Debate over constitutional reform is gathering momentum in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with both political figures and senior Catholic clergy arguing that the country's legal framework should reflect today's political and social realities. Priests from the Archdiocese of Kananga have expressed support for the possibility of a lawful constitutional revision, stressing that any reform must follow democratic procedures and serve the national interest rather than partisan objectives. At the same time, political leaders have argued that the current Constitution, adopted in 2006, no longer adequately addresses the country's evolving governance challenges, security threats and development priorities. The discussion remains politically sensitive. President Félix Tshisekedi has previously suggested that parts of the Constitution may require updating, while opposition parties have warned against reforms they believe could alter the political balance ahead of future elections. Supporters insist that any revision must emerge through a broad national consensus and remain consistent with democratic principles.

DR Congo assumes rotating presidency of the UN Security Council

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for one month, placing Kinshasa at the centre of international discussions on global peace and security. The presidency gives the DRC responsibility for setting the Council's agenda, chairing meetings and facilitating negotiations among its members. Although the role rotates monthly, it provides an opportunity for the country to highlight issues of particular importance, including peacekeeping, conflict prevention, humanitarian crises and security challenges affecting Africa. The appointment comes as the DRC continues to confront armed conflict in the east, humanitarian pressures and regional diplomatic efforts involving the Great Lakes region. Holding the presidency also offers Kinshasa an opportunity to draw greater international attention to instability caused by armed groups, including the M23 rebellion and broader regional security concerns.

Government orders maximum Ebola surveillance in Ituri

Authorities have intensified Ebola prevention measures after the Military Governor of Ituri Province ordered maximum surveillance in the towns of Mongbwalu and Niania, following concerns over a possible resurgence of the virus. The directive includes strengthened health monitoring, increased screening, rapid reporting of suspected cases and closer coordination between provincial authorities and health agencies. Officials are seeking to prevent any spread by ensuring local health facilities remain prepared to identify and isolate potential infections quickly. The renewed alert reflects the DRC's long experience managing Ebola outbreaks. Health authorities continue to rely on surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and community engagement to minimise transmission risks, particularly in eastern provinces where insecurity often complicates public health responses.

South Africa's Ramaphosa visits Kinshasa in solidarity during Ebola response

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa travelled to Kinshasa in a show of solidarity as the Democratic Republic of the Congo responds to renewed Ebola concerns. The visit underscores growing regional cooperation on public health emergencies, recognising that infectious disease outbreaks can quickly become cross-border challenges. Ramaphosa's presence also reflects South Africa's support for regional coordination through the African Union and other continental institutions. Beyond health, the visit highlights the close political and diplomatic relationship between Pretoria and Kinshasa, with both governments continuing to cooperate on peace, security and regional integration in Central and Southern Africa.

Government strengthens security and trade agenda

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani arrived in Kisangani to chair an interprovincial security meeting and launch the recruitment of 1,600 new police officers, part of efforts to strengthen public security in the country's eastern provinces. Separately, Trade Minister Julien Paluku used a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, to urge member states to finalise outstanding tariff concessions under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He argued that completing the tariff negotiations is essential to unlocking greater intra-African trade and ensuring businesses across the continent benefit from the agreement. Together, the initiatives demonstrate Kinshasa's twin priorities of improving domestic security while advancing regional economic integration. As the DRC confronts armed conflict, public health threats and economic challenges simultaneously, officials argue that stronger institutions and deeper continental cooperation will be critical to the country's long-term stability and development.

In recent years, Uganda’s policy has faced significant shocks, arising mainly from foreign aid cuts which widened gaps in the access of critical social services like healthcare, education and clean water. Service providers such as World Food Programme, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Save the Children have substantially scaled down their operations, owing to budget shortfalls.

Now, a new crisis is disrupting the policy: the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Having been declared a public health emergency of international concern a fortnight ago, suspected Ebola cases in DRC have skyrocketed from just below 300 to 1,077 as of May 28, according to the Africa CDC , while Uganda’s confirmed cases have risen to seven. So far, DRC has recorded 246 suspected deaths, while Uganda has reported 1.

Experts warn that the Bundibugyo strain is highly transmittable and could claim many lives, as efforts to find a vaccine take shape.

In the last few days, inflows have overwhelmed the Nyakabande Transit Centre in Kisoro district, very close to the DRC-Uganda border. The huge numbers have worsened the risk of Ebola cases being imported by people fleeing armed violence. The centre currently accommodates over 1,775 refugees, more than twice its capacity – underscoring the heightened risk of disease spread.

As a public health measure, Uganda has temporarily closed its border with DRC, denying entry to hundreds fleeing gunfire and hunger.

“The only exceptions are authorised Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, food and cargo transportation, and security,” Dr Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, announced on Wednesday.

While this clearly passes for preventing the spread of Ebola, it signifies a shift in the country’s approach, pointing to the potential implications; notably, subjecting vulnerable groups like women and children to possible harm.

Zawadi Simbenzye, a refugee, confirms that despite the absence of intense fighting in some parts of eastern DRC, they “are facing generalised insecurity in form of gross human rights abuses such as rape, gender-based violence, economic exploitation through extortion and looting, abductions for ransom, forced recruitment among others.”

Therefore, the measure is problematic.

In fact, it might push migrants to explore informal border crossing, hampering efforts to curb virus spread across the region, a view shared by the World Health Organisation.

This crisis tests the resilience of Uganda’s refugee policy, highlighting the need to build more capacity in the area of pandemic response amid conflict-induced displacement. Response strategies must consider alternative funding sources in light of the ever-shifting priorities of foreign funders.

This is especially critical as the isolation centre at Nyakabande grapples with human resource and logistical shortages amid the downsizing of social services by local providers facing funding inefficiencies.

As a result, Ebola screening and the isolation of suspected infected persons have been impeded. Furthermore, it has put the lives of healthcare workers working with insufficient personal protective tools, on the line.

The overcrowding at transit centres is gravely concerning. The respective governments must move swiftly to set up more screening points and distribute subsidised protective tools such as face masks and hand sanitisers. To achieve this, they could explore public-private partnerships in order to boost local manufacturing of the materials. This will not only help solve the logistical challenges; it will also boost local industry and ultimately the economy.

What’s needed now is community engagement, to build public trust and avoid a repeat of nasty incidents in DRC where mobs set ablaze treatment tents, making the entire community vulnerable.

The article solely represents the views of Simpson Muhwezi, a Ugandan freelance writer and development practitioner.