Congolese Politician Killed After Advocating Ebola Measures

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A senior member of the ruling party in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was beaten to death by a mob shortly after advocating for stronger measures against the Ebola outbreak, according to local reports. Marie-Celestin Karondwa, acting president of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) party in the city of Butembo, was attacked outside his home following a radio appearance where he urged people to take the threat of Ebola more seriously.

Context of the Outbreak

The Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, which began in Ituri province, has spread to North Kivu, where the latest update shows 1,523 cases and 906 deaths. The total number of infections in the DRC has surpassed 8,000, with 3,901 known fatalities. The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) has expressed concerns that the DRC is losing ground against the virus due to a shortage of health workers, public harassment of clinics, and delays in patient treatment.

Challenges in Public Response

The W.H.O. report highlights the persistent challenges in timely case detection and access to early and adequate patient care, especially in communities where the death rate remains high. Karondwa addressed these issues in his radio appearance, calling for a more serious approach to combating the disease. However, his efforts were met with violence, as he was attacked by a mob that robbed him, beat him, and set his house on fire. Karondwa later died from his injuries.

Public Skepticism and Resistance

UDPS described Karondwa as an innocent victim for defending the party’s position on the existence of the Ebola virus disease and its threat to the population. Many Congolese do not believe Ebola is real, with some even suspecting it is a biological weapon spread by government doctors or foreign interests. This skepticism has led to attacks on treatment centers, particularly when families demand the return of an Ebola victim’s body for traditional burial.

Unclear Motives and Ongoing Concerns

Reuters reported that it was not immediately clear who carried out the attack or what motivated it. The mayor of Butembo has not responded to requests for comment. Additionally, a hand-washing checkpoint in nearby Beni was attacked by armed men on Saturday, resulting in at least one fatality and several injuries. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges in controlling the outbreak and addressing public resistance to health measures.

Source: Breitbart