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🇨🇩 DR Congo /Health & Science

Ebola: Congo bans public gatherings in Kinshasa, other provinces

From Radio Okapi · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has banned all public gatherings in Kinshasa and three other provinces.
  • The measure aims to curb the spread of the Ebola virus, which poses an increased health risk.
  • Opposition groups criticize the ban as unconstitutional, suggesting it targets a planned protest.

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has banned all public gatherings in Kinshasa, Tshopo, Haut-Uele, and Bas-Uele provinces to limit the spread of Ebola.

This measure aims to limit the spread of the Ebola virus.

— Ministry of the InteriorOfficial statement regarding the ban on public gatherings.

Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani announced the restriction on Saturday, June 27, in a directive to the provincial governors. The measure comes amid heightened health risks due to the circulation of Ebola in certain areas. Officials believe the high population density and proximity to potential outbreak zones could accelerate virus transmission.

The ban prohibits all forms of mass gatherings, including political meetings, public marches, and any event likely to bring together large numbers of people. The government stated the primary goal is to reduce physical contact among citizens and slow the virus's spread.

This measure aims to limit the spread of the Ebola virus.

— Jacquemain ShabaniMinister of the Interior, explaining the decision.

However, opposition parties have denounced the decision as "unconstitutional." Prince Epenge, spokesperson for the Lamuka coalition, suggested the ban was strategically timed to disrupt a planned July 8 march by the C64 coalition. This protest aims to voice opposition to proposed constitutional changes that could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term, with his current mandate officially ending in December 2028.

fabricated in the laboratories of the UDPS

— Prince EpengeLamuka coalition spokesperson, criticizing the ban and linking it to the ruling party.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Radio Okapi in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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