Upemba National Park Headquarters Attacked March 3 Killing 7 Staff

Seven park staff members were killed in a violent attack on Upemba National Park headquarters. This is a significant loss for conservation efforts in the region.
By Newsroom | Security, Wildlife Conservation |

Upemba National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo – An armed raid on the Lusinga headquarters of Upemba National Park on March 3 resulted in the deaths of seven staff members. The identities of the attackers and the specific organization behind the assault remain undisclosed.

‘She gave her life to protect the richness of Congo’: inside the deadly assault on Upemba wildlife park - 1

Seven staff members, including park officials, eco-guards, and a motorcycle driver, were killed during the March 3 attack on the Lusinga headquarters of Upemba National Park. The raiders looted weapons and munitions, searched for individuals on a kill list, and their motives are unclear.

‘She gave her life to protect the richness of Congo’: inside the deadly assault on Upemba wildlife park - 2

Footage shared on social media depicted militiamen looting homes and detaining two park staff members with their hands bound. The attackers were heard chanting war songs and actively searching for specific individuals. While park rangers attempted to defend themselves, they were reportedly overpowered.

‘She gave her life to protect the richness of Congo’: inside the deadly assault on Upemba wildlife park - 3

Among the deceased were Subira Bonhomme, Program Officer; Blaise Kambale Bwachanakazi, Financial Officer; Jean-Paul Ngoy Mateta, Administrative Manager; Ruth Osodu, the park’s veterinarian; two eco-guards; and a motorcycle driver attached to the park. One survivor recounted the attackers asking for a specific individual, Lain, and expressing a desire to speak with her.

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‘She gave her life to protect the richness of Congo’: inside the deadly assault on Upemba wildlife park - 4

Organizations such as Global Witness and ACEDH (Congolese Alert for Environment and Human Rights) have condemned the violence, labeling attacks against environmental defenders an "urgent global crisis." Global Witness highlights the Democratic Republic of Congo as the eighth most dangerous country for such defenders, noting that over 200 biodiversity protection officers are believed to have been killed in various protected areas over the past two decades. ACEDH is calling for prompt investigations and public trials to bring those responsible to justice.

The attack occurred in the southeastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The assailants reportedly arrived with new weapons and backpacks. The specific motives behind the targeting of the park headquarters and its personnel are not yet clear.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened at Upemba National Park headquarters on March 3?
An armed group attacked the Lusinga headquarters of Upemba National Park, killing seven staff members. They looted weapons and searched for specific people.
Q: Who were the victims of the attack?
The seven staff members killed included park officials, eco-guards, a veterinarian, and a driver. Their names have been released.
Q: What did the attackers do during the raid?
The attackers looted homes, stole weapons, and were heard asking for specific individuals. They detained two staff members with their hands bound.
Q: Why is this attack important?
Attacks on environmental defenders are a global crisis. The Democratic Republic of Congo is a dangerous place for these workers, with many killed over the years.
Q: What is being done about this attack?
Organizations have condemned the violence and are calling for investigations and public trials to find those responsible.