Kinshasa, DRC – (African Boulevard News) – On Thursday, 19th May, a militia attack near Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has resulted in the death of four people, including three rangers and a technician. The attack, which occurred in the Rutshuru territory of the North Kivu province, saw the convoy of rangers and technicians ambushed by gunmen.
According to the authorities, the attack was carried out by the Mai-Mai militia, which is known for its attacks against civilians and rangers in the area. The Mai-Mai is a group of several armed factions that emerged during the DRC’s civil war, which ended in 2003 but has resulted in ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC.
The attack near Virunga National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to endangered species such as mountain gorillas, is a reminder of the dangers that rangers and conservationists face in the region. In recent years, conservationists in DRC have been targeted by armed groups, who see the wildlife and tourism industry as a source of revenue.
The attack has sparked outrage from conservationists and human rights groups, who have called on the government to take action to protect rangers and civilians in the region. In a statement, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) condemned the attack and called on the authorities to ensure the safety of rangers and protect the wildlife in the region.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life of three rangers and a technician in the brutal attack near Virunga National Park. This is a tragic reminder of the dangers rangers face every day to protect the wildlife and forests that we all depend on. We call on the government to take urgent action to ensure the safety of rangers and protect the natural resources in the region,” said Inger Andersen, Director General of the IUCN.
The attack near Virunga National Park is just the latest incident in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The Mai-Mai militia and other armed groups have been involved in a series of attacks against civilians, rangers, and government forces in the region. The government has been struggling to maintain security in the area, and there are concerns that the attacks could escalate.
The government has yet to comment on the attack near Virunga National Park, and it remains unclear what measures will be taken to improve the security situation in the region. Conservationists and human rights groups are calling for urgent action to protect rangers and civilians in the area and ensure that the wildlife and natural resources are preserved for future generations.
