Congolese Politician Killed Amid Ebola Mistrust in Butembo

Marie-Celestin Karondwa, a politician from the ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) party, was reportedly beaten to death in Butembo, North Kivu province, after speaking about Ebola during a radio interview.

According to the UDPS, Karondwa was attacked on Sunday by residents of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo city. The party said he was beaten, his belongings were stolen and his house was set on fire.

The UDPS said Karondwa was targeted because he defended the party’s position that Ebola exists and poses a threat to the population. The account has been attributed to the party, and the supplied information does not identify alleged perpetrators or provide independent confirmation of the cause of death.

Violence linked to Ebola mistrust

The attack is described as the latest in a series of incidents linked to mistrust surrounding the Ebola outbreak. Health response teams have faced violence and abuse, while hospitals have also been set on fire, according to the source report.

Concerns over Ebola awareness and response efforts have emerged as health workers and other response teams work in an environment marked by suspicion. The available information does not provide details of arrests or an investigation into Karondwa’s death.

Deadly outbreak

More than 8,000 cases of Ebola have been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, according to the source report. Close to 4,000 people have died from the disease.

Karondwa’s killing highlights the security challenges surrounding public health efforts in North Kivu, where misinformation and mistrust have contributed to attacks against those involved in the response. The source does not name the radio station or programme where Karondwa discussed Ebola.