Congolese politician killed after Ebola awareness broadcast in Butembo

Marie-Célestin Karondwa, a local official of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s ruling UDPS party, died after being assaulted in Butembo following a radio programme about preventing Ebola. The party said in a statement reported by the Congolese Press Agency that the attack happened on Sunday, 27 September, after Karondwa returned from Radio Mwangaza. The party also said his home and possessions were set on fire.

Reuters and the Guardian reported the party’s account. The assailants have not been identified publicly, and the reason for the attack has not been established. The timing after the broadcast does not by itself prove that Karondwa was killed because of his public-health message. The local party federation called for an investigation and urged residents to remain calm.

Butembo is among the areas affected by Congo’s current Ebola outbreak. Health measures depend in part on public trust and people being willing to share accurate information, making attacks around the response especially troubling. The Guardian reported that health workers and facilities have faced other incidents amid rumours and mistrust. An inquiry into this killing will need to establish the attackers and motive before any direct connection to resistance against Ebola prevention can be stated as fact.