The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Head of MONUSCO, James Swan, visited Bunia, capital of Ituri province, on Thursday, 4 June 2026, to assess the progress of the response to the Ebola virus disease and reaffirm the United Nations’ support to the Congolese authorities.
“I have come to Bunia today primarily to express my solidarity with the people of Ituri, particularly the communities affected by the Ebola outbreak, and to reaffirm the support of the United Nations to the Congolese authorities in responding to this public health emergency,” said James Swan following his meeting with the military governor of Ituri, General Johnny Luboya Nkashama.
The Head of MONUSCO was accompanied by the Force Commander, General Ulisses de Mesquita Gomes. Upon arrival, they were welcomed by the Head of the MONUSCO Office in Ituri, Josiah Obat, along with Brigadier General Saiful Alam Bhuiyan, Commander of the Mission’s Northern Sector.
During his visit, James Swan received briefings on the epidemiological situation, as well as on efforts by United Nations agencies, funds, and programmes, in collaboration with national and international partners, to contain the spread of the virus.
In his meeting with the provincial authority, discussions focused on the ongoing response, the needs of affected communities, and operational challenges, including humanitarian access and security.
“With the military governor of Ituri, our discussions focused on the ongoing Ebola response, the needs of the affected communities, as well as the importance of ensuring that health workers, humanitarian actors and response teams can reach those in need of assistance,” the Special Representative emphasized.
Tribute to frontline responders
James Swan commended the efforts of the Congolese authorities and all those involved in the fight against Ebola, paying tribute to frontline personnel.
“I commend the efforts of the provincial authorities; the Ministry of Health and all partners engaged on the front lines of this response. I would also like to pay tribute to the health workers, community volunteers, humanitarian partners, and local authorities who are working tirelessly to contain the outbreak and protect the population. Their courage and commitment are essential,” he said.
He also warned against the harmful impact of misinformation on response efforts.
“In these difficult times, it is essential that communities have access to clear, verified, and reliable information. Rumours and misinformation can increase fear, delay access to care and further expose communities and response teams. MONUSCO, including through Radio Okapi, will continue to support public information and community awareness efforts in coordination with the competent health authorities,” he added.
MONUSCO’s critical logistical support
Since 18 May 2026, just two days after the outbreak was officially declared, MONUSCO has significantly stepped up its logistical support to the response. To date, more than 110 tons of medical supplies and equipment have been airlifted to Bunia through cargo flights from Nairobi and Kinshasa.
The Mission has also provided mobility assets, including ambulances, utility vehicles, motorcycles, and armored vehicles, to support operations on the ground and facilitate the deployment of experts and equipment.
“MONUSCO supports the government-led response within its mandate and capacities, in close coordination with WHO, OCHA and other United Nations partners. Our role is that of an operational facilitator, including by supporting logistics, mobility, and access for response teams, as well as the delivery of medical supplies and equipment, particularly in areas where insecurity and remoteness pose additional challenges,” James Swan recalled.
Two office spaces have also been set up in Bunia to provide secure working environments for the World Health Organization (WHO).
Strong collaboration with national authorities
The military governor of Ituri praised the quality of collaboration with MONUSCO, describing it as “excellent.”
“We are working with MONUSCO on several fronts: first, logistics — MONUSCO supports the transport of medical supplies and personnel to affected areas, including Mongbwalu; second, communication — we coordinate messages to combat misinformation and raise community awareness; and finally, security — we jointly plan operations to protect populations, medical personnel and treatment centres,” said General Johnny Luboya.
Sustained focus on security priorities
The Head of MONUSCO emphasized that, despite the focus on Ebola, the Mission remains fully committed to its core mandate, particularly the protection of civilians in a still volatile security environment.
“I would like to underscore that we continue to address other threats in Ituri, including those posed by armed groups such as the ADF. Deployments and military operations are ongoing in close collaboration with the FARDC,” he stated.
Strengthening health response capacity
Before returning to Kinshasa, James Swan visited the Level II hospital operated by Moroccan peacekeepers, as well as the Ebola treatment and isolation centre established by MONUSCO at its Ndoromo base on the outskirts of Bunia.
This facility includes medical personnel and specialized equipment provided by the Kingdom of Morocco. Two additional centres of the same kind are currently being established in Beni and Goma to further strengthen the response capacity to the outbreak.
Jean-Tobie Okala
