Ramaphosa rejects Ebola travel bans, demands DRC ceasefire

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa forcefully rejected international travel restrictions targeting the Democratic Republic of Congo amid its Ebola outbreak, demanding an immediate ceasefire in the country's eastern conflict zones. Ramaphosa stressed that these restrictions hinder humanitarian efforts and isolate affected nations.

During a visit to Kinshasa to support the anti-Ebola response, Ramaphosa advocated for the "health sovereignty" of the continent. "Do not impose travel bans on people traveling from the DRC... That is not the way to treat people's travel opportunities," he stated. He highlighted African nations' unprecedented contribution of over $100 million at a recent global donor summit.

Ramaphosa outlined a three-point plan: converting international promises into liquid funding and medical countermeasures, investing in local vaccine manufacturing capacity, and establishing a ceasefire to foster lasting peace and protect healthcare workers. The eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict involving rebel groups like the M23, supported by Rwanda, despite the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO).

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi called South Africa a "first-class partner," emphasizing the need for a shared regional strategy for the Bundibugyo strain affecting both the DRC and Uganda. He stated that cross-border health cooperation is a strategic necessity for his country, which borders nine nations.

The leaders' joint pressure comes as Africa CDC Director Jean Kaseya reported alarming figures: the current outbreak has, in just ten weeks, recorded more cases and over four times the deaths seen at the start of the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic. The global response plan requires $2 billion, but only $600 million has been raised so far.