Virunga is one of Africa’s most beautiful sceneries, located in DRC Congo, covering about 7800 square kilometers. It is home to about a quarter of the earth’s population and prominent for its diverse species and mountain gorillas, its main tourist attractions. However, of late, it has suffered a tremendous blow from militia groups who intend to kill the gorillas and rob them of their beauty. The consistent attack in the Park has rendered the gorillas critically endangered.
Due to continuous attacks, the Park managing director, Belgian Prince Emmanuel de Merode, decided to postpone all tourism activities in Virunga. This move would hinder the plans set to develop the Park. However, it is essential as the Park has become a home to numerous rebel groups in DRC that conflict over the region’s natural resources. These groups not only make the Park unsafe but also destroy its ecosystem. They cut trees, fish illegally, kill, rape, and abduct locals are but some of the dangers they pose.
The Attack
Recently, six park rangers died after being assassinated while on duty in the Park. Reports are the attack transpired on Sunday while the deceased was protecting the highly-threatened gorillas. These species have reduced in number due to the surging attacks. The park officials allege that Mai-Mai, one of the infamous rebel group in the region, staged the attack. According to the Park spokesperson, the rebels had ambushed the ranger while patrolling the Park on foot. It is not the first time that such attacks occur; similar incidents have happened to other staff while also on duty. For instance, last year, 12 rangers succumbed in April after an attack.
Additional reports from the Congolese Institute for Conservation of Nature revealed that the attack occurred at the Park’s central part. I.e., the area between Nyamitwitwi and Nyamilma near Kabuendo.
The Reactions
Virunga National Park has not been at its best since the loss of the six rangers. The incident has ignited unrest in the region, considering the impacts such attacks pose to the area. The park authorities, who were saddened by the news, stated how the rangers work tirelessly to protect the Park and surrounding communities from armed groups’ tyranny.
The Park released a statement that suggested that the investigations revealed the rebels had ambushed the rangers. As such, they did not have an opportunity to defend themselves.
“Preliminary investigations reveal they were taken by surprise and had no opportunity to defend themselves during the Sunday morning attack. And that those responsible for the attacks are Mai-Mai groups.”
Other than the six rangers who died on the spot, one who was lucky enough to escape death was receiving medical treatment in a nearby hospital in the city of Goma. Although he sustained severe injuries following the attack, there is hope that he will recover quickly. Alphonse Kambale, a local government delegate, reported to AFP news that the Mai-Mai militants also died amid the ambush. The rangers must have tried to fight their way out before being assassinated.
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