UDPS Politician Beaten to Death Over Ebola Awareness in DR Congo
Marie-Celestin Karondwa, a member of DR Congo's ruling UDPS party, was beaten to death by residents in Butembo for advocating Ebola awareness during a radio interview. This attack reflects growing mistrust and violence linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in North Kivu province, where over 8,000 cases have been confirmed since May.
Marie-Celestin Karondwa, a Congolese politician from the ruling UDPS party, was beaten to death on Sunday in Butembo, North Kivu province, after promoting Ebola awareness during a radio interview.
The UDPS party reported that Karondwa was attacked by local residents, had his belongings stolen, and his house set on fire. The party stated he was killed because he defended the existence of the Ebola virus disease and the threat it poses to the population.
This incident is part of a disturbing pattern of violence and mistrust surrounding the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo. Health workers and response teams have faced attacks, and hospitals have been targeted and set on fire.
Since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, more than 8,000 cases of Ebola have been confirmed in the country, with nearly 4,000 deaths, primarily in North Kivu province.