President Cyril Ramaphosa will travel to Kinshasa on Thursday for a high‑level African Union solidarity mission aimed at strengthening the continent’s response to the Ebola outbreak that continues to affect the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring Uganda.
The visit, undertaken in his capacity as the AU Champion for Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response, comes as the AU seeks to intensify coordination, mobilise resources and reinforce cross‑border preparedness amid rising infections.
The DRC is battling its latest Ebola outbreak, with cases reported across several eastern provinces and spillover risks prompting heightened surveillance in Uganda.
Health authorities and humanitarian agencies warn that fragile health systems, population movement and conflict‑affected areas have complicated containment efforts.
Uganda has activated emergency protocols following suspected cross‑border transmissions, underscoring the regional nature of the threat.
Ramaphosa is expected to hold talks with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and provide political stewardship for the AU’s Ebola response, including efforts to replenish the African Epidemic Fund.
Ramaphosa’s office said the mission aims to reinforce regional collaboration, strengthen preparedness and mobilise political, technical and financial support for outbreak containment.
“The mission will provide high-level political stewardship to strengthen a coordinated continental response to the Ebola outbreak, reinforce regional collaboration and cross-border preparedness, and mobilize political, technical, and financial commitments from African Union Member States and Partners,” the Presidency said in a statement.
AU Member States have pledged more than US$100 million, while global partners have committed over US$910 million. South Africa has contributed US$13.5 million.
JN/APA