Congolese Politician Beaten To Death After Ebola Awareness Campaign

A Congolese politician has been killed after reportedly being attacked by residents while promoting awareness about the Ebola outbreak during a radio interview in North Kivu province.

Marie-Celestin Karondwa, a member of the ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), was attacked on Sunday in Butembo, according to the party.

The UDPS said Karondwa was beaten, robbed of his belongings and had his house set on fire. It alleged that he was targeted for supporting the party’s position on the existence of Ebola and warning residents about the disease.

His death comes amid growing mistrust surrounding the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where health workers and response teams have faced attacks. Some hospitals have also reportedly been set on fire.

More than 8,000 Ebola cases have been confirmed in the country since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, with nearly 4,000 deaths recorded, according to the report.

Health authorities and response teams have continued efforts to contain the outbreak despite resistance and violence in some affected communities.