Twenty-seven former rebel combatants in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo have been redeployed as community mobilisers to combat the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province’s Tchomia locality.
After years of conflict and displacement in the region, these demobilised fighters received training on Ebola prevention and case detection before engaging with the public in high-traffic areas such as markets and production sites. Their efforts focus on promoting hand hygiene, educating on symptom recognition, and encouraging prompt reporting of suspected cases.
Deadliest Ebola Epidemic in DR Congo
The outbreak, driven by the Bundibugyo virus variant for which no approved vaccine exists yet, has claimed over 2,000 lives nationwide. It continues to spread rapidly, recently reaching a sixth province and posing risks to neighbouring countries like South Sudan.
Challenges such as ongoing conflict, poor infrastructure, and limited healthcare access have complicated containment efforts.
Dual Impact of the Mobilisation Initiative
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO) supports this initiative, which aims not only to strengthen the public health response but also to foster stability by reintegrating former combatants into community life.
"The idea is to make these former combatants active participants in the fight against Ebola," said Florent Nzama, coordinator of a local NGO network. A MONUSCO spokesperson added, "This action illustrates their involvement in community life after demobilisation."
