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The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned mass gatherings in its capital, Kinshasa, and three other provinces to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus, the Interior Ministry announced in a directive issued to provincial governors late Sunday.
The directive, signed by Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani, bans political meetings, public marches, demonstrations, and other large gatherings in Kinshasa, Tshopo, Haut-Uele, and Bas-Uele provinces. Officials say the goal is to keep the virus from spreading beyond the provinces already most affected: Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu.
There have been 1,274 confirmed cases and 360 deaths since the outbreak was declared on May 15, according to a health ministry update released Monday. The new restrictions add to earlier steps, such as a 21-day quarantine for travelers from Ebola-affected areas and a ban on sports and other social events in Ituri, where the outbreak began.
The opposition has rejected the ban, calling it unconstitutional and politically motivated. Prince Epenge, spokesperson for the Coalition Article 64 (C64) opposition group, told reporters in Kinshasa that the restrictions were timed to block a march planned for July 8 against proposed constitutional changes.
Critics argue the amendments are designed to allow President Felix Tshisekedi to extend his term in office.
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