Rebel attacks in eastern DRC kill 30 people and hamper Ebola response Rebel attacks in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, attributed to the ADF militia, have resulted in over 30 deaths and complicated efforts to combat an ongoing Ebola outbreak. The raids, which involved beheadings and displacement of civilians, have increased fear and hindered containment measures. Insecurity is jeopardizing trust in health response teams and making interventions difficult in volatile areas.

• Rebel attacks by the ADF militia in eastern DRC have killed over 30 people in recent days.
• The attacks, particularly around the town of Beni, have complicated the response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
• Civilians were massacred in raids, with homes set ablaze and people kidnapped.
• Three Ebola patients fled treatment centers in Beni following the attacks.
• The ADF’s violence has caused widespread panic and displacement, increasing the risk of Ebola transmission.
• Community leaders express difficulty in garnering support for Ebola containment amidst ongoing atrocities.
• Military operations against the ADF by Congolese and Ugandan armies have been ongoing since 2021.
• Researchers suggest civilian killings are a deterrent tactic by the ADF in response to military pressure.
• The insecurity risks reigniting mistrust towards Ebola response teams, similar to past epidemics.