In response to the resurgence of Ebola virus disease in Ituri Province, Congolese authorities, with the support of international partners, are stepping up efforts to secure response operations. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) is reinforcing its presence on the ground, notably through the deployment of a mobile military base in Mongbwalu, Djugu Territory, one of the epicenters of the outbreak.
Since Thursday, 4 June 2026, MONUSCO peacekeepers from the Bangladeshi contingent have been positioned in this strategic area. The initiative aims to strengthen the protection of humanitarian workers, medical teams, and health facilities engaged in the fight against Ebola, in a context marked by ongoing security challenges, misinformation, and mistrust among some communities regarding response activities.
A reassuring presence
The presence of UN forces comes in a particularly fragile environment, where incidents involving armed groups and community resistance have affected the implementation of health interventions in response to the outbreak. In some localities, armed actors have even questioned the existence of the disease, disrupting patient care protocols and safe and dignified burials.
“They have been very well received by the population; the presence of peacekeepers is a positive development. The people of Mongbwalu are already traumatized by war, and now by Ebola. MONUSCO’s presence is very reassuring and shows that the international community in general, and MONUSCO in particular, stand with them,” said Baby Anecho, a human rights defender and territorial coordinator of the NGO Justice et Dignité pour Tous, based in Mongbwalu.
He added: “The presence of peacekeepers discourages some skeptical residents, and especially armed groups claiming that Ebola does not exist, who were attempting to attack civilians—particularly in the Sao neighborhood, where whenever someone died, they would arrive with weapons to forcibly take the body and bury it themselves, supposedly in a dignified manner. MONUSCO peacekeepers have put an end to this practice. Health workers feel safer. We see them patrolling around the Mongbwalu General Hospital, the treatment and isolation center, and in Bata near the airport. Their presence is truly reassuring for the population.”
Protect civilians andsupport humanitarian efforts
Beyond Mongbwalu, security measures have also been reinforced in other affected areas, notably in Bunia and the Rwampara health zone. In these locations, the Congolese National Police has been deployed to guard Ebola treatment centers and prevent incidents that could jeopardize patient care.
The joint commitment of the Congolese authorities, MONUSCO, and response partners reflects an integrated approach that combines health response and security stabilization. This coordination is essential to contain the spread of the virus, rebuild community trust, and protect the most vulnerable populations.
In this context, MONUSCO reaffirms its mandate to protect civilians and its support for humanitarian and health efforts, thereby contributing to the fight against Ebola and the long-term stabilization of Ituri Province.
Further demonstrating MONUSCO’s sustained commitment to combating Ebola, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of MONUSCO, James Swan, visited Bunia on Thursday, 4 June 2026.
During his field visit, he reviewed the progress of Ebola response operations and reiterated the United Nations’ support to the Congolese authorities in their efforts to contain the outbreak.
Jean-Tobie OKALA
