Death of Butembo UDPS Official Fuels Calls for Answers Amid Ebola Mistrust

Mourners gathered in Butembo on Wednesday to remember Marie-Célestin Karondwa, a local official of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) who died three days after being violently attacked on his way home.

Karondwa’s death has left residents shaken and prompted calls for an investigation. His family is seeking answers over the attack, while health authorities continue to face mistrust over the Ebola response in North Kivu.

Family demands accountability

Karondwa had appeared on local radio before the assault, speaking about Ebola and political issues. He was later attacked while returning home and died three days afterward. His house was subsequently set on fire.

The identity of those responsible, as well as the motive for the attack and the fire, has not been established. It is also not clear whether an official investigation has been opened.

Katembo Fataki, Karondwa’s uncle, called on the government to pursue those responsible.

“We want to know who carried out this act and we want the government to deal with those responsible. We want the truth,” Fataki said.

Jean-Baptiste Katsongo, a UDPS official, described Karondwa’s death as a profound loss.

“I am deeply saddened and devastated by the loss of a true fighter. It is an enormous loss that leaves us speechless,” Katsongo said.

Karondwa was buried in his native Lubero.

Mistrust over Ebola response

The mourning came as health workers continued to confront suspicion among some residents over efforts to address Ebola in North Kivu. Medical workers say some people believe health teams receive financial benefits for discussing the disease, an allegation they reject.

Dr. Kalima Nzanzu, chief medical officer at Matanda General Referral Hospital, said the belief was unfounded.

“But people think that when we talk about Ebola, it means we have been paid to do this, and that is completely untrue,” Nzanzu said.

Karondwa’s killing has therefore intensified demands for accountability while highlighting the broader challenge of building trust between communities and health workers. The available information does not establish that the attack was connected to the Ebola response.