Fatal Attack on Upemba National Park Headquarters

We are deeply saddened by the tragic attack on the headquarters of Upemba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo which occurred on 3 March at 05.30 in the morning. According to official reporting from the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN), five members of the park’s staff lost their lives in the attack, and significant damage was inflicted on the station’s infrastructure.

All of us at African Parks were profoundly affected by the tragic loss of life among those working to protect this extraordinary landscape. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, the Forgotten Parks Foundation, and to the entire community of ICCN.  The Forgotten Parks Foundation is an Incubator Partner of ours, and so the loss is especially distressing.

Rangers and protected area staff across Africa risk their lives every day to safeguard wildlife and the natural heritage that belongs to all of us. Their commitment and bravery will not be forgotten.

We stand with ICCN, the Forgotten Parks Foundation, the Upemba team, and our conservation partners during this difficult time, and reaffirm our support for the people on the frontlines of protecting nature.