Bunia Prison Hearings Suspended Amid Suspected Ebola Cases and Inmate Escape

Judicial activities at the Bunia central prison have been suspended until further notice by the Ituri High Court. The court announced on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, that it is halting all external hearings held within the prison premises. This decision stems from the urgent sanitary concerns following the detection of suspected Ebola cases among the inmate population.

The primary objective of this preventive measure is to curb the potential transmission and spread of the Ebola virus. Typically, these external hearings are conducted regularly to bring justice closer to the accused. Romain Kasongo, the president of the Ituri High Court, stated that judicial activities would resume once the health situation within the prison and the city improves.

This suspension follows a significant health incident where five inmates, identified as suspected Ebola cases, were transferred to Bunia General Hospital and Rwampara Hospital for treatment. However, these five individuals managed to escape from the medical facilities. Prison sources indicate that investigations are underway to locate the fugitives who are believed to be hiding within the community.

In response to the Ebola outbreak, enhanced sanitary measures have been implemented at the Bunia central prison. The facility has received personal protective equipment, chlorine, handwashing stations, and infrared thermometers. Awareness sessions are also being conducted for both prison staff and inmates. A coordination unit, comprising the WHO, MONUSCO's prison administration support unit, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), provincial authorities, and the Bunia health zone, has been established to monitor the situation.