Congo Ranger shot and killed because he was trying to protect wildlife from armed poachers

Category: Crises, Rangers, Thoughts | Date: Apr 20 2007 | By: admin

On 18th April the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that a Ranger in Nyaruhangi, in Virunga
National Park, was shot dead by armed men assumed to be from the FARDC during the night of the 17th. Paul Bagambe Baibutsa was Chief of the Ruti Patrol Post. It seems that Bagambe was targeted as he was seen as an obstacle to animal poaching. I met him a couple of times but didn’t know him too well. Other rangers tell me that he was a brave man and spoke out against the Congolese army illegally poaching in the park. He was shot through the shoulder a couple of years ago but fortunately survived. This time, sadly, he wasn’t so lucky. I have promised to provide some support to his family to try and help them through the difficult times ahead. May his soul rest in peace.Â

2 Responses to “Congo Ranger shot and killed because he was trying to protect wildlife from armed poachers”

Global Voices Online » Conservation 2.0: Congo Park Rangers Bring Global Attention To Endangered African Wildlife, on 16 May 2007

[…] rangers face bullets from rebels and poachers. Last month a ranger was shot dead by poachers: On 18th April the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) […]

Daniel, on 04 Aug 2007

..These rangers need more protection!! Engaging in all-out armed conflict themselves may not be the answer either, of course, but to have their noble lives cut short is DEFINITELY unacceptable as well.

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