Fatal Attack on Virunga National Park Staff

one of our vehicles transporting people from Rumangabo to Goma fell upon a public transport minibus being looted by suspected FDLR militias. There were an estimated 30 men, many of whom were positioned on either side of the road with heavy machine guns. They immediately opened fire as the vehicle arrived and instantly killed two of our rangers, Michel Imanirafasha and Philippe Nzabonimpa. A third ranger was shot through the chest, but managed to escape into the forest, and was later picked up by another minibus. That driver received a shrapnel wound to the head, but was able to steer the vehicle on and take the wounded to the hospital, a 40-minute drive from the site of the ambush.The funerals took place at Rumangabo and Bukima. Our entire community was present to bid farewell to two of our own who will be deeply missed.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• death
• war
• looted
• park
• virunga
• michel
• phillipe
• Michel Imanirafasha
• Philippe Nzabonimpa
• attack on virunga
• ranger fund
• fallen rangers fund
• September 11 attacks

[animalcompassionate]

SO very sad. Thank you for your sacrifice. God bless these families.

[mb1554]

brave men who gave their lives -rest in peace-thank you for your great service.

[genevagraceQH]

NO!!!!! Say it isn't so!

[shawn8106]

Rest in peace, thanks for all that you did!