Ebola: Belgium Refuses to Follow U.S. Travel Restrictions on Travelers from the DRC
Brussels Maintains Confidence in WHO Recommendations
Belgium does not intend to align itself with the travel restrictions requested by the United States in response to the Ebola outbreak.
According to reports published by Belgian newspapers De Morgen and Het Laatste Nieuws, the Belgian government has chosen to continue following the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), despite pressure from Washington.
Belgian Minister of Public Health Frank Vandenbroucke declined a request made by U.S. Ambassador Bill White. This decision highlights a difference in approach between Brussels and Washington regarding the management of Ebola-related health risks.
The United States Seeks Stricter Controls
According to Belgian media, the U.S. administration has asked several European countries to adopt restrictions similar to those already implemented in the United States.
Washington reportedly wants to limit the entry of travelers from countries affected by the outbreak, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
American diplomats stationed in Europe have allegedly been instructed to encourage host governments to strengthen health controls and travel restrictions.
World Cup Concerns
The initiative comes ahead of the FIFA World Cup being hosted in the United States.
American authorities fear that the arrival of millions of international supporters could increase the risk of virus transmission within the country.
Although no Ebola cases have been reported in the United States, Washington is pursuing a preventive approach to avoid any potential health threat during the global sporting event.
Restrictions Already in Place
Since mid-May, travelers who have recently stayed in the DRC or Uganda have been prohibited from entering the United States unless they are American citizens or permanent residents.
According to Belgian media reports, Washington has even suggested the possibility of imposing restrictions on certain European countries that refuse to adopt similar measures.
The DRC at the Center of the Debate
For the Democratic Republic of Congo, these discussions come at a time of heightened health vigilance.
Any expansion of travel restrictions could affect the international mobility of Congolese citizens and impact exchanges with several foreign partners.
While Brussels continues to favor the WHO’s scientific recommendations, the debate remains open between advocates of stricter preventive measures and supporters of an evidence-based international response.
MB – Le Soir – RFI
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