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Protecting the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga
8 of our men killed in a militia attack this morning
We are deeply saddened to announce the death of eight of our colleagues in a violent attack on one of our vehicles at 6am this morning. Â 3 were rangers and 5 were soldiers with whom we were working. Â The vehicle was deploying the men along a road that goes through the centre of the park, so that the public can travel safely through this area that has been very insecure as a result of the presence of illegal armed groups. Â The attack took place just next to the site where a UN peace keeper was killed last year.
All the signs indicate that the assailants were from an FDLR unit that is camped in the park. Â We’ve had reports of over 700 FDLR combatants coming into the park in recent days. Â They are extremely hostile towards ICCN ever since we started to stop the forest destruction for charcoal, an illegal industry from which they were making significant revenue.
I am in Rwindi with Rodrigue. Â The eight rangers will be buried at Mai ya Moto, our burial site where we honor those who have died in our efforts to protect the park. Â Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and with the wounded in hospital.
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40 Responses to “8 of our men killed in a militia attack this morning”
Dear Emmanuel, I’m very sorry to hear these horrible news.
And very worried for the size of the FLDR force that is coming to Virunga. I really hope you have steady support from the Congolese army to keep them away!
My thoughts are with the deceased rangers, hoping those wounded will recover soon.
Keep all doing your wonderful efforts, which are really important for Africa and the world.
Dear Emmanuel and team
I am so stunned and sorry to read this news. My thoughts are with you all and the families of those who were killed.
Philippa
[...] 8 of our men killed in a militia attack this morning | gorilla.cd gorillacd.org – view page – cached We are deeply saddened to announce the death of eight of our colleagues in a violent attack on one of our vehicles this morning at 6am this morning. Â 3 were [...]
Très touché et ému par l’annonce de ces tragiques évênements.
J’ai demandé aux journaux locaux (SUD OUEST et REPUBLIQUE des PYRENEES) d’en faire écho dans leurs colonnes.
Je vous prie de présenter à toutes les familles touchées nos sincères condoléances et formule nos souhaits pour que les blessés retrouvent un prompt rétablissement. Sachez que nous sommes fiers du travail que vous tous vous accomplissez devant les énormes difficultés que vous avez a surmonter. Amicalement. JC.SB (France)
Emmanuel, I am deeply saddened by your horrifying news. Please assure all of the ICCN rangers and staff of my sympathies and please convey my condolences to the families of the fallen and my wishes of fast recovery to the wounded.
Iris
I am so sorry to hear this terrible news. My heart aches for you all and you are in my prayers. When the time is appropriate, will you please let us know the names of the rangers and staff Emmanuel, so that we can pray for their families and donate for them? Blessings to you. And many prayers for your protection.
Very sad news indeed. Our deepest condolences to the families and to ICCN. We support your efforts.
MSP
This is such terrible news. I am extremely upset. My deepest sympathies to the families of the rangers.
I send my deepest sympathy to you all and for the families of those killed and injured. I was stunned to read the news. Courage and blessings on you all as you continue the work.
All I can do I cry….I cry for all the people of the congo…of Africa….for our Gorilly’s….I found this out at work and started crying…couldnt help it…you dont realize how much you have touched my heart with all of your work for the Gorillys….I remember the day I got the post about Senkwekwe, Safari and the others in 07….I fell to my knees and wept as I am weeping now….They have touched my heart so….My deepest sympathies to you all and thier families…..My heart weeps for you so…
Steph(Gorilly Girl)
Your Spirits are the Mists,
That keep the Mountians hidden.
Your Spirits are the Gentle Breezes,
Carrying your desperate warnings.
Your Spirits are the Gentle Rains,
That wash away their tracks.
Your Spirits are forever there deep within the forests,
To always to protect…..
Born of this Earth protect is what you all did,
And when the time came,
You gave your life so one did not end.
For this I hope one never forgets,
That quite simply this was not just the everyday protection of a animal,
Nothing else but pure undying love,
Love of a Gorilla….
OMG..my deepest condolences to all concerned in this horrific tragedy!!! I did not know combatants were in those numbers…I am terriby sorry!!!!
Such sad and tragic news. I am thinking of you all! Deepest sympathy to all the family members of those brave rangers and soldiers. I wish the injured a speedy recovery. We will never forget your work for the Virungas.
We here in New York City are devastated to hear this news, and our hearts go out to all of you.
We understand all that you are up against in trying to keep this park,its animals and its’ people safe in the face of such great odds.
Please know you are in our thoughts, and that we will continue to donate and make others aware of this ongoing situation.
I am crying as I write this - such tragic, pointless waste of lives. I pray every day for all the brave rangers, soldiers and the beautiful gorillas, up against so many odds and dangers to keep the park and the animals protected. Please know you and your families are in our thoughts and we will continue to donate what we can and make others aware of this tragedy. Wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Stephany D says it all - thank you.
Just the most tragic news when I got the e-mail this morning. Having visited the area as part of my work to promote and protect the mountain gorillas of this small area of Africa, I am speechless at this ruthless and cowardly act. These are people like you and I doing a job to protect one of Africa’s oldest parks. Another boost for illegal coltran mining and deforestation…………………….when will the world wake up?
I am deeply saddened by this news. My thoughts and prayers go out to the rangers and their families.
