Chaos Erupts at Congo Ebola Centre as Relatives Demand Release of Bodies
Tension flared in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo after a group of angry youths reportedly forced their way into a hospital treating Ebola patients, demanding the release of the bodies of deceased relatives.
The incident happened Sunday night at Mongbwalu General Hospital, where medical workers were hurriedly evacuating patients and staff amid reports of gunfire around the facility.
Hospital director Dr. Richard Lokudu said the attackers stormed the centre insisting that two bodies believed to belong to family members be handed over to them. Authorities did not immediately confirm if there were casualties during the unrest.
The latest disturbance adds to growing security concerns surrounding the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the country’s eastern region. Health facilities handling suspected Ebola cases have come under repeated attacks in recent days as frustrations rise over strict burial procedures and disease control measures.
Officials say Ebola victims remain highly infectious after death, prompting authorities to oversee burials to reduce further transmission. However, the restrictions have triggered anger among some families who want to conduct traditional funeral rites.
Earlier in the week, another treatment facility in Ituri Province was set ablaze after relatives were denied access to the body of a suspected Ebola victim. A separate attack also targeted a medical tent operated by Doctors Without Borders, forcing several suspected patients to flee.
The World Health Organization has described the outbreak risk within Congo as “very high,” although global risk remains low. Authorities recently announced tighter public health measures, including restrictions on large gatherings and funeral ceremonies in affected areas.
According to government figures, hundreds of suspected Ebola cases have now been recorded across northeastern Congo, with dozens of deaths linked to the outbreak. Health experts continue to express concern over the spread of the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which no approved vaccine currently exists.
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