Congo politician beaten to death after radio intv on Ebola prevention

A senior politician in Congo's ruling party was murdered after participating in a radio program aimed at combating the Ebola outbreak, according to a party spokesperson on Monday. The attack occurred in Butembo, North Kivu province, a region that has recently emerged as a focal point of the ongoing Ebola crisis. Marie-Celestin Karondwa, the acting president of the UDPS party's federal executive committee in Butembo and a party spokesperson, was assaulted by local residents following his appearance on a radio show where he advocated for Ebola prevention measures.

The UDPS federation in Butembo reported that the attackers beat Karondwa, stole his possessions, and set his home ablaze. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, as well as the number of assailants involved. However, the party firmly stated that Karondwa was an "innocent victim" for defending the party's stance on the Ebola virus disease and its potential threat to the community.

Despite his injuries, Karondwa succumbed to his wounds later that day. The mayor of Butembo did not immediately provide a comment on the incident. This tragic event adds to a growing list of assaults on Ebola response teams, highlighting the enduring skepticism within the population. On Saturday, armed men targeted a hand-washing checkpoint in nearby Beni territory, resulting in the death of at least one individual and injury to several others, according to a local civil society group.

The Ebola outbreak, declared on May 15, has already claimed 8,067 lives and infected a total of 3,901 people, as reported by government data released on Monday.