DR Congo bans mass gatherings in Kinshasa to stop Ebola spread

DR Congo bans mass gatherings in Kinshasa to stop Ebola spread

The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned mass gatherings in the capital, Kinshasa, and three other provinces to halt the spread of Ebola. Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani issued the directive on Saturday, following a spike of 47 new confirmed cases in affected provinces.

The ban also applies to the provinces of Tshopo, Haut-Uele, and Bas-Uele. While no infections have been confirmed in these four areas, authorities stated they are at high risk due to their proximity to the outbreak zones and the movement of people between provinces. Under the order, public marches, demonstrations, and political rallies are suspended until further notice.

The current outbreak is concentrated in three eastern provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. These regions are approximately 1,800 km from Kinshasa, but the government fears the virus could reach the capital's 18 million residents. Mass gatherings had already been prohibited in the three eastern provinces for several weeks.

Ituri is the most severely affected region, accounting for more than 90% of infections. Total confirmed cases across the affected provinces have reached 1,274, with 360 deaths. The health ministry reports that the outbreak was declared in mid-May.

The virus causing this outbreak is the Bundibugyo species, a relatively rare variant for which no approved vaccine currently exists. Because of this, health authorities are relying on supportive treatment, contact tracing, and infection prevention. However, the head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) told the BBC on Monday, that trials for new antiviral drugs could begin as soon as this week.

Public health agencies, including the Africa CDC and US authorities, warned that this could become one of the largest outbreaks on record because the virus spread for weeks before it was confirmed as Ebola. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The WHO further cautioned that the M23 rebel group's control of large parts of North and South Kivu is complicating containment efforts.

Beyond the borders of DR Congo, Uganda has confirmed 20 infections and two deaths, according to the WHO.

The government's restrictions have sparked a political backlash. Opposition leaders allege the ban is a "political" move designed to stifle a protest march scheduled for July 8. The demonstration was organized by the C64 coalition to oppose a proposed law that critics argue could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to remain in power beyond his two-term limit.