The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has announced the suspension of large public gatherings in cities including Kinshasa as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the Ebola outbreak.
Opposition figures have accused President Antoine Félix Tshisekedi of using the Ebola outbreak as a political tool to justify banning planned protests.
Interior and Security Minister Jacquemain Shabani announced that activities involving large gatherings—including demonstrations, political party meetings, and other public events—have been suspended in Kinshasa as well as in the provinces of Tshopo, Haut-Uele, and Bas-Uele.
Although the government says the ban on large public gatherings is intended to curb the spread of Ebola—which has so far killed 360 people out of more than 1,200 confirmed cases, particularly in Ituri Province—opposition parties argue that the measure is being used to silence dissent under the guise of public health.
Prince Epenge, spokesperson for the Lamuka coalition, said the government and President Félix Tshisekedi’s UDPS party introduced the restrictions to disrupt protests scheduled for July 8, 2026.
The demonstrations were organized by the “Coalition of 64,” a political alliance whose members say they are committed to defending the Constitution and ensuring that President Félix Tshisekedi does not seek another term in the presidential election scheduled for 2028.
