Ebola in Beni: Security forces’ gunfire leaves at least one dead

Local residents present at the scene demanded to see the body before it was buried, questioning the cause of death. Projectiles were then reportedly thrown at the response team accompanied by police, according to Radio Upendo Kivu, as cited by the Congolese media outlet Opinion Info. The exact circumstances surrounding the gunfire remain to be clarified.

The death toll remains provisional and varies among reports. Reuters and Opinion Info report at least one death and several injuries. Volcans News mentions two young women deceased, based on a local administrative source. No public statement from the police had yet confirmed the number of victims by Thursday evening.

The incident occurs amid an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus, declared on May 15. The World Health Organization classifies this outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern and emphasizes the importance of safe burials, infection prevention, and community engagement.

The day before the incident, the WHO had described the tensions that can arise from these burials when health protocols prevent certain funeral rites. In Mutumbi, Ituri, a family had agreed to the burial after discussions with response teams and community leaders.