Marie-Celestin Karondwa, the acting president of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS/Tshisekedi) federal executive committee in Butembo, was killed on September 27, 2026, in a violent attack. According to reports, Karondwa was ambushed while returning from a radio show where he had urged residents to take seriously the threat posed by the Ebola virus. The attack occurred in the Vulindi area, north of Butembo, in North Kivu.
The UDPS/Tshisekedi federation in Butembo confirmed Karondwa's death in an obituary published on September 28, 2026. The party described him as an innocent victim for having defended the party's position on the existence of the Ebola virus disease and the threat it poses to the population. Karondwa was a dedicated and committed activist who devoted himself to the party's ideals and worked to protect the population from both health and security threats facing the community.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers beat Karondwa, destroyed his property, and set fire to his home and all his belongings. He subsequently died from the injuries he sustained during the assault. The party extended condolences to his family, loved ones, and fellow militants. The UDPS/Tshisekedi has called on Congolese authorities to open a formal investigation, establish the full circumstances of the tragedy, and hold those responsible accountable before the courts in line with national law.
The killing occurred against the backdrop of a renewed Ebola response in the North Kivu region, where several recent incidents have seen communities clash with health awareness and response teams working to contain the outbreak. The region has been experiencing a resurgence of Ebola cases, and health workers have been facing resistance from some communities.
The UDPS/Tshisekedi party has demanded a full investigation into the circumstances of Karondwa's death. No suspects had been identified at the time of the announcement, and no official response from Congolese authorities or security services had been recorded. The party characterized Karondwa as a dedicated and committed activist who devoted himself to the party's ideals.
The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the region and the risks faced by politicians and health workers. The Congolese government has been urged to take steps to ensure the safety of citizens and to address the root causes of the violence. The killing of Karondwa has been widely condemned, and the international community has called for calm and restraint.
In a separate incident, a military plane crashed in Kenge, DRC, killing at least 17 people, including two Lieutenant Generals. The plane was returning to Kinshasa from Kikwit when it crashed, and authorities have opened an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The tragedy came as the Congolese military continues to face conflict in the east, where the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel movement has captured several key towns.
Key points
- The UDPS/Tshisekedi party has called for a full investigation into the killing of Marie-Celestin Karondwa.
- The killing occurred against the backdrop of a renewed Ebola response in the North Kivu region.
- A military plane crashed in Kenge, DRC, killing at least 17 people.
