Congo Politician Killed After Radio Talk on Ebola Prevention

Marie-Célestin Karondwa, a local political leader in Butembo, Democratic Republic of Congo, was beaten to death after taking part in a radio show about Ebola prevention. The attack happened on September 27, 2026, shortly after his broadcast on Radio Mwangaza, where he urged people to follow measures to stop the spread of the disease.

Karondwa held an important role in the ruling party UDPS as acting president of its federal electoral commission in Butembo and was also a party spokesperson. The attackers not only beat him but also stole his belongings and set his home on fire. He later died from his injuries.

It is not yet clear who was behind the attack or why exactly it happened. The party claims Karondwa was targeted because of his public support for Ebola awareness, but no official investigation results have been released so far.

This violent incident comes amid a growing wave of attacks against Ebola response teams in the region. Just a day before, armed men attacked a handwashing checkpoint in nearby Beni territory, killing one person and injuring others.

The Ebola outbreak in the DRC, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has infected over 8,000 people and killed nearly 4,000 since it began in May 2026. There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this virus, which makes community cooperation crucial to controlling the disease.

Efforts to fight Ebola in Butembo and surrounding areas have been complicated by mistrust, conflict, and violence. The death of Karondwa highlights the dangers faced by those promoting health measures and the urgent need for calm and cooperation to stop the outbreak.