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Protecting the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga

Two Weeks Since the Attack on Rumangabo

22 Oct 2008 Filed under (Humanitarian Situation, Political situation) by Emmanuel @ 4:42 pm

We continue to struggle with the aftermath of the fighting of the 8th October. I spent yesterday evening with the wives of rangers at our refugee camp in Goma. We are trying establish if its possible to organise their return to Rumangabo, but they are still very scared for their security there, so we’ve made the decision to delay their return by a few days.

In Rumangabo the situation is relatively calm, although we have heard quite disturbing reports about troop movements near the Rwandan border. Much of the work has resumed, the school construction is well underway, and our park headquarters at Rumangabo are being rebuilt, as is the rangers’ accomodation. Fifty-three rangers are holding the fort and have successfully managed to hold out against armed bandits that have tried to pillage the station on several occasions since the fighting started.

A Ranger\'s Family

The family of Ranger Mateso Sebagabo

It’s very challenging for the rangers to work with such uncertainty. They have been without their families for two weeks now, and are low on rations. We have sent in another supply today, which will keep them going for a while. We don’t know if the fighting will resume tomorrow, or if we can hope for some more peace. Nobody really seems to know, but several sources have indicated that the CNDP rebels are looking to take the Rumangabo military base again, only to stay permanently this time.

I’ve been in Goma for a few days, but will be returning to Rumangabo tomorrow. We will be re-establishing the satellite dish at the station, which will give us a basic internet connection so that we can continue to update you from there.

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4 Responses to “Two Weeks Since the Attack on Rumangabo”

  1. samantha Samantha Says: 22 Oct 2008

    Hi guys. We had a slight glitch in that the comments were closed on this post for a while, but they are now open. Some sort of bug.

  2. Lisa, California Lisa, California Says: 23 Oct 2008

    Not very reasurring news that the rebels are looking to take Rumangabo military base and stay permanently this time. Must be so hard to operate under such uncertain conditions. My heart goes out to the Rangers and their families caught up in this terrible situation. It’s been going on for far too long. Stay safe and hopeful for a brighter day to come soon. Lisa

  3. irisk irisk Says: 23 Oct 2008

    Hello, Emmanuel! When back in Rumangabo station please tell the rangers stationed there that I much admire their bravery and that I hope that they will be reunited with their families soon. All the best, Iris

  4. Jacob Kelly Jacob Kelly Says: 26 Oct 2008

    Emmanuel, you are in my prayers. May God give you all peace and protect you.

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