Four rescuers injured in clashes during Ebola victim's burial in Bunia

Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo – Four Red Cross workers sustained serious injuries on Monday, June 1, during violent clashes at the Nyamurongo cemetery in Bunia. The incident occurred during the burial of an individual who had died from Ebola, as angry youths attempted to forcibly open the coffin.

The confrontation escalated when community members and colleagues of the deceased demanded to open the coffin to verify the body's presence. Red Cross responders, tasked with ensuring a secure burial according to Ebola response protocols, refused this request. These protocols strictly prohibit direct contact with bodies of Ebola victims to prevent further spread of the virus. Despite attempts by the volunteers to explain the preventive measures, they were met with physical violence from the crowd.

Witnesses reported that some individuals succeeded in opening the coffin, exposing the body and significantly increasing the risk of virus transmission within the community. This breach of protocol was reportedly fueled by misinformation circulating on social media, specifically a viral video falsely claiming the coffin was empty. Several local socio-political leaders and provincial deputies have strongly condemned the attacks, labeling them dangerous to public health.

"We must respect the medical staff, because even within the medical corps, there are victims. Ebola attacks everyone," stated Jean-Pierre Bikilisende, a notable figure and provincial deputy of Ituri. He stressed the unacceptability of attacking personnel who are risking their lives to protect the community. In response to the gravity of the situation, opinion leaders are calling for immediate public awareness. Sources indicate that an individual who touched the deceased's body has been placed in quarantine as a precautionary measure against contamination.

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We must respect the medical staff, because even within the medical corps, there are victims. Ebola attacks everyone.