Mourners gathered in Butembo on Wednesday to pay tribute to Marie-Célestin Karondwa, a local official of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), who died three days after being violently attacked.
Karondwa had appeared on a local radio programme where he discussed Ebola and political issues before he was assaulted while returning home. His residence was later set ablaze.
The circumstances surrounding the attack have heightened concerns in the community, with relatives and political associates calling for an investigation into his death.
Jean-Baptiste Katsongo, a UDPS official, described Karondwa’s death as a major loss.
“I am deeply saddened and devastated by the loss of a true fighter. It is an enormous loss that leaves us speechless.”
Karondwa’s death has left residents shaken, while his family has demanded that those responsible be identified and brought to justice.
His uncle, Katembo Fataki, said the family wanted authorities to establish what happened.
“We want to know who carried out this act and we want the government to deal with those responsible. We want the truth.”
The killing comes amid continuing mistrust between some communities in North Kivu and health authorities involved in the response to Ebola.
Medical workers say some residents suspect that health teams have financial motives for promoting Ebola awareness and treatment, allegations that health officials have rejected.
Dr. Kalima Nzanzu, Chief Medical Officer at Matanda General Referral Hospital, said such perceptions were unfounded.
“But people think that when we talk about Ebola, it means we have been paid to do this, and that is completely untrue.”
Karondwa was buried in his native Lubero as calls intensified for an investigation into his death.
The incident has also renewed calls for stronger engagement between local communities and health workers as authorities continue efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak and address public concerns surrounding the response.
