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It is with great sadness that Virunga National Park announces the death of Ranger BIZIMANA KARABARANGA Emery.
Ranger Emery was killed on the morning of October 15 in the area of Chanika. He succumbed to his injuries after being shot by unidentified armed men during an operation in Virunga National Park’s central sector.
Ranger Emery was 31 years old and had joined the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) in 2017 when he was assigned to the park’s Mobile Support Unit. He leaves behind a wife and two children.
This incident follows the recent recovery by ICCN Rangers of a large area of land within the park (144km2), near the southwest shore of Lake Edward, an area held previously by armed groups. Due to the threatening nature of armed groups involved, Ranger operations to recover the area were also supported by the Congolese National Army (FARDC).
Virunga National Park is deeply indebted to Ranger Emery for his distinguished service and expresses its deepest condolences to Ranger Emery’s family and loved ones.
ICCN management will continue its efforts to ensure the protection of Virunga National Park’s ecosystems while respecting the law and human rights. It will also continue to support sustainable development projects for the benefit of communities bordering the park.
Please address any inquiries to press@virunga.org
