Congo Bans Gatherings Amid Ebola Surge | Roanoke News

Congo’s government lifts a nationwide ban on public gatherings—just as Ebola cases surge past 1,300 and deaths near 400—sparking outrage from critics who say the move is a veiled crackdown on free speech ahead of a major protest against the president’s possible third term. In Goma, the country’s largest city, the mayor joins the crackdown, even as Congo celebrates its first World Cup in decades. Opposition leaders and civil society groups slam the bans as unconstitutional, arguing they’re designed to silence dissent. President Tshisekedi, meanwhile, focuses on the Ebola emergency, urging citizens to follow health protocols without directly addressing the bans. The outbreak is spiraling out of control, with health workers under attack and cases confirmed in Uganda and France. The UN warns unchecked spread could cost Africa billions and trigger mass job losses. Rebel violence in eastern Congo further complicates containment, cutting off access to villages and worsening displacement. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6579cd038f0580a8