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Rioters have burnt down Ebola treatment tents at a hospital in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo following rising tensions linked to the latest outbreak of the disease.
The incident happened at Rwampara Hospital in Ituri province, where health workers are struggling to contain the spread of Ebola in the midst of fear, anger, and misinformation.
According to AFP, officials said the violence began after the death of a 24-year-old patient, the son of a soldier, whose family demanded the body for burial.
“The family wanted us to hand over his body so that they can bury him, but given the circumstances, that’s impossible,” a hospital official said.
The situation quickly escalated into a riot, forcing soldiers to step in and fire warning shots to restore order. Tents used to isolate Ebola patients were set on fire, leaving only burnt remains, according to hospital staff. Security forces have now been deployed to protect medical teams and oversee burials of suspected Ebola victims.
“He was just sick, let the government come to our aid!” said a grieving relative, insisting the disease is being misunderstood.
Health workers later carried out controlled burials of three suspected Ebola victims using protective gear, as families watched from a distance.
Recall, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the Bundibugyo strain linked to the outbreak has no approved vaccine or treatment, making containment difficult. Officials say the outbreak has already caused more than 177 suspected deaths, while contact tracing and strict precautions remain the main response tools.
However, local residents continue to express fear and distrust, with some questioning whether Ebola is real and others blaming authorities for poor communication. The medical staff say the lack of isolation facilities and ongoing insecurity are making the outbreak harder to control in rural areas.
