Ebola in Democratic Republic of Congo: Mass gatherings in Kinshasa banned to prevent spread

Public gatherings in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital Kinshasa and three other areas have been banned to curb the spread of Ebola, the interior minister said.

The deadly disease has so far been detected in three states to the east – about 1,800 km (1,100 miles) from Kinshasa – but officials say the disease could spread to the city of 18 million people.

The three states affected by the ban – Tshopo, Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele – borders where Ebola has been confirmed.

Prominent figures from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s opposition parties criticized the order, saying it was designed to disrupt the planned July 8 protest.

Opposition Lamuka Coalition spokesman Prince Ipenge said the government’s decision was “political” as there were no confirmed cases in Kinshasa.

Speaking to the BBC on Monday, he condemned the order, saying it was “illegal and we cannot accept this decision”.

Opposition party secretary-general Rodrigue Ramazani urged protesters to ignore the ban and attend the rally, saying the directive was “not a measure of public health but a political direction.”

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has not responded to this criticism.

The demonstration was organized by the C64 Coalition, the opposition coalition. Proposed law that critics say would keep President Felix Tshisekedi in power More than twice the limit.

While there are no confirmed cases in Kinshasa yet, A doctor who confirmed that he was infected with Ebola in France He passed through the city on his way home from one of the epicenters of the outbreak, where he worked at an Ebola treatment center.