DR Congo bans mass gatherings in capital Kinshasa amid Ebola outbreak, sparking dissent concerns

Jun 29, 2026

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.