One of the rangers’ responsivilities is to protect the public in the national parks. On December 7th, 2011, rebels attacked two patrol vehicles by pretending an emergency. The vehicles were ambushed while driving on a road through the park about 30 miles south of Rwindi in the central sector.

The rangers saw a public minibus that would normally carry about 20 civilians to Butembo, but it was empty and appeared to be having engine trouble. About 12 meters from the minibus, they were attacked with heavy gunfire. Luckily no ranger was hurt. They jumped out to take cove and a 15-minute gun battle ensued. When the attackers finally fled, the rangers discovered four civilians who had been taken hostage in the forest. All were unharmed.

From all appearances and behavior, the men were FDLR militia, and the attack against the ICCN vehicles appeared to be an organized ambush. On two occasions, in January and July, rangers died in similar attacks. In 2011, 11 rangers and 5 soldiers who assisted in patrols lost their lives.

The complete article by Rodrigue Mugaruka on gorilla.cd