Travel restrictions to the Democratic Republic of the Congo linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the country's northeastern region are disrupting critical minerals cooperation between the United States and Congo, Reuters reported on July 15, based on conversations with one diplomatic and two consulting sources. Sources said travel disruptions had resulted in the cancellation of a planned investor meeting and the postponement of deal discussions, although the U.S. State Department reiterated to Reuters its commitment to advancing the United States' critical mineral partnership with Congo.