Congo’s AFC/M23 rebels have used a small Ebola outbreak in territory they control to demonstrate their ability to govern, mounting a response largely separate from authorities in Kinshasa and supported in part by neighboring Rwanda.
Rebel Response
The rebels have extended parallel administrative structures into areas captured during a lightning advance last year, and their response has highlighted how they have managed to contain the outbreak in their territory.
The rebel-held areas recorded four Ebola cases after the outbreak was declared on May 15, and late last month, AFC/M23 declared the outbreak over in its territory after a 21-day monitoring period without new cases.
International Support
Rwanda has provided support to the rebels, deploying six specialists to Goma, including experts in surveillance, laboratories, logistics, and safe burials.
The Rwanda Biomedical Center has supplied $6,891 worth of materials and medicines, while Gisenyi Hospital across the border has provided a further $85,467 worth of supplies, largely protective equipment.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
