May 2012. The Congolese army began a sustained assault on rebel positions near Virunga National Park's mountain gorilla sector early Sunday 13th May using heavy machine guns and mortars. The intense fighting, which began last Thursday evening in and around the park's gorilla patrol posts of Bikenge and Jomba, caused serious damage to Bikenge, forcing rangers to abandon their positions. Staff at Bukima patrol post evacuated late on Saturday evening following information of rebel infiltration in the area. Two of the five gorilla posts remain open.
Tourist visits halted
Earlier in the week, the park closed all tourist visits to the gorillas, chimpanzees, and volcanoes following word that the CNDP rebel group had entered the west side of the park. Tourist attractions will remain closed until the security situation is stable. A dramatic increase in tourism over the last three years demonstrated the most promising sign of future stability in the North Kivu region with over 5000 tourists visiting the park.
"We are deeply concerned with the safety of the mountain gorillas"
The Chief Warden for Virunga National Park, Dr Emmanuel de Merode, said "We are deeply concerned with the safety of the mountain gorillas who are exposed to the dangers of artillery fire, but we must also take care of our staff who have to be evacuated from the combat zone. As soon as there is a lull in the fighting, we will return to check on the gorillas."
Earlier in the week, the park closed all tourist visits to the gorillas, chimpanzees, and volcanoes following word that the CNDP rebel group had entered the west side of the park. Tourist attractions will remain closed until the security situation is stable. A dramatic increase in tourism over the last three years demonstrated the most promising sign of future stability in the North Kivu region with over 5000 tourists visiting the park.
"We are deeply concerned with the safety of the mountain gorillas"
The Chief Warden for Virunga National Park, Dr Emmanuel de Merode, said "We are deeply concerned with the safety of the mountain gorillas who are exposed to the dangers of artillery fire, but we must also take care of our staff who have to be evacuated from the combat zone. As soon as there is a lull in the fighting, we will return to check on the gorillas."
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