The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned mass gatherings in Kinshasa and three other provinces to halt a deadly Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak that has killed 377 people. Opposition groups denounce the ban as an unconstitutional move to block a July 8 protest against President Felix Tshisekedi's bid for a third term. Meanwhile, the government has carved out exceptions for public World Cup viewings as the national team prepares to face England, despite severe outbreak-related travel disruptions.
Mass gathering ban in DRC
- ▪The mayor of Goma banned public gatherings and demonstrations, including celebrations linked to sports events, on June 29, 2026
- ▪The Democratic Republic of Congo government ordered a 21-day quarantine for travelers moving from Ebola-affected areas to other parts of the country
- ▪Democratic Republic of Congo Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani announced a ban on public demonstrations and mass gatherings in Kinshasa, Tshopo, Haut-Uele, and Bas-Uele provinces
Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak
- ▪The current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has infected 1,307 people and killed 377 across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces
- ▪Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi announced a $319 million response plan to address the Ebola outbreak during a televised address on June 29, 2026
- ▪The current Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of the virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment
World Cup viewing exception
- ▪The Democratic Republic of Congo government permitted bars, restaurants, and a big-screen fan zone to remain open for the national football team's World Cup match against England
- ▪Democratic Republic of Congo Information Minister Patrick Muyaya Katembwe acknowledged that preventing large public celebrations would likely be impossible if the national football team defeats England
Political opposition dissent concerns
- ▪Opposition and civil society groups denounced the mass gathering ban as an unconstitutional political maneuver designed to stifle a protest march scheduled for July 8, 2026
- ▪Prince Epenge, spokesperson for the Lamuka coalition, stated the ban aims to prevent a demonstration in Kinshasa against proposed constitutional changes allowing President Felix Tshisekedi to run for a third term
DRC World Cup campaign disruptions
- ▪The Democratic Republic of Congo national football team cancelled its planned training camp in Kinshasa and relocated to Belgium due to the Ebola outbreak
- ▪United States authorities required the Democratic Republic of Congo football squad to complete a 21-day quarantine before entering the United States
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