The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a concerning Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with a death rate estimated between 30% and 50%. Concurrently, the United States has designated Brazil's two largest gangs, the First Capital Command (PCC) and the Red Command, as foreign terrorist organizations, marking a significant political moment in Brazil.

Ebola Outbreak in the DRC

The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has seen the WHO confirm 10 deaths and 223 suspected fatalities since it was declared on May 15. The organization revealed that the true scale of the outbreak could be much larger, as the virus may have circulated undetected for some time. Anaïs Legand from the WHO stated that the death rate is "huge," indicating that up to five out of ten infected individuals could die from the disease. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director-general, arrived in Kinshasa to support containment efforts and emphasized the need for a ceasefire in the conflict-ridden region to facilitate relief efforts.

The outbreak is particularly challenging due to the ongoing conflict involving armed groups in the mineral-rich Ituri province, complicating both healthcare delivery and public safety. More than 245,000 people have fled eastern DRC to neighboring countries since January 2025, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

US Designation of Brazilian Gangs

In a separate development, the United States has classified Brazil's PCC and Red Command as foreign terrorist organizations. This decision, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is viewed as a significant political blow to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who opposed the designation. Lula argued that Brazil is effectively combating these gangs and that the US action undermines Brazilian sovereignty.

The PCC and Red Command, both established in Brazilian prisons, have evolved into major players in the drug trade, exporting cocaine primarily to the US and Europe. The gangs compete for control over trafficking routes but operate differently; the PCC functions with a corporate-like structure, while the Red Command has a more decentralized leadership. The announcement comes at a critical time in Brazil, with Flávio Bolsonaro, the far-right senator and presidential candidate, leveraging the designation to bolster his campaign against Lula.

Political Implications in Brazil

Flávio Bolsonaro, who is running to replace his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, celebrated the US designation, claiming it demonstrated a proactive approach to Brazilian security compared to Lula's administration. This political maneuvering occurs against a backdrop of Lula's declining approval ratings, particularly after recent controversies surrounding his administration's handling of crime and corruption.

The contrasting situations in the DRC and Brazil highlight the complexities of global health and security issues. While the WHO focuses on combating the Ebola outbreak in a conflict zone, the US takes a firm stance against organized crime in Brazil, reflecting broader political dynamics in both regions.

Wrap-up

The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC presents a significant health crisis, with the WHO emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated efforts to contain the virus amidst armed conflict. Meanwhile, the US designation of Brazil's largest gangs as terrorist organizations underscores the international community's response to rising crime and violence, further complicating the political landscape in Brazil ahead of upcoming elections.

Sources
theguardian.com
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team