Congo Bans Gatherings in 4 Provinces as Opposition Says Move Thwarts Anti-Third-Term Protest
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 30
Congo Bans Gatherings in 4 Provinces as Opposition Says Move Thwarts Anti-Third-Term Protest
2 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 30
Summary
Congo’s interior ministry barred demonstrations and mass gatherings in Kinshasa, Tshopo, Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele over the weekend, though none of the four provinces has confirmed Ebola cases.
The ban comes as Congo’s Ebola outbreak has reached 1,307 infections and 377 deaths across three eastern provinces, prompting officials to warn of spread beyond the current zone.
Opposition coalition Lamuka and civil society groups called the measure unconstitutional, saying it is meant to block an early-July protest against proposed constitutional changes that could let President Felix Tshisekedi seek a third term.
Tshisekedi on Monday announced a $319 million Ebola response plan and urged compliance with health guidance, while avoiding direct comment on the gathering bans.
The outbreak is still outpacing response efforts amid rebel violence, with cases already reported in Uganda and France and the U.N. warning wider regional spread could cost Africa $3.6 billion.
Is Congo using an Ebola outbreak to crush dissent against the president’s third-term ambitions?
With no vaccine for this Ebola strain, can the response succeed amid rebel violence and deep public mistrust?
Democracy Under Threat: DRC’s 2026 Protest Ban, Constitutional Crisis, and Ebola Outbreaks
Overview
On July 2, 2026, the DRC government banned public gatherings in several provinces, citing the WHO’s declaration of the Bundibugyo virus outbreak as an international health emergency and ongoing Ebola outbreaks. However, opposition groups and social movements criticized the ban, viewing it as a move to suppress dissent rather than a genuine health measure. Despite the restrictions, they announced plans to proceed with protests on July 8, escalating political tensions. This standoff highlights how public health crises and political conflict are deeply connected in the DRC, with government actions fueling mistrust and confrontation.