The World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in Ituri an international public health emergency, citing cross-border spread and initially referencing a confirmed case in Kinshasa. The Kinshasa case was later proven negative, prompting confusion and prompting Congolese health authorities to issue clarifications. WHO corrected its earlier communication, while experts from the national biomedical research institute confirmed the misclassification. Congo Check emphasized the need for careful verification amid a multisectoral response involving national and international health institutions. The case of the Kinshasa patient demonstrated the positive impact of community engagement, as the individual voluntarily reported to health authorities for testing after exposure concerns.

Images shared on social media as evidence of new April 2026 floods in Kinshasa are shown through reverse image searches to originate from April 2025. The photos were previously published by international outlets describing severe flooding caused by the Ndjili River. No credible media reported comparable recent flooding, indicating the claims are misleading and the images reused outside their original context.

A photo showing a poorly drawn leopard emblem circulated online with claims it was taken in the office of Vice Prime Minister and Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani. Verification by Congo Check established that the image was actually from the plenary hall of the Kwilu provincial assembly during a security council meeting chaired by Shabani. Both Shabani’s cabinet and the assembly confirmed the photo’s true origin, countering misinformation spread widely on social media.

Rwanda did not impose a lockdown following reports of suspected Ebola cases in Goma, despite claims circulating on social media. While Rwanda temporarily closed its border with Goma as a preventive measure, no suspected Ebola cases or confinement measures were identified on its territory. Rwandan journalists and official monitoring of the Health Ministry’s communications confirmed the absence of any such announcement. Daily life in Gisenyi continues normally, with only border restrictions in place to limit potential cross‑border transmission. The misinformation risks generating public panic and economic disruption, underscoring the need to rely on verified official sources.

False claims circulating online alleging that Kigali’s Kanombe Airport was closed or captured by the Congolese army are debunked. Flight-tracking platforms and on-site verification confirmed that the airport operated normally during the period in question. The spread of such misinformation occurred amid heightened tensions linked to the M23 conflict and cross-border shelling, risking confusion and unnecessary disruption for travelers.

A Facebook claim stating that the Democratic Republic of Congo would host the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations based on the validation of Stade des Martyrs by the Confederation of African Football was proven false. CAF has not approved the stadium and has confirmed Côte d’Ivoire as the official host, consistent with the schedule established after earlier tournament rescheduling. Qualifiers for the 2024 event are ongoing, with 15 teams already qualified and the final tournament set to take place in five Ivorian cities from January to February 2024.

A viral claim in the Democratic Republic of Congo alleged that Rwandan representatives were violently expelled from the BRICS summit in South Africa. Verification shows the claim is false: Rwanda participated normally in the summit, and the circulating video is from Kenya in June 2020, depicting lawyers for Governor Charity Ngilu being expelled from the assembly during COVID‑19 restrictions. The misleading claim emerged in a context of heightened tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, with misinformation increasing alongside reports accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels.

Viral social‑media posts falsely claimed that GIMS compared the rappers Ténor and Didi B, praising Ténor as the best francophone African rapper. Congo Check found no interview, media report or credible source supporting these statements. The supposed quotes originated from pages such as Onyx Music Actu and were widely shared despite being fabricated. No public remarks by GIMS address such a comparison, and music‑industry media have not reported any. The report emphasizes verifying information before sharing to prevent the spread of false claims that could harm reputations.

A claim circulating on Facebook falsely attributed a retirement announcement to Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after his anterior cruciate ligament injury. Official club channels, reputable sports media and Courtois’ own social media accounts confirm he is undergoing surgery and will be absent for months, but has not ended his career. The only message he posted expressed determination to recover. No credible outlet has reported his retirement, and he remains part of the Real Madrid squad while the club searches for temporary goalkeeper reinforcement.

A Facebook post falsely claimed that Chancel Mbemba won the 2023 African Ballon d’Or. Congo Check verified that the CAF has not yet announced a winner and the award ceremony is scheduled for December 11 in Morocco. Mbemba has not made any such announcement on his official accounts and remains only one of the nominees. Users are urged to verify information with official sources to avoid spreading misinformation.