Twenty-seven former rebels have been deployed as community mobilisers in the Tchomia locality of Ituri Province to promote behaviours that prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
A deadly outbreak
The Ebola outbreak is poised to become the deadliest epidemic in the history of the DRC.
The latest figures indicate that the current outbreak has already claimed 2,000 lives across the country.
Driven by the Bundibugyo species, for which no approved vaccine exists, the disease is spreading rapidly.
Conflict, poor infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare are hindering containment efforts. The outbreak has recently reached a sixth province in the DRC and threatens to spread to neighbouring South Sudan, according to media reports.
Former combatants turned community mobilisers
Eastern DRC has endured years of instability as rebel groups continue to clash with government forces, displacing millions.
The UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, has supported the demobilisation of former rebels.
After receiving training on prevention measures and case detection, these former combatants were assigned to high‑traffic areas in Tchomia, including the central market, the town centre, and the animal‑feed production site.
They emphasized the importance of regular hand‑washing, provided information on recognizing symptoms, and urged prompt reporting of suspected cases to health authorities.
“The goal is to make former combatants and community members active participants in the fight against Ebola,” said Florent Nzama, coordinator of a local NGO network.
For MONUSCO, the initiative serves a dual purpose: responding to a public health emergency and bolstering stabilisation by strengthening community cohesion.
“This action illustrates their involvement in community life after demobilisation,” explained a MONUSCO representative.
Ebola has claimed over 2,000 lives in the eastern DR Congo.