It is with great sadness that the Virunga National Park announces the death of the guard BIZIMANA KARABARANGA Emery which occurred this morning (October 15) in the sub-region of Chanika.

Our colleague was the victim of a shooting from a group of unidentified inciviques at this stage. He succumbed to his injury before being evacuated to a care facility.

Emery was 31 years old. Joined the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) in 2017, 1st class guard, he was a patroller within the Mobile Support Units. He leaves behind a wife and two children.

This incident follows the recovery by ICCN guards in early October of a large area of ??144 km2 located within the Virunga National Park on the southwest shore of Lake Edward (Chanika region). The FARDC had contributed to the efforts of the ICCN because of the threatening nature of the armed groups involved. The FARDC were also present alongside the guards during the attack this morning.

Virunga National Park is deeply indebted to Ranger Emery for his distinguished service and expresses its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Ranger Emery.

The Provincial Directorate of ICCN will continue its efforts to ensure the protection of the ecosystems of Virunga National Park while respecting the law and human rights. It will also continue to support sustainable development projects for the benefit of communities bordering the park.

Media can direct questions to press@virunga.org