Violence in DRC Kills 30 and Obstructs Ebola Response

Violence in the Beni territory of North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is obstructing critical efforts to contain an Ebola outbreak. Between July 13 and 19, a series of attacks killed at least 30 people and injured a dozen others, according to local civil society organizations.

The deteriorating security situation forced at least six humanitarian organizations, including those providing Ebola response services, to suspend movements in several localities. These disruptions hinder the ability of health workers to reach affected populations during a period of significant disease spread.

As of July 20, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported 2,473 confirmed Ebola cases across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. The United Nations continues to provide Congolese authorities with laboratory testing, surveillance, and treatment support to manage the crisis.