DRC Bans Mass Gatherings in Kinshasa, 3 Provinces Amid Ebola Outbreak, Opposition Alleges Political Motive

Mass gatherings have been banned in the Democratic Republic of Congo capital, Kinshasa, as well as three other areas, in order to halt the spread of Ebola, the interior minister says. The current outbreak of the deadly disease has so far been detected in three provinces in the east - some 1,800 km (1,100) miles from Kinshasa - but the authorities fear it spreading to the city of 18 million people. The three other provinces affected by the ban - Tshopo, Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele - border those where Ebola has been confirmed. Prominent figures from DR Congo's opposition parties have criticised the order, alleging that it has been put in place to stifle a protest march scheduled for 8 July. Prince Epenge, spokesperson for the opposition Lamuka coalition, said the government's decision was "political", as no cases have been confirmed in Kinshasa. He condemned the order, telling the BBC on Monday: "It is not legitimate. We cannot accept this decision". Rodrigue Ramazani, secretary-general of opposition party Envol, urged protesters to ignore the ban and attend the march, saying the directive "reeks of a political manoeuvre rather than a public health measure". DR Congo's government has not responded to this criticism. The demonstration was organised by the C64 coalition, an alliance against a proposed law that, critics say, could see President Felix Tshisekedi stay in power beyond his two-term limit.