Felix Tshisekedi

DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has agreed to initiate national dialogue with the political opposition amid growing pressure over proposed constitutional amendments. The move follows sustained calls from civil society groups for such discussions.

Congo has banned public gatherings in several provinces, including Kinshasa and Goma, amid an Ebola outbreak in eastern regions. Opposition groups and civil society accuse the government of suppressing dissent through the ban, which they claim is unconstitutional. The World Health Organization and United Nations warn the outbreak could spread further, risking significant economic and health impacts.

Congo has banned public gatherings in several provinces, including the capital Kinshasa, citing Ebola outbreak concerns, but opposition groups claim the move suppresses dissent. The ban affects areas with no confirmed Ebola cases, as the outbreak continues to spread in eastern Congo with 1,307 infections and 377 deaths. Political opposition and civil society organizations argue the restrictions violate constitutional rights to free speech and assembly.

Congo banned public gatherings in provinces far from the Ebola outbreak, including Kinshasa and Tshopo, as opposition groups claim the move suppresses dissent. The ban coincides with an escalating Ebola outbreak, with 1,307 infections and 377 deaths reported in eastern provinces. Political groups and civil society have criticized the restrictions as unconstitutional, while the president announced a $319 million response plan.

The political opposition in the Democratic Republic of Congo called on Kinshasa residents to stay home to protest against President Felix Tshisekedi's potential bid for a third term. FRANCE 24 reporter Emmet Livingstone covered the developments from Kinshasa.