Following security incidents in Biakato, Democratic Republic of Congo, an increase in security – including armed military forces – have been deployed around and within health structures. The presence of arms and weapons in hospitals and clinics has resulted in Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) taking the difficult decision to stop medical activities – including those related to Ebola – in Biakato.

“We are no longer able to work in accordance with our principles of neutrality and impartiality,” said Ewenn Chenard, Emergency Coordinator for MSF. “We regret this decision, but the presence of armed forces around and within the health structures of Biakato goes against our principles.”

MSF has been working with the people of Biakato, located in DRC’s northeastern Ituri province, since 2016, supporting the Ministry of Health. Initially, our activities were dedicated to assisting victims of sexual violence.

However, since the start of the Ebola epidemic, we have expanded our operations, managing not only suspected and confirmed cases of Ebola, and implementing hygiene and infection control measures in several health facilities in the region, but also by offering free basic healthcare and paediatric hospital-based care.

The security deployment in the Biakato region follows the tragic events of 27 to 28 November 2019, during which three Ebola responders were murdered.

“We are aware that a solution is needed to ensure the protection of people and the safety of medical personnel after the tragic events of November,” said Chenard. “However, we firmly believe that military presence in health facilities undermines the neutrality and impartiality of medical aid. It is essential that health structures remain free of weapons so that communities feel safe to come and seek care.”