The Central African Republic has reportedly agreed to accept migrants deported from the United States who are originally from third countries, according to sources familiar with the arrangement.

The deal is said to be part of wider US efforts to speed up deportations by transferring migrants to countries willing to receive them, even if those individuals are not citizens of those states. Similar agreements have already been reached with several African countries, including Ghana and Sierra Leone.

According to officials, the arrangement was discussed during a meeting in Bangui between Central African authorities and a US delegation, although details such as the number of deportees, their nationalities, and timing of transfers have not yet been disclosed.

Rights groups have raised concerns about such agreements, arguing that they may bypass legal protections in US immigration courts for individuals who had previously been granted protection from removal to their home countries.

The Central African Republic, which has faced long-standing political instability and economic hardship, is expected to coordinate support for incoming deportees with international partners such as the International Organization for Migration.

However, both governments have not publicly confirmed full operational details of the deal, and no timeline has been announced for the first deportation flights.

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has confirmed a sharp rise in Ebola infections, with total cases now reaching 515 following 27 new positive tests recorded within 24 hours.

Health authorities also reported that the outbreak has so far caused 91 deaths, as the virus continues to spread in affected regions.

Officials say the surge highlights how quickly the outbreak is expanding, with medical teams working to track and contain new infections while treating patients across multiple health centers.

The situation has raised concern among public health agencies, as Ebola remains a highly dangerous virus transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, requiring rapid isolation and strict infection control measures to prevent further spread.

Mauritius has said it has not received any official proposal from the United States regarding the future of the Chagos Islands, following reports that Washington may be exploring alternative plans for the disputed territory.

The government of Mauritius stated that it has neither been contacted directly nor indirectly by the US administration about any separate arrangement concerning the Chagos Archipelago or the strategic Diego Garcia military base.

This response comes after reports that the White House was considering options related to the islands, which are currently part of an ongoing sovereignty dispute involving Mauritius and the United Kingdom.

Mauritius maintained that its claim over the Chagos Archipelago remains firm and non-negotiable, reiterating its long-standing position on sovereignty.

The issue is tied to the wider dispute involving the UK and Mauritius over the islands, where the United States operates a key military base on Diego Garcia. Britain had previously agreed to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while maintaining control of the base under a lease arrangement, but the process has faced political and legal delays.

Officials in Mauritius emphasized that no new negotiations or proposals had been presented, despite media reports suggesting discussions within the US administration.

The government reaffirmed that any resolution must respect its sovereignty claims and existing international legal positions on the islands.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a sweeping crackdown on illegal migration, unveiling new policies aimed at tightening border controls, speeding up deportations, and punishing employers who hire undocumented migrants.

In a national address, Ramaphosa said illegal migration was placing significant pressure on public services and contributing to criminal activities. His government plans to establish special immigration courts, introduce a nationwide biometric registration system, strengthen border security, and close loopholes in immigration laws.

The president also revealed plans to hire 10,000 inspectors to target businesses employing undocumented workers, warning that offenders could face prison sentences rather than simple fines.

The announcement comes as anti-foreigner sentiment continues to grow across parts of South Africa. Several African countries have already begun evacuating some of their citizens following reports of intimidation, violence, and threats against migrants. Hundreds of foreign nationals have reportedly fled their homes in recent weeks, while others have sought refuge in community shelters.

Despite the tougher measures, Ramaphosa urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands, stressing that only authorised government officials have the power to enforce immigration laws. He warned against xenophobia, misinformation, and politically motivated campaigns targeting foreign nationals.

South Africa hosts more than three million documented foreign nationals, although authorities believe the actual figure is much higher. With unemployment standing at around 33%, concerns over jobs and public resources have fuelled growing tensions around immigration.

Ramaphosa said the government would work with other African nations to address migration challenges and expressed confidence that South Africa could overcome the crisis while remaining a lawful, secure, and inclusive society.

In Mongbwalu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, health workers on the front lines of a growing Ebola outbreak say they are overworked, underpaid, and operating under extreme pressure as the virus spreads through the region.

At Mongbwalu General Referral Hospital, medical director Dr. Richard Lokudu and his team spend long days treating an increasing number of suspected Ebola patients, with emergency alerts often arriving late at night and leaving little time for rest.

Lokudu says many workers have yet to receive proper allowances for their efforts, adding that they continue working despite knowing the risks of infection. “What happened to others could happen to me as well,” he said, highlighting fears among staff even as they follow infection control measures.

Health officials believe the outbreak began silently in the mining-heavy town of Mongbwalu in Ituri province, where crowded gold mining sites and poor living conditions have created an environment that allows the virus to spread more easily through close contact with infected bodily fluids.

The outbreak, linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has been made harder to control due to misinformation, community skepticism, and occasional attacks on health workers and responders in affected areas.

Despite these challenges, doctors and nurses continue working on the front lines, though many say they feel exhausted and unsupported. Lokudu stressed that while global attention often focuses on statistics, the reality on the ground is far more severe, with health workers calling for consistent pay and greater recognition for their efforts.

The Congolese government has not yet responded to requests for comment on the situation.