As the Ebola outbreak continues in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, concerns are mounting in Aru Territory, Ituri Province, where border restrictions with Uganda and South Sudan are disrupting trade and threatening livelihoods in one of the region’s most important commercial hubs.
The ongoing Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province is beginning to take a significant toll not only on public health but also on the local economy. In Aru Territory, a strategic border area heavily dependent on cross-border trade, residents and local leaders are increasingly worried about the economic consequences of restrictions imposed to contain the spread of the virus.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony between outgoing and incoming military governors of Ituri, provincial assembly bureau member Maître Tabani warned that the outbreak is already affecting economic activities that sustain thousands of households in the territory.
According to him, the closure of borders with neighboring Uganda and South Sudan has severely disrupted commercial exchanges, reducing the movement of
goods, traders and travelers that traditionally drive economic growth in the area.
“Today, the border with Uganda is closed, and even the border with South Sudan is affected. This has a major impact on economic activities in Aru Territory,” he said. “Aru depends heavily on Uganda economically. Even the currency used in many transactions is the Ugandan currency.”
For decades, Aru has served as a vital commercial gateway linking northeastern DR Congo with East African markets. The territory’s economy relies extensively on cross-border trade, with merchants importing and exporting a wide range of goods across neighboring countries. The restrictions introduced as part of Ebola control measures have therefore raised concerns among traders and residents who depend on these activities for their income.
As authorities intensify efforts to prevent the outbreak from spreading further, local leaders are urging communities to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to public health recommendations.
Maître Tabani called on residents to observe preventive measures, warning that a worsening outbreak could trigger even greater economic hardship.
“I urge our population to respect barrier measures so that this disease does not further affect Aru,” he said. “We are already facing economic difficulties because of the current restrictions. If the number of cases increases, the consequences could become even more severe.”
The provincial lawmaker also expressed condolences to families affected by the disease and emphasized the need for collective action to contain the outbreak.
“The virus is here. It is in our province. Everyone must protect themselves and their relatives. Respect for preventive measures remains essential to stop the spread of the disease,” he added.
As Ituri remains the epicenter of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s 17th Ebola outbreak, health authorities continue to encourage residents to report suspected cases promptly and cooperate with response teams. Officials warn that effective community engagement will be crucial not only to protecting public health
