The AFC/M23 rebel alliance in the Democratic Republic of Congo has introduced new movement restrictions in areas under its control amid growing concerns over the spread of Ebola from government-held territories.
Under the measures, shared taxis operating on the Goma-Kirumba road will be suspended for one month from Saturday. Passenger boats on some routes across Lake Edward will also be halted. Taxi-buses will remain operational under health and safety controls, while trucks transporting goods will continue to be permitted.
The restrictions followed reports that two travellers from the government-held town of Lubero tested positive for Ebola after entering an area controlled by M23.
The move comes as Congo faces its largest Ebola outbreak on record. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has spread across six provinces, with more than 5,000 confirmed cases reported by the government this week.
The health crisis is unfolding alongside continued conflict in eastern Congo, making disease surveillance, contact tracing and access to affected communities more difficult. The restrictions highlight the growing challenge of balancing public health measures with the movement of people and goods in a conflict-affected region.
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