More terrible news from the DRC as rebels take over the whole gorilla sector, a Ranger is killed and another gorilla dies.

September 2007. The terrible danger that many rangers in the Democratic republic of Congo has been brought into sharp focus yet again as another Congo Ranger has been killed while protecting the Mountain gorillas. Rugira Sebuja Faustin was shot dead at one of the patrol posts, our thought go out to his family. Some 100 Congo Rangers have given their lives over the last 12 years in this most desperate and war torn corner of the world.

 

Gorilla sector evacuated due to ongoing rebel activity

After several raids by rebels on patrol posts in the last few days, in which the rebels have captured many weapons and further equipment from the Congo Rangers, the Rangers have been forced to withdraw completely from the Gorilla sector within the DRC for their own safety.

Heavy fightng
Heavy fighting has been reported from within the gorilla sector between FARDC (Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo), the men of General Laurent Nkunda and Hutu rebel groups. However the situation remains very confused as the area is so close to the borders of the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda, and their are various armed groups as well as some 20,000 UN troops in the MONUC peacekeeping force. Rwanda has twice before intervened in the area to protect its own security, and is threatening to do so again.

The Jomba and Bikenge ranger posts have both been attacked and their equipment looted, and the Congo Rangers have withdrawn from the Bukima post for their own safety.

Another gorilla killed

Yet more dreadful news, though this time not man made. The baby gorilla born into the Munyaga family in August has been killed, probably in a fight between silverbacks. There are several lone silverbacks in the area at the moment, and there have been several fights between the various families and the lone gorillas. It appears that the new baby probably got caught up in one of these fights.

The Congo Rangers rely on your support for their salaries and equipment. They undergo terrible dangers to protect the gorillas and other wildlife, if you can help with even a small donation, please click Congo Rangers.