EU calls for ceasefire in DRC as Ebola outbreak escalates

The European Union's crisis management commissioner has called for a ceasefire between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, saying that the need for peace has become even more urgent with the spread of the Ebola outbreak. "A ceasefire was already a political necessity. Now it's become a health emergency," Hadja Lahbib told journalists during a visit Sunday to Ituri province, the epicentre of the outbreak.

Coverage comparison

The EU has been ramping up its response to the outbreak, with the European Commission announcing a support program worth some €493 million in humanitarian aid and health security. Separately, the European Union has pledged €170 million towards the health and humanitarian response, according to RFI. The support comes as DRC government figures show the outbreak has led to 837 confirmed cases and 196 deaths, as reported by Deutsche Welle.

Lahbib's visit to Bunia, the provincial capital, coincided with the arrival of 100 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including medicine, tents, and protective gear. The EU said it had established a "humanitarian air bridge" with UNICEF to deliver the supplies to the hard-to-reach Ituri province.

Key claims

  • The Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC has led to 837 confirmed cases and 196 deaths, according to DRC government figures cited by Deutsche Welle.
  • The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there is no approved vaccine, as noted by RFI.
  • The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak an international health emergency.
  • The EU has flown in 100 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Ituri province, with five more flights planned, as stated by Lahbib.
  • The conflict between the Congolese government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has complicated containment efforts, according to RFI.

Perspectives

Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management: Described the situation as a "health emergency" and stressed the importance of presence and solidarity. "Not only through the supplies we send or the emergency funding we provide, but also by being present. This has an impact. It builds confidence," she said during a visit to a treatment centre near Nyakunde.

Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President: Emphasised the shared nature of health security, stating, "Countries can better protect their citizens by acting together."

The WHO has reported an additional 19 cases in neighbouring Uganda, and the DRC health ministry said 598 cases and 115 deaths had been confirmed as of 9 June, according to RFI.