France is doubling down on its commitment to combating Ebola in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot making a rare visit to the hard-hit northeastern city of Bunia — the same city where a lab-confirmed mpox case was identified in mid-September. Barrot warned that without continued vigilance, Ebola could resurge rapidly, and pledged to push for additional humanitarian funding in upcoming French budget talks.

The visit underscores growing international concern about the outbreak's trajectory. Barrot praised Congolese authorities, UN agencies, and frontline medical workers for successfully containing the epidemic and preventing it from spreading to major urban centers. He also addressed fears following a reported case in France, urging calm while emphasizing the need to fight the virus at its source.

By the Numbers:

• €13.4 million (~$15.1 million) allocated by France to fight Ebola between January and July
• A national humanitarian conference in Paris on October 6 will include Ebola on the agenda
• France's support channels include humanitarian aid, medical research, and the PRISM programme launched during President Macron's 2023 visit

Why it matters: Ebola outbreaks in conflict-affected regions like eastern DRC are notoriously difficult to contain. France's increased financial and diplomatic engagement signals that global leaders are taking the resurgence risk seriously — and that sustained international funding remains critical to preventing a wider humanitarian crisis.