Two more Virunga rangers killed

We're distressed to report that Virunga National Park has lost two more of its protectors. Early this morning in Mwiga Bay, an area just west of the fishing settlement of Vitshumbi on Lake Edward, a ranger patrol was ambushed by Mai-Mai PARECO rebels. Two park staff plus one government soldier assisting them were killed instantly. Three other government soldiers were seriously wounded - one critically.

Heather Sohl, our senior species policy officer, adds: “WWF is deeply saddened to hear that more park protectors are coming under violent attack.

A total of 150 Virunga rangers have died in the line of duty since 1999, often at the hands of rebel groups. These groups exploit the forest and illegally trade its wildlife to potentially fund even more illegal activity.”

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