Growing fears over the Ebola outbreak in East Africa have pushed regional governments and international health agencies into high alert, as infections continue to rise in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda while Rwanda insists that its borders remain open under strict health surveillance.
The clarification came after widespread reports suggested that Rwanda had shut down border crossings with DR Congo, particularly in the western districts of Rubavu and Rusizi, following the resurgence of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in eastern Congo.
Rwanda’s Deputy Government Spokesperson, Uwera Jean Maurice, said authorities had not closed the border but were enforcing tighter preventive measures for anyone traveling between the two countries.
“Even though the borders are open, caution is required for crossing because traveling to a country where the epidemic has been detected demands prudence; travelers are required to notify the authorities, and traders should operate within their respective cooperative groups.” he stated on X.
He added that all travelers entering or leaving Rwanda are being screened as part of efforts to prevent the deadly virus from crossing into the country.
On May 15, 2026, the Africa CDC confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo. A day later, the World Health Organization announced that the outbreak had spread to Uganda, warning neighboring countries of a heightened regional risk.
According to WHO, more than 513 suspected cases have already been recorded in DR Congo, where at least 131 people are believed to have died. Uganda has also confirmed one Ebola-related death.
The situation has sparked diplomatic tensions between Kigali and Kinshasa after Congolese officials criticized reports of Rwanda’s border restrictions, arguing that border closures during outbreaks violate international health regulations.
DR Congo’s Health Minister, Roger Kamba, accused Rwanda of taking measures inconsistent with international protocols.
“Rwanda does not have the right to close its borders. This is because international health regulations state that border closures are not allowed during an epidemic. It is essential to let the movement of people and goods continue, while implementing general public health measures.” he told reporters.
The tensions intensified after an Ebola patient was identified in the border city of Goma before later dying from the disease, prompting heightened vigilance along Rwanda’s western frontier.
DR Congo’s Communication Minister and government spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, also insisted there was no justification for Rwanda to close its borders.
He further stated that for Ebola containment efforts in Goma to succeed, “Abanyarwanda n’abo bakorana” should leave Congolese territory.
Meanwhile, WHO says the outbreak is expanding more aggressively than initially anticipated, especially in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, including the cities of Bunia and Goma.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the scale of transmission is becoming increasingly concerning.
“The infection rate in the DRC is much more severe than previously expected,” he said.
Uganda has already confirmed two Ebola infections in Kampala, including one fatality involving travelers linked to DR Congo. WHO also revealed that an American aid worker infected in Congo had been transferred to Germany for treatment.
Health officials fear the actual number of infections could be significantly higher because the virus had likely been circulating undetected before the outbreak was officially identified.
WHO further noted that ongoing insecurity in eastern Congo is severely complicating response efforts. Fighting in Ituri province has displaced more than 100,000 people since late 2025, making disease surveillance and emergency response increasingly difficult.
The agency confirmed that the current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists.
Although WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the organization stressed that it does not yet qualify as a full-scale global emergency.
“We had to take urgent measures to prevent mass casualties and to seek international assistance,” Dr. Tedros explained.
WHO believes the regional threat level across East Africa remains high, although the global risk is still considered low.
In Rwanda, the Ministry of Health has continued to reassure citizens that no Ebola cases have been detected inside the country so far.
Authorities say screening operations at border posts have been intensified, awareness campaigns expanded, and emergency response teams placed on standby in case infections are detected.
The ministry said: “Healthcare workers are vigilant, and disease surveillance systems have been strengthened to ensure early detection and rapid response whenever necessary.”
Rwanda also pledged continued cooperation with regional and international health partners to safeguard public health and prevent the spread of the outbreak across its territory.
