The ICG has expressed alarm over the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo amid the Ebola virus disease outbreak, highlighting the deteriorating humanitarian situation and urging both the government and rebel groups to collaborate in addressing the spread of the virus.
The Congo has witnessed a spike in Ebola cases since an outbreak was declared May 15 in Ituri province. / Reuters The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes raised concern on Friday over continued conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo amid the recent Ebola virus disease outbreak in the country.
The ICG has representatives of Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and US. In a joint statement, the group said the Ebola outbreak in Congo adds to an already fragile humanitarian situation in the country.
“The ICG urges all parties to the conflict to facilitate efforts to respond to the Ebola outbreak. This threat underscores the importance of regional cooperation to address common challenges,” it said. The Congo has witnessed a spike in Ebola cases since an outbreak was declared May 15 in Ituri province, and the disease has since spread to North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. About 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths have been reported, according to the World Health Organization.
At least 82 cases and seven deaths have been confirmed. The Congolese government has suggested the virus poses a bigger threat in parts of the country occupied by M23 rebels because the group lacks experience in handling epidemics. The ICG, meanwhile, noted that the conflict in eastern Congo hampers regional stability and urged all parties to respect the ceasefire reached in October.
“The humanitarian situation must improve. Humanitarian relief personnel must be allowed safe, rapid and unimpeded access. The ICG calls on all parties to facilitate humanitarian access in line with international humanitarian law, including by working towards the sustained opening of the Goma and Kavumu airports, the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors in North and South Kivu, and simplified administrative procedures,” the statement said. The M23 has been at the centre of the conflict in eastern Congo.
The rebel group allegedly supported by neighbouring Rwanda, according to the UN and Western nations, controls significant territory in eastern Congo, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, which were seized early in 2025. Two Indian climbers die while descending Mount EverestPakistani interior minister holds fresh talks in Tehran on proposals to end US-Iran warNATO's Rutte says alliance on stronger path, less reliant on single allyIsrael kills six, including two paramedics, in latest air strikes on south LebanonUS puts $14 billion Taiwan arms sale on hold amid Iran war
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