The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government has enforced a prohibition on large-scale public gatherings in Kinshasa and three provinces to mitigate Ebola transmission risks. This directive, outlined in an internal memo from Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani, coincides with an opposition-led protest planned for July 8 in the capital.

Since the outbreak was declared on May 15, the DRC has recorded 360 fatalities out of 1,274 confirmed Ebola cases. While the northeastern provinces bear the brunt of the epidemic, Kinshasa—a bustling metropolis of over 17 million—has yet to report a single transmission.

In the June 27 memo, the minister instructed local authorities to halt “mass gatherings” to “prevent any Ebola virus contamination.” The document does not explicitly mention whether the opposition protest falls under this restriction.

A measure amid escalating political tensions

The ban arrives at a volatile political juncture, marked by heated debates over a constitutional reform bill that could enable President Tshisekedi—a leader in office since 2019—to seek a third term, despite the current two-term constitutional limit.

Passed in mid-June by a Parliament dominated by the ruling party, the bill awaits potential ratification by the President. On June 12, a previous opposition rally denouncing what activists termed a “constitutional coup” was violently dispersed in Kinshasa. Clashes erupted between demonstrators, pro-government factions, and security forces, resulting in multiple injuries. The United Nations later confirmed the death of “at least one protester.”

Undeterred by the restrictions, opposition groups have vowed to proceed with their July 8 demonstration demanding President Tshisekedi’s resignation. Minister Shabani condemned the call as an “act of high treason.”