In a move that sources confirm was forced by the resurgence of Ebola, the Democratic Republic of Congo has banned all public gatherings. The decree, issued late last night, shuts down markets, churches, and political rallies in the affected eastern provinces. This comes as the World Health Organisation, funded in part by UK taxpayers, scrambles to contain an outbreak that has already claimed 12 lives.
The timing is brutal. British-backed health initiatives, including a £50 million programme to strengthen local health systems, are now facing collapse as staff are redeployed and supply chains are severed. Uncovered documents show that the UK's Department for International Development had been warned of the risks of the virus crossing borders from neighbouring Uganda.
Officials in Kinshasa are now accusing foreign aid workers of spreading the disease. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and there are reports of bodies being left in the streets. The UK government has refused to comment, but insiders tell me that plans are being drawn up to evacuate British nationals.
This is a crisis in the making. The ban on gatherings will choke the local economy and starve communities of news. And with the UK's own health systems under pressure, there is little appetite for another overseas commitment.
The money trail leads straight to Whitehall. And it leads to questions about how many more lives will be lost before this is over. I am Marcus Stone, and I will be following this story.
For now. I am signing off.
