A campaign to educate students on Ebola prevention measures in Niangara, a territory in the Haut-Uélé province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was disrupted by a group of pressure on September 22, 2026. The campaign was organized by the non-governmental organization "Acteurs de la lutte pour l'autonomisation des Jeunes et des filles-mères" (ALJFM) in various educational institutions. The group of pressure, wearing black and white, arrived on motorcycles and chanted slogans, causing the disruption.
According to Jules Mandia, president of ALJFM, the campaign aimed to educate students on Ebola prevention measures, despite Niangara not being affected by the epidemic. The disruption began at the Bakita primary school in the Mangeka neighborhood, where students were receiving information on Ebola symptoms and prevention measures. Mandia expressed regret over the incident, suggesting that there may be individuals behind the disruption who are working against efforts to combat the epidemic.
The disruption took the form of a motorized carnival, with members of the group of pressure participating and chanting slogans such as "libérez les enfants, nous ne voulons pas de la question d'Ebola" (free the children, we don't want the Ebola issue). The incident was also reported at the Drande and Mbaraza primary schools in Niangara. Despite the disruption, some handwashing materials were distributed to the schools.
André Nendika, representative of the head of the provincial education department, calmed the students and emphasized the importance of respecting Ebola prevention measures. He encouraged the students to take into account the messages conveyed during the awareness campaign. Chérubin, representative of the Aimé Teza Foundation, thanked the school authorities for allowing the organization of the awareness campaign, despite the disruption.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by organizations working to combat the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The country has been affected by Ebola outbreaks in the past, and efforts to prevent and control the spread of the disease are ongoing. The awareness campaign in Niangara was aimed at educating students on prevention measures, despite the territory not being affected.
The group of pressure responsible for the disruption has not been identified, and it is unclear what their motivations were for disrupting the awareness campaign. The incident has been condemned by local authorities and organizations working to combat the Ebola epidemic. Efforts to educate the public on Ebola prevention measures are ongoing in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed numerous lives, and efforts to combat the disease are ongoing. The awareness campaign in Niangara was part of a broader effort to educate the public on prevention measures and prevent the spread of the disease. Despite the disruption, the campaign organizers remain committed to their goal of educating students on Ebola prevention measures.
Key points
- A group of pressure disrupted an Ebola awareness campaign in Niangara, Haut-Uélé province, Democratic Republic of Congo, on September 22, 2026.
- The campaign was organized by the non-governmental organization "Acteurs de la lutte pour l'autonomisation des Jeunes et des filles-mères" (ALJFM) in various educational institutions.
- The incident highlights the challenges faced by organizations working to combat the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
