Ever since the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, the region has been plagued with civil war. Blessed by boundless natural resources, minerals, and fossil fuel deposits, the area around Virunga has long been the target of unscrupulous entrepreneurs. The myriad of armed groups operating in and around Virunga play an important role in providing protection for the private companies and individuals trying to exploit the park’s riches. In April 2012 a war started between a rebel movement, the M23 and government forces. In May and June, the war spread across the Gorilla Sector, with sustained artillery offensives throughout the area. Virunga’s rangers remained in the park throughout the period and have continued their work.

On July 8th the rangers and their families had to e evacuated from the Rumangabo headquarter because the situation had become too critical. The Berggorilla & Regenwald decided to support the emergency evacuation fund with US$ 5,000!

More details and news in the blog of the Virunga National Park and on the website on the crisis in Virunga. A  document with information is also available.