Ebola Thrives in DR Congo's Chaos. The World May Soon Pay the Price
Summary
Multiple armed conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are making it hard to control a worsening Ebola outbreak that has already killed over 1,000 people. The violence disrupts health efforts and risks spreading the disease to nearby countries and beyond.Key Facts
- The DRC has a population of over 120 million people and is about the size of several large European countries combined.
- The country has suffered decades of wars and conflicts, causing over 6 million deaths mostly from disease and lack of medical care.
- An Ebola outbreak in the DRC has infected over 2,500 people and caused more than 1,000 deaths.
- The disease has spread from the DRC to neighboring Uganda.
- Violence and insecurity prevent health workers from reaching some areas to provide vaccines and monitor the outbreak.
- Fighting involves government forces, rebel groups like M23 supported by Rwanda, and other armed groups including the ADF, which has links to ISIS.
- Experts warn the ongoing conflict and Ebola outbreak could cause regional instability and increase the risk of cases appearing in other countries, including the U.S.
- The government of the DRC is led by President Félix Tshisekedi and is supported by some militias in the fight against rebel groups.
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