As a fellow game ranger in Africa I salute my Brothers who have lost their lives to the cause, and mourn with the families and colleagues left behind. Stay strong in the fight and believe that righteousness will prevail. When it gets really dark, you can see the stars…
This tragedy is due to a lot of things, but not gorillasrelated. The problem is bigger, and we will need to make very big efforts if we want to help central and east afrika.
I wanted to encourege everybody in Congo.
Very sad news indeed. Our deepest condolences to the families and to ICCN.
Thank you to everyone for your sympathy and kind thoughts. It is heartbreaking, especially for the families of those who died. I would especially like to thank those of you who have given donations today toward the ranger widows, open donations, etc. We are so grateful!
These news make me sad. It seems so dangerous to work over there to protect the gorillas…
I’ve just made a donation but wish I could give more. I hope that a lot of people will make one too today to help you.
Please never give in, never give in, never give in…
Very saddend for these caring people, their families and their co workers.
Emmanual and all; I’m shocked at this news. Please extend my condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of these brave rangers. You truly have the most dangerous park ranger job in the world. Be safe.
My deepest condolences to the families of the rangers. It makes me angry and sad at this terrible news
Heartfelt sadness to all in Virunga from trustees & supporters. May anger and grief transform into even greater resolution to oust this lawless brutality. The rangers, families and their army partners will never be forgotten. Take care all.
Sincères condoléances aux familles frappées par le deuil et un prompt rétablissement aux personnes qui sont bléssées.
Les personnes qui travaillent là -bas font preuve d’un réel courage !!
Those that were killed are heroes. They put their lives on the line to protect the last remaining mountain gorillas. I know they will be honored in the community and I hope that this will be a wake up call to the outside world, that this is serious work which needs the full support of the powers that be. My sympathies to all who are feeling this great loss.
The loss of more of our heroes deeply saddens me. My deepest sympathies to their families, friends and colleagues. These men knew the risks when they took the job to protect the gorillas yet they dedicated their lives to them anyway. They truly are heroes and the world needs to know what they risk to protect the fauna and flora of their country.
This is tragic, and each of us needs to get the word out to others so that the world is watching and responding.
This is the most shocking news I have been reading for a long time. My thoughts and sympathy are with the families and colleagues of the victims.
Let us today honour the dead and ensure that the suffering of their families is mitigated and the future of their children taken care off.
Let us hope that their sacrifice was not in vain and that, soon, the world will be a better place for the wild and for those that care.
Very sad news. My deepest sympathy for the bereaved families and wishing you all the courage you need for the continuation of your extremely important work.
My sincere Condolences to the families of the lost ones. The rangers are truly the unsung heroes. I will be praying for comfort and for a better day when no threat like that exists anymore in the Virungas. They served well and should always be remembered for their ultimate Sacrifice.
I am doing my best to raise awareness and highlight the struggles and triumphs of the Game Rangers, in this animated mountain gorilla film. http://www.galiwango.com | http://www.sowl.com
Facebook Group: http://www.causes.com/causes/254468-to-preserve-and-protect-the-world-s-last-remaining-mountain-gorillas-in-uganda-drc-and-rwanda
Mes sincères condoléances à toute l’équipe et aux familles des disparus.
Sad news indeed. Those rangers were actually cool dudes-I had lots of fun every time crossing the Virunga Park. Hopefully those bastards will get caught and punished. Condolences to the families and whole team.
I have just watched a national geographic programme on your park and the courageous work that you do! It was filmed in 2007. It is with much dismay that I see you continue to face those same struggles four years on! May those who died rest in peace. You are all incredibly brave and Honorable people! I hope you manage to overcome such evil in the years to come. Sending luck and light your way.
Dear Emmanuel and team, it´s truly sad to read this kind of news. My thoughts are with the deceased families and I hope that the wounded will recover soon. I hope you have enough support to battle against this rebel guerilla, because I know that the Rangers have the commitment, the strenght and the courage needed to succeed. My heart is with you, Rangers.
Estimados Emanuel y equipo: Es verdaderamente triste para mà leer este tipo de noticias. Mis más profundas condolencias para las familias de los Rangers fallecidos en cumplimiento del deber. Espero que reciban apoyo para combatir a la guerrilla, por que se que tienen el compromiso, la fuerza y el coraje necesarios para triunfar. Mi corazón está con ustedes, Rangers.
This is very sad new for me to hear. I wish for better peacful times in Vironga park. You are all heros, for the work you do on a daily basis, and should get respect and medals - not bullets. RIP good people.
Horrific news my heartfelt prayers are with the famlies of those lost who spent thier lives serving and potecting.
It is just too damn bad the ones making the biggest noise of condolences on this sight are mocking the loss of innocent lives not sending condolences on this sight are the very ones responsible for the murders are roght here in plain sight thank God they NOW go down!
Fear God fallen man be sure your sins have been found out God is about to right the wrongs and protect the lives of those who serve and protect the rights of our animals our creatures of might and beauty that have no voice of their own the jig is up and you are going down
Julie Mallen
USA
Sorry for the typos I should have looked it over a bit more, but was disgusted for the loss of yet even more innocent life over the ever present need for greed. Please Lord God heal our lands.
Peace Out