The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned public gatherings across four key provinces as authorities move to contain a deadly Ebola outbreak.
The emergency restrictions also extend to the capital, Kinshasa, a densely populated city where health officials report rising infections.
The measures come just days before a large political demonstration was planned for July 8, where protesters intended to oppose proposed constitutional changes.
The timing has triggered political tension, with opposition figures accusing the government of using the health emergency to restrict public expression.
Critics argue the ban could be exploited to limit dissent under the pretext of disease control.
As the outbreak spreads alongside growing political unrest, the country faces a deepening overlap of public health concerns and heightened political confrontation.