51 Ebola Cases Confirmed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

51 cases of Ebola have been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

As the World Health Organization warns of a high risk of Ebola outbreak spread in Central Africa, the M23 rebels seek to reassure the public. Their spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, claims that the health situation remains under control in Goma.

On Tuesday, the Alliance Fleuve Congo-M23 (AFC-M23) welcomed a WHO delegation at a treatment center in Nyiragongo and a laboratory responsible for analyzing suspicious samples.

Lawrence Kanyuka downplayed the threat's magnitude: "Today, we have analyzed a total of 27 samples, all of which tested negative. To date, we have recorded only one Ebola case in the liberated areas, specifically in Goma and other regions of eastern Congo under M23 control. This major center operates 24/7 and has the capacity to process samples from more than five provinces."

However, the situation remains concerning. Many probable cases are reported in remote provinces, which are difficult to access by road and still plagued by violence from armed groups. So far, 51 Ebola cases have been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, mainly in the Ituri and North Kivu provinces. The WHO is currently researching effective vaccines and treatments against the Bundibugyo variant responsible for this new epidemic outbreak.

In a context already marked by insecurity, economic difficulties, and shortages, the residents of Goma fear that a new health crisis may further worsen their daily lives. Innocent Bonane, a Goma resident, expresses his concern: "In the midst of the difficulties we are already facing, families are suffering greatly due to this epidemic. We are already dealing with problems caused by the war, and now the Ebola virus is causing us even more suffering. That’s why I urge the authorities to help us find a way to put an end to this Ebola virus."

According to the WHO, the epidemic has already caused at least 139 deaths among nearly 600 suspected cases. It broke out in late April at a care center in Bunia, Ituri. In Goma, a city of over two million inhabitants that has been under M23 control since January 2025, Congolese authorities now fear a rise in infections. The city remains difficult to access: the international airport is closed, as is the border with Rwanda, further complicating the health and humanitarian response.