Congo-Kinshasa: Former Rebel Fighters Join Campaign Against Ebola in the DR Congo

Twenty-seven former rebel fighters in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are actively combating the Ebola outbreak by engaging in public information campaigns in the eastern region. In Tchomia, located in Ituri Province, these demobilized combatants are serving as community mobilisers to promote behaviors that prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

The Ebola epidemic, caused by the Bundibugyo variant with no approved vaccine, has already claimed 2,000 lives nationwide and recently reached a sixth province, threatening to spread further. Conflict, poor infrastructure, and limited healthcare access have hampered efforts to contain the outbreak, which has spread to neighbouring South Sudan.

The UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, has supported the demobilization of former rebels, providing them with training on prevention measures and detection of suspect cases. After this training, the rebels-turned-community mobilisers have been deployed to heavily trafficked areas, including the central market, town centre, and animal feed production site.

Florent Nzama, coordinator of a local NGO network, emphasized the importance of these former combatants becoming active participants in the fight against Ebola. MONUSCO sees this project as a dual-purpose initiative, addressing the public health emergency while promoting community cohesion and stabilisation. MONUSCO representative explained that this involvement in community life after demobilization demonstrates their commitment to the region.