The Democratic Republic of Congo Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani announced a nationwide ban on mass gatherings, including all of the capital Kinshasa, to prevent Ebola from spreading across the country.
The outbreak is limited to three eastern provinces—Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu—about 1,800 km from the capital, but officials fear the virus could reach the city of 18 million people if left unchecked.
In addition to Kinshasa, the ban covers Tshopo, Haut‑Uele and Bas‑Uele, each bordering the affected provinces, as authorities cater to the possibility of cross‑province spread.
Opposition coalitions have called the orders “political” and “illegitimate,” claiming the ban is designed to suppress an impending protest march on 8 July against a new law that could extend President Felix Tshisekedi’s mandate beyond two terms.
While cases remain unconfirmed in Kinshasa, a doctor who tested positive for Ebola in France recently passed through the city, raising concerns about silent transmission, and the government has yet to respond to the dissenting remarks.
The outbreak now tallies 1,274 cases and 360 deaths; 47 new infections prompted the mass‑gathering ban, and a 21‑day quarantine for travelers from affected areas has taken effect. Brother Uganda has also confirmed 20 cases, with two deaths. Because the disease spreads through bodily fluids and the Bundibugyo strain currently lacks a vaccine, authorities are awaiting potential antiviral trials from Africa CDC, while WHO warns conflict in eastern DR Congo hampers containment efforts.
