Congo bans gatherings in Kinshasa and three provinces over Ebola outbreak

DAKAR — The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned public gatherings in four provinces, including the capital, Kinshasa, as the country seeks to contain a deadly Ebola outbreak.

The order, issued by the interior minister on June 27, applies to Kinshasa, Tshopo, Haut-Uele, and Bas-Uele provinces. Although none of the four provinces has reported Ebola cases, authorities said their proximity to affected areas poses a heightened risk of transmission.

Under the directive, local officials must monitor anyone showing Ebola symptoms and submit daily surveillance reports.

The outbreak, declared on May 15, has infected 1,274 people and killed 360 in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, according to government data released Monday.

The ban comes ahead of a planned opposition protest in Kinshasa on July 8 against proposed constitutional reforms. Opposition leaders argue the changes could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term and have described the restrictions as politically motivated.

Prince Epenge, spokesperson for the opposition Lamuka coalition, said the demonstration would proceed despite the ban.

A previous protest on June 12 was dispersed by police using tear gas and live ammunition, leaving one protester dead and 38 others injured, according to the U.N. Human Rights Office.

Separately, the mayor of Goma, eastern Congo's largest city, which is currently under the control of AFC/M23 rebels, also banned public gatherings and demonstrations, including celebrations related to sporting events, citing the risk of Ebola transmission. The order followed large crowds celebrating Congo's qualification for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. -Reporting and writing by Clement Bonnerot and Congo newsroom; Editing by Jessica Donati and Alexandra Hudson/Reuters