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Protecting the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga
Continuing Uncertainty in Goma
Confusion is probably the only way to describe the situation. There is a lot of shooting in town, with some heavy weapons further away. Everyone is staying at home. There has been some looting, mainly armed men stealing cars and motorbikes. Laurent Nkunda made a statement on television and radio announcing a unilateral cease-fire, which is encouraging, but unfortunately does not translate into a peaceful evening.
We’ve suffered a barrage of rumours including the invasion of the Rwandan army, Angolan mercenaries coming in from the west, just about everything, none of which is terribly helpful. I keep in regular touch with the team as the cellphone network is still working well. They are all in good spirits.
Samantha is with Eddy and William, and they will be spending an uncomfortable night in the car, as they are at the UN World Food Programme Offices. They are pretty safe there. Delphin, our para-medic who is on night duty for the rangers’ families, is in a bit of trouble as the military are bringing him many wounded soldiers. He is obliged to treat them. Families at the camp are well, but quite stressed by the shooting. For them, the ordeal continues.
There is still a Congolese military presence in town and for the time being, it seems that the town is not in rebel hands, but I can’t say that with any certainty. No doubt we will know in the morning. For now, I will do some more work, and then try to catch some sleep. I’ll write to you in the morning. Also, for those who asked, Drs Jacques and Eddy are watching over the orphaned gorillas. Getting them out of the country at this stage is out of the question as it would put them at even greater risk.
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18 Responses to “Continuing Uncertainty in Goma”
If only we could send you safety and protection through our computers. Short of that, we are holding all of you in our hearts and in our thoughts.
Thank you Emmanuel, all good thoughts are with you guys right now.
Thank you Emmanuel for that update and clarification regarding the gorilla orphans. My thoughts are with everyone at this time. Lisa
I just heard in the radio news about the cease-fire, which sounded wonderful - and immediately logged in to read your report. Now the situation doesn’t sound so good any more. Terror and suffering must be devastating. I hope with all my heart that you guys are safe and that things will get better SOON! Thank you for keeping us posted in such chaotic circumstances. I hope you will get a peaceful night’s sleep.
I wish you some sleep & Goma peace.
Virginia - if you talk to Sam again please send my thoughts to her, William & Eddy. Thanks
Thanks for the update, Emmanuel. BBC News is reporting that Nkunda asked for the ceasefire and that shots have been fired across the Rwandan border: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7698437.stm
We are all, I’m certain, deeply worried about the people and gorillas in the path of this insanity. You’re all in my constant thoughts.
s.
Thank you for your continued updates, frightening though they are. As everyone else, I am keeping good thoughts for you all.
My God this is just insanity…you are all in my thoughts and prayers…hopefully the powers that be with recognize their global responsibility and come to the aid of Congo soon.
I have been keeping up with the world news coverage and keeping all of you in my prayers and thoughts. Know that we care and are trying to get the word out to the rest of the world, writing our congressmen and women and keeping the faith that this nightmare will end soon. Thank you for the updates.
thanks for all the comment and words of support. They are a big source of encouragement for us. It’s just past midnight, and the shooting has died down a little, so I will get some sleep and see what the morning brings. Hoping for a ceasefire…
my thoughts are with you, all of the rangers and their families, and all the people of goma… and of course the beautiful gorillas you have worked so hard to protect and care for. the work and bravery of all of you is truly inspirational.
hope you are getting some rest, and thank you so much for keeping everyone informed of the situation. we will do our part here by spreading the word and encouraging urgent donations.
I have been telling everyone I can about this story. My thoughts are with you.
Please clic on my website (France Télévision).to see the information. 1,500 soldiers for GOMA (Europeen Union)
Bad news this morning on television. Frenchwoman FR2. GOMA abandoned by the army…. are you in safety?
Did the rebellious general announce one cease fire? I hope that it is true. Our guards are found healthy and safe? Weren’t the gorillas killed? We have here.a lot of concern for you.
My heart is heavy with the news of what you all are going through, and as always my thoughts and prayers are with you and the people of Congo. DRC finally made the front page of The Washington Post this morning! Your courage is immense. Take care.
[...] another post at the Virunga Park blog, Emmanuel de Merode also writes about the confusion reigning in Goma: Confusion is probably the only way to describe the situation. There is a lot of [...]
[...] Emmanuel de Merode parla del caos [in] che regna a Goma, in un altro post sul blog del Parco Virunga: Confusione è probabilmente [...]