Statement from Virunga National Park on the Recent Attack
Virunga National Park is greatly saddened to confirm the tragic deaths of 3 Park Rangers and a civilian technician in an attack by members of a Mai Mai militia that took place on the morning of Thursday 18th May 2023.
The identities of those that lost their lives are:
Ranger Paluku Mahamba Ovide, aged 64 years old;
Ranger Musubao Mubulya Justin aged 49 years old;
Ranger Muhindo Kasay Nickson, aged 22 years old;
Mr. Kambale Mbafumoya Jonas, an employee of TGB, a partner of Virunga Energies.
The armed men attacked a civilian convoy that was being escorted by Virunga National Park Rangers in Lubero territory. 6 other individuals were wounded, including 3 convoy crew members and 3 members of the local community, all of whom were evacuated to nearby health facilities.
Virunga National Park sends its sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased and all those affected by this unprovoked and unacceptable attack. Virunga’s Rangers and civilian employees continue to display the utmost commitment to protect the integrity of the Park and its mission to implement sustainable development and infrastructure projects for the benefit of local communities and the wider region, despite the current heightened security risks. Their sacrifice once again serves as a reminder of the courage and dedication of so many Congolese people determined to build a better future. We owe them an everlasting debt of gratitude.
For more information, please contact press@virunga.org
(From left to right: Ranger Ovide, Ranger Justin, Ranger Nickson)