Rebels Impose Travel Restrictions in Ebola-Affected Areas of Eastern Congo
The M23 rebel alliance in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has introduced new restrictions on movement between areas under its control and government-held territories following the detection of Ebola cases among travellers.
Under the measures, shared taxis operating between Goma and Kirumba will be suspended for one month from Saturday, while passenger boats on some routes across Lake Edward will also be stopped. Buses and trucks carrying goods will remain permitted to use the affected routes, subject to health and safety requirements.
The restrictions followed reports that two people who travelled from Lubero, a government-controlled area, tested positive for Ebola after arriving in a community controlled by M23. The development has raised concerns over the movement of the virus across areas divided by the ongoing conflict.
The outbreak has emerged as another challenge in eastern Congo, where M23 controls large parts of North and South Kivu. More than 5,000 Ebola cases have been confirmed nationally, according to government data, while the rebel administration has been running a separate health response in areas under its control, including declaring those territories Ebola-free in June.
