DRC: Five park rangers killed in Virunga National Park April 9

Event

At approximately 06:00 On Monday, April 9, suspected Maï-Maï militiamen ambushed at least one vehicle belonging to park rangers in Virunga National Park (North Kivu). According to local sources, at least five park rangers and one driver were killed in the ambush.

Context

The government's limited presence in the DRC's eastern provinces, including North Kivu, as well as the presence of numerous armed groups and local self-defense militias (Maï-Maï militias) have led to continued insecurity in the area. In 2017, North and South Kivu provinces recorded an increase in armed group activities. Humanitarian organizations have stated that security conditions in the Kivu regions present a major obstacle to delivering humanitarian assistance to those in need, as kidnappings, including of Congolese and foreign aid workers, are frequent in the area.

Advice

Those present in North Kivu are advised to monitor the situation and to maintain contact with their home governments (adhere to any official directives).