May 18, 2020

Tribute to the fallen rangers of Virunga National Park

topic:	Conservation
located:	Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda
editor:	Bob Koigi

For years, they have dedicated their lives and sacrificed their comfort to protect a sanctuary that is home to some of the most endangered flora and fauna in the world.

They have won admiration and praise among the local community for their celestial zeal in advancing a cause that has fostered the climate of peace, justice and stability.

But a few weeks ago, 12 rangers protecting the Virunga National Park in Eastern Congo breathed their last breath in their line of duty, united in death as they were in life after encountering a deadly ambush by a rebel group in one of the worst massacres the park has experienced in recent years.

The 12 rangers have been protecting the oldest park in Africa, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a haven for endangered mountain gorillas, bird species and savanna elephants among a host of other biodiversity. The park that straddles over 3,000 square miles across DRC, Rwanda and Uganda is indeed iconic and special.

But it has been under systemic attack from rebel groups, poachers and illegal loggers with the rangers, the custodians of the sanctuary, paying the ultimate price. Hundreds have lost their lives over recent years.

This latest macabre killings now shines a spotlight on the dangers rangers face the world over in the unenvious duty which they embrace in order to keep global sanctuaries safe. These heroes of our times deserve more recognition, protection and commitment from governments and the international community to rise up and be counted in tackling the dangers the rangers confront on a daily basis, chief among them is poaching. Soldier on gallant rangers of Virunga National Park.

Image by Virunga Park 

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