In memoriam: deadliest attack on Virunga staff in Park’s recent history brings total ranger deaths to 175

*10th April 2018, North Kivu, Eastern DRC*

Further to our previous communication on the attack on Virunga’s rangers yesterday, we can confirm they were ambushed within the Central Sector of Virunga. One ranger survived and was treated for his injuries. Five rangers were killed in the attack as well as one staff driver.

Chief Warden Emmanuel de Merode said: “We are profoundly saddened by the loss of our colleagues yesterday. Virunga has lost some extraordinarily brave rangers who were deeply committed to working in service of their communities. It is unacceptable that Virunga’s rangers continue to pay the highest price in defense of our common heritage and we are devastated that their lives have been cut short in this way.

We send our deepest condolences to the families, wives and children they leave behind and remain committed to creating a better future for eastern Congo.”

The attack by MaiMai militia was the deadliest attack to Virunga staff in recent years and brings the total number of rangers killed to 175 to date.

Those killed were:

RANGER Jean de Dieu BYAMUNGU, aged 25
RANGER Barthelemie KAKULE MULEWA, aged 28
RANGER Théodore KASEREKA PRINCE, aged 25
RANGER Liévin MUMBERE KASUMBA, aged 28
RANGER Kananwa SIBOMANA, aged 22
ILA MURANDA, aged 30

Donations or contributions can be made at virunga.org/donate.

Please ensure all enquiries are directed to press@virunga.org at this difficult time.