Ebola in DR Congo: French Foreign Minister calls for increased aid
French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, traveled on October 3, 2026, to the Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to France 24, this visit aimed to demonstrate France's support in the face of the 17th Ebola epidemic the country is experiencing, which has become the deadliest in its history. The minister emphasized that the fight against viruses requires collective action, stating that it is imperative to eradicate these threats wherever they appear.
The health situation remains concerning with 8,300 recorded cases, including 4,018 deaths and 2,162 recoveries, representing a fatality rate of 48.4% according to Congolese authorities. While the virus is now circulating with less intensity in Ituri, it is spreading to other areas, notably North Kivu, according to virologist Jean-Jacques Muyembe. Between January and July 2026, France has already allocated 13.4 million euros to support health response efforts in seven provinces.
The management of the epidemic is facing major logistical and security challenges. Armed clashes in Ituri have caused the displacement of more than 5,000 people, hindering public health operations according to the UN. Furthermore, the mistrust of a portion of the local population complicates the tracking of cases. The minister visited the Rwampara treatment center, built by the NGO Alima, which currently has an occupancy rate of 24%.
During his stay, Jean-Noël Barrot met with President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa. The discussions also focused on judicial cooperation. The Congolese Ministry of Justice officially launched a 1.3 million euro project, supported by France, intended to facilitate access to justice for victims of conflict-related sexual violence. The minister also requested that light be shed on the death of Karine Buisset, a French humanitarian worker killed in March 2026.
Our perspective
The management of health crises in Africa cannot be limited to one-off aid. It requires strengthened sovereignty of African health systems and lasting political stability. International solidarity must be rooted in respect for populations and the protection of humanitarian actors, in order to guarantee the fundamental right to health for every Congolese citizen in the face of these trials.
This article was written in French with the help of artificial intelligence from the sources cited below, then translated from French automatically. Read the original.
