A local political official has been killed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as health workers in the region face mistrust surrounding efforts to contain Ebola.
Marie-Célestin Karondwa, a local official with the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), died three days after he was attacked in Butembo, North Kivu.
Karondwa had appeared on local radio to discuss Ebola and political issues before he was assaulted while returning home. His house was later set on fire, according to Africanews.
The report did not establish a motive for the attack or link his killing directly to his comments about Ebola.
Family calls for investigation into DRC official killing
Mourners gathered in Butembo on Wednesday to pay tribute to Karondwa following his death.
His family has called for those responsible for the attack to be identified and held accountable.
“We want to know who carried out this act,” his uncle, Katembo Fataki, said, according to the report.
Karondwa was later buried in his native Lubero.
The killing has caused concern among residents while raising further calls for authorities to establish what happened.
Ebola response faces mistrust in North Kivu
Karondwa’s death comes as health authorities continue efforts to respond to Ebola in North Kivu.
Medical workers say mistrust remains a challenge in some communities.
According to the report, some residents have questioned the motives of health teams and believe workers receive money when Ebola cases are reported.
Health officials have rejected those claims.
Dr Kalima Nzanzu, chief medical officer at Matanda General Referral Hospital, said claims that health workers were financially motivated by Ebola were untrue.
Public trust can play an important role in outbreak responses because health teams rely on cooperation from communities to identify cases and limit transmission.
Calls for greater trust between communities and health workers
The situation has increased attention on relations between local communities and medical teams responding to the outbreak.
Health workers continue to reject claims that financial interests are driving the Ebola response.
Meanwhile, Karondwa’s family is seeking answers over his killing.
Authorities had not identified those responsible or established a motive in the reporting available at the time of publication.