A senior member of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's ruling UDPS party was beaten to death on Sunday after appearing on a radio show to raise awareness about the Ebola outbreak in Butembo, according to a party statement reported by Reuters.
Key facts
- Marie-Celestin Karondwa was attacked on Sunday, his party says.
- He was acting president of the UDPS federal executive committee in Butembo.
- The attack came after he promoted Ebola prevention measures on a radio show.
- Butembo is described as a new hotspot for the outbreak.
- The account was given by the UDPS federation in the city, reported by Reuters.
A senior member of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s ruling party was beaten to death on Sunday after appearing on a radio programme to raise awareness about the Ebola outbreak, a party representative has said.
The victim was Marie-Celestin Karondwa, the acting president of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) party’s federal executive committee in Butembo, according to the Guardian.
Butembo has become a new hotspot for the outbreak, the report said. Karondwa was attacked after taking part in a radio show during which he promoted prevention measures for the disease.
The account of the killing was given by the UDPS federation in the city, which set out the circumstances in a statement, Reuters reported.
The available details do not identify who carried out the attack or state a motive beyond the timing of the assault following his radio appearance.
Why it matters
The killing highlights the dangers faced by public figures and health advocates working to contain Ebola in the DRC, where mistrust and resistance can surround outbreak-response efforts. Attacks on those promoting prevention measures can undermine public health campaigns at a critical moment.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Marie-Celestin Karondwa?
He was the acting president of the ruling UDPS party's federal executive committee in Butembo, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
What happened to him?
According to his party, he was beaten to death on Sunday after appearing on a radio programme in which he promoted Ebola prevention measures.
Where did this take place?
In Butembo, which the reports describe as a new hotspot for the Ebola outbreak in the DRC.