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Latest news Update on situation in Mikeno sector
International Gorilla Conservation Programme
At around 3.00 a.m. on the morning of the 3rd September, two outposts of the Mikeno sector, Jomba and Bikenge, were attacked by troops comprised of FARDC (Forces Armées de la Republic Democratic du Congo) and those of the rebel faction led by Nkunda. This area of Mikeno sector is controlled by these two armed groups deployed together but under a respective command, under the negotiated truce of early this year. Bukima and Gatovu outposts are located in the area controlled by the 9th FARDC Brigade only. The invading troops took all ICCN guns and their communication equipment. Fortunately nobody was injured during the attack. Worried about their security, the rangers, including the recently deployed advanced force evacuated the patrol posts and they have now relocated to Rumangabo (park headquarters). Rangers in Bukima outpost are monitoring the situation and could also evacuate to Rumangabo if the situation deteriorates. This new conflict in Mikeno sector is a sad event which will negatively affect the ongoing emergency plan put in place following the killing of six gorillas in Rugendo group in July. A number of gorilla families ranging in Jomba, i.e. Mapuwa with 12 members; Ruzirabwoba a lone silverback; and those in Bikenge, i.e. Lulengo with 4 individuals, Rugendo with 5 individuals, and Pilipili and Mareru (two lone silverbacks), are threatened following this conflict, as there are no patrols taking place in the Park. Other sad news is the death of the young infant gorilla recently born to Bilali in Munyaga family. The death occurred following inter-group fighting by the three silverbacks in the families of Munyaga, Mawazo and Kasole. Before this renewed violence, IGCP with other stakeholders under ICCN’s leadership, had begun implementation of the emergency plan. As at the end of August, IGCP had pledged towards the common emergency fund, a total of US$ 17,500 towards community sensitization programs and patrol rations (US $11,000 of which has been deposited in the emergency fund bank account, with the remaining US $6,500 to follow) plus an additional US $15,000 worth of field equipment had been handed over to ICCN for distribution to the field rangers. The five remaining members of the Rugendo group were being monitored on a daily basis and are spending a good amount of their time outside the park in agricultural fields of the neighboring communities. This is of concern as it will increase conflicts between this gorilla group and the neighboring communities. More monitoring data is being collected to determine the trends. Under the emergency plan, we had planned to undertake a community sensitization program led by the central government representative. This activity has not yet been undertaken, but it is hoped that it will be implemented soon. However, community awareness programs are being jointly implemented by WWF, IGCP and the Gorilla Organization under the leadership of ICCN. On the side of ranger out-post construction; IGCP has taken a lead in site selection and to design building plans to accommodate nine rangers. The new patrol post will ensure that there is adequate accommodation for the rangers and that they have access to proper toilets and clean water. The plans have been sent to the Chief Warden Mr. Mushenzi for his approval, before the contractor is engaged to undertake the construction in the next three weeks. It is hope that this violence will subside to enable field work to proceed. We shall continue supporting our field and ICCN staff to rally support of all stakeholders towards gorilla conservation. Download the Virunga National Park, Mikeno sector map Please make a donation to support this vital work.
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