The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has taken urgent action by prohibiting large-scale public gatherings in Kinshasa and three other provinces to curb the spread of the Ebola virus. According to a letter from Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani, obtained by local media, this move follows the announcement of a major opposition-led protest scheduled for July 8 in the capital.

Since its declaration on May 15, the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC has tragically claimed 360 lives out of 1,274 reported cases. While the northeastern provinces remain the hardest hit, no transmission has been detected in Kinshasa, home to over 17 million residents.

In his June 27 directive, the minister instructed local authorities to halt all “large gatherings” to “minimize the risk of Ebola virus transmission.” The document did not explicitly mention whether the opposition’s protest is directly affected by this restriction.

Decision amid escalating political tensions

The ban arrives at a time of heightened political unrest surrounding a controversial bill proposing constitutional amendments that could pave the way for President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term. Currently, the Constitution limits presidents to two terms, a rule in place since the president took office in 2019. The bill, passed by a Parliament dominated by the ruling majority in mid-June, now awaits potential endorsement by the head of state.

Tensions peaked on June 12 when a previous opposition rally, protesting what critics termed a “constitutional coup,” was violently dispersed in Kinshasa. Clashes erupted between demonstrators, pro-government activists, and security forces, resulting in multiple injuries. The United Nations later confirmed the death of “at least one protester.”

Despite the newly imposed restrictions, opposition leaders have vowed to proceed with their July 8 demonstration, demanding President Tshisekedi’s resignation. In response, Jacquemain Shabani labeled the planned protest an “act of high treason.”