Fears are mounting of Ebola spreading after a deadly attack conducted by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels against civilians in the Cantine area of Beni territory, North Kivu.
According to local reports from the area the attack, occurred on the night of Thursday, November 5, to Friday, November 6.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) warned of the consequences of the violence on the response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region.
The organization said it was concerned about the attacks on health facilities and the fleeing of hundreds of patients, some with confirmed or suspected Ebola infection, in search of safety.
“The Africa-CDC strongly condemns the deadly attack perpetrated against civilians in Cantine-Aloya, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on November 5, 2026, which was allegedly carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF),” statement reads in part.
The organization added, “During an Ebola outbreak, any disruption to patient care, contact tracing, and disease surveillance creates additional risks for communities already facing exceptional challenges.”
“Populations must be able to access care safely, and health workers must be able to provide essential services without fear of violence.”
Africa CDC calls for the establishment of a peace corridor, the protection of civilians, patients, healthcare workers and facilities, and safe and sustainable access to affected communities.
All parties must respect the protection afforded to healthcare under international humanitarian law.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Executive Director of Africa CDC, emphasized the additional risks that any disruption to care, contact tracing, and epidemiological surveillance poses to communities already grappling with the epidemic.
“I am deeply saddened and outraged by the deadly attack perpetrated against civilians in Cantine-Aloya, North Kivu, DRC. My thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones and with all the communities affected by this violence,” Kaseya said.
