12 Rangers Tragically Killed in “Violent Ambush” in Virunga National Park
Twelve rangers, their driver, and four civilians were killed near the famous Virunga National Park headquarters on Friday (24 April) in what Game Rangers Association of Africa described as a “horrific roadside ambush”. Four other rangers were severely wounded, of which one remains in a critical condition, according to Virunga National Park. Two other civilians […]
Twelve rangers, their driver, and four civilians were killed near the famous Virunga National Park headquarters on Friday (24 April) in what Game Rangers Association of Africa described as a “horrific roadside ambush”.
Four other rangers were severely wounded, of which one remains in a critical condition, according to Virunga National Park. Two other civilians were also injured in the major attack. Virunga confirmed the “violent and sustained ambush” was undertaken by armed group FDLR-FOCA.
The Park said “initial investigations indicate that the Rangers were on their way back to their headquarters when they encountered a civilian vehicle that had been attacked; and subsequently came under a ferociously violent and sustained ambush.”
Andrew Campbell, CEO of Game Rangers Association of Africa, said: “This is the single worst loss of life suffered by Africa’s ranger corps that we have on record.
“Although we cannot begin to imagine the pain their families are going through having lost their loved ones and breadwinners, we ask the international community to support them by donating towards the Virunga Fallen Rangers Fund.”
Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo – most famous for its mountain gorilla – is the oldest National Park in Africa, included on the World Heritage List since 1979.
The park received worldwide attention in 2014 when a Netflix documentary about it received several awards including an Oscar nomination. The film – “Virunga” – highlighted the conflict and political instability in the region, and the extreme danger that rangers faced trying to protect animals in the park.
Whilst armed attacks have increased, rangers have continued to bravely carry out their mission to protect the wildlife, biodiversity and local populations.
Last year a unique selfie of two dedicated rangers at Virunga (who were not in the attack on Friday) went viral.
The Director-General of UNESCO, Ms Azoulay, paid tribute to the victims and strongly condemned the killings, reiterating UNESCO’s support to strengthen the capacities of staff.
“In a global context already weakened by a health crisis linked to COVID-19, the staff of Virunga National Park are unfortunately still paying a heavy price for the protection and conservation of our common heritage”, said Ms Azoulay.
Virunga National Park has expressed its “sincerest gratitude for the outpouring of love and positivity” shown by people around the world during this “heart-wrenching time”. The Park listed the names of those rangers who lost their lives, ranging in age from 23 to 40.
For all those asking, the park is collecting donations to help bury the fallen rangers and assist their devastated families. General support is also always needed for the park’s critical work.
“If you feel led to donate, you can do so here: www.virunga.org/donate. As always, we thank you so very much,” said Virunga.
The Park has been closed since 23 March because of the global spread of COVID-19, but is expected to re-open for mountain gorilla treks on 1 June.