minister of Culture and historian Ezzeddine Bach Chaouch was released on Monday, June 15, 2026. This information was announced by lawyer Sami Ben Ghazi on Facebook. The decision comes five days after a detention order was issued, which caused significant emotion in intellectual and cultural circles, as well as on social media. The 88-year-old former minister was among five individuals targeted by detention orders issued on June 10 by the Indictment Chamber of the Tunis Court of Appeal, in a case related to the management and sale of land belonging to the municipality of Carthage. Journalist Zied El Heni was also among those concerned. Bach Chaouch's arrest sparked outrage due to his advanced age and fragile health. According to lawyer Sami Ben Ghazi, the detention order was executed on the night of June 10 while the former minister was in his medical bed at home. The lawyer stated that the historian, who is physically dependent, constantly uses respiratory assistance and was not allowed to take his oxygen tank during his transfer. He also condemned the use of pre-trial detention for an 88-year-old man, bedridden and suffering from serious health problems, deeming such a measure disproportionate. Public media later announced that Ezzeddine Bach Chaouch had been admitted to the cardiology department of Charles-Nicolle Hospital and was receiving continuous medical monitoring. This communication itself fueled controversy, with observers, journalists, and lawyers criticizin
Tunisia's 1-5 defeat against Sweden in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup group stage has ignited widespread dismay and discussion beyond the football pitch. The manner of the loss, with the team appearing overwhelmed and disorganized, led many to view it as a symptom of deeper national problems. Commentators on social media and in sports circles expressed shock, anger, and disillusionment, arguing that the sporting humiliation reflects broader societal dysfunctions. Some, like Abdelaziz Belkhodja, attributed the poor performance to structural failures such as outdated infrastructure, lack of vision, and chaotic governance. Others, including Mahmoud Baroudi, highlighted the absence of modern training centers, insufficient infrastructure, and a lag in technical analysis and scientific preparation, questioning how the country can compete without adequate structures. Moez Joudi pointed to a broader culture of marginalizing competence and a general erosion of values. Journalist Meher Kacem expressed a painful resignation, citing a lack of high-level trained players, inadequate coaches and analysts, and approximate management. The consensus among many reactions is that the defeat is not merely a sporting accident but a recurring warning sign, challenging the nation's ability to plan, build, and believe in sustainable improvement.
Aslan Ben Rejeb, president of the Confederation of Citizen Enterprises of Tunisia Conect, presented proposals for a new Exchange Code to the Finance and Budget Committee of the Assembly of People's Representatives. Conect submitted 41 amendment proposals, aiming to create a framework suited to the contemporary economy. Ben Rejeb highlighted that the current legislation, dating back to 1976, is outdated for an economy shaped by the internet, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. He emphasized that the reform is not merely technical but a structural project that will influence exports, imports, foreign exchange reserves, the trade balance, inflation, and investments. Conect advocates for a shift from a logic of prior prohibition to one of freedom with post-facto control, similar to risk-based approaches used by customs administrations. This would reduce constraints on compliant businesses while focusing controls on high-risk situations. Ben Rejeb also pointed out that current regulations hinder the competitiveness of Tunisian businesses in international logistics and digital transformation, where rapid financial transactions are crucial. He noted that banks' overly cautious interpretation of existing texts can create delays and blockages. Furthermore, Conect believes the new code should better integrate the Tunisian diaspora, which numbers around 1.06 million people, by encouraging productive investments rather than just family remittances. Ben Rejeb stressed the importa