Security forces’ gunfire kills at least 1 during burial dispute in DRC

At least one person was killed and several others injured on Thursday when security forces opened fire at the Katula-Paida cemetery in Beni, North Kivu province, during a confrontation over the safe burial of a person suspected of having died from Ebola.

Local residents at the scene demanded to see the body before burial, questioning the official cause of death. According to reports cited by Congolese media outlet Opinion Info (referencing Radio Upendo Kivu), projectiles were thrown at the response team, which was accompanied by police. The precise circumstances of the shooting remain unclear.

Casualty figures are still provisional and differ across sources. Reuters and Opinion Info report at least one death and several injuries, while Volcans News, citing a local administrative source, said two young women were killed. No official police statement confirming the number of victims had been issued by Thursday evening.

The incident took place against the backdrop of an ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus, declared on May 15. The World Health Organization has classified the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern and continues to stress the critical importance of safe and dignified burials, infection prevention measures, and strong community engagement.

The day before the Beni incident, the WHO had highlighted the tensions that can arise when health protocols restrict traditional funeral rites. In a separate case in Mutumbi, Ituri province, a family ultimately agreed to a safe burial after discussions with response teams and community leaders.

Authorities and health partners are expected to investigate the shooting and work to ease community tensions as efforts to contain the outbreak continue.