Jan 16 2008
Rangers badly beaten during anti-charcoal patrols
This is Diddy & Innocent. During the last 4 weeks we have been intensifying the anti-charcoal patrols in the southern sector of Virunga National Park. You will recall that we spoke about the increase in charcoal burning as a result of the insecurity in the area caused by the war between the rebels and the army. We estimated in mid-December that there had been a 10-fold increase in the illegal charcoal trade since September.
So we have been trying to stop the illegal making of charcoal in the park, on 2 fronts. We have been doing sporadic patrols into the park, but security has been very precarious because of the presence of rebel groups. So we have focused more on stopping the trucks actually transporting the illegal charcoal to Goma for sale.
This is an example of one of such trucks. Absolutely packed with illegal charcoal.
Sometimes the trucks are SO overloaded they simply tip over.
We have to stop all trucks on the road because often there may be potatoes or cabbages in sacks that are visible, and in the middle there is charcoal. This was the case with this truck.
So we have been organizing ourselves - about 36 of us in total - at the Kibati patrol post which is about 15km north of Goma on the main road to Rumangabo and Rutshuru. Some of us are also at Kibumba. So we are split into 3 teams of 12.
We have legal permission to stop the trucks full of illegal charcoal from the National Prosecutor of DR Congo. This is the legal document that states that we are entitled to protect Virunga National Park, according to Law 069-41 of 22 August 1969.
This is the same law under which we are working to bring to justice those responsible for the July massacre, and the death of the baby gorilla in September. There is a blog post about this here.
Since about the 20th December we have confiscated over 240 sacks of illegal charcoal, which is equivalent to about 20 tons. These have been brought to Goma and will ultimately be distributed to orphanages, schools and hospitals.
The charcoal, once confiscated, is brought to Goma.
We have to store it while the judicial process is underway.
And then we will be able to distribute it.
All these patrols that we are talking about have been led by Augustin Kambale. He has been promoted to Head of Anti-Poaching. This is a significant promotion from head of the Bukima patrol post as he now heads up over 80 to 100 Rangers. He has started this job during a very very challenging time.
Jean Bosco, head of Community Conservation, & Augustin, earlier this week in Goma.
Late on Monday afternoon Rangers stopped a truck, that had illegal charcoal in it, at Kibati.
The truck driver knew that we had set up this barrier at Kibati to stop the illegal charcoal.
The driver tried to drive very quickly through the barrier. Because the roads are not even, he veered too much to one side and the entire truck ended up tipping over.
Heated arguments followed between the local people, the Rangers, and the military who were also present. The situation got totally out of control amid the shouting, and the local population beat up 3 of our Rangers. There was absolutely nothing we could do among all the people. At one point there were at least 15 people kicking the Ranger Asumani. Once the people had stopped beating up the Rangers, the military stole their boots & berets. A local man also stole one of the Ranger’s guns. Remember with the long war here everyone knows how to use a gun. There were so many people around, all shouting at once, it was absolute chaos.
Once we were able to gain hold of the situation we took the 3 Rangers to hospital in Goma where they spent 2 nights. They came out this morning.
Afterwards the local population also pushed our car off the road.
This morning Maniroho, Ndayumujina & Asumani went back to the Kibati patrol post, and will then go on to Rumangabo to rest for a few days and continue receiving treatment. Asumani’s leg, as you can see, is in plaster as a result of the beating.
Now Director Mushenzi is following the judicial process with the lawyer Maitre Mathieu to deal with the confiscated illegal charcoal to date and the debacle of Monday afternoon. We will keep you posted.
Diddy & Innocent
Technorati : charcoal, congo, drc, iccn, ranger, wildlifedirect
Daily news from the conservation frontline by Innocent and Diddy, and other Congolese rangers risking their lives to save mountain gorillas of the Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
I am shocked - not because the illegal charcoal traders were violent, but because the local people beat the rangers and behaved so violently. It seems violence breeds violence and Congo is very violent place right now. I’m very sorry for the three rangers who were beaten up. How awful it must have been for them, I can’t imagine. I hope all three will recover very soon. What was the military’s role in this terrible situation? Were they upholding the law or taking the side of the charcoal traders?
Thank you, all of you, for continuing to fight the charcoal mafia in such dangerous times. Your passion and dedication is remarkable.
s.
Please pass my get well wishes to these three Rangers. It is totally unexceptable to attack Rangers who are doing their job, which is supported by local officials and the law. I don’t know how you are able to put up with all this..
Hi Sheryl. The military were at the side of the road, simply because they always are. This area is a stone’s throw from Rwanda so they are protecting Congo’s international border. Some military are also part of the charcoal mafia. In this case, they did not take sides, but simply did nothing apart from steal the Rangers’ boots and uniforms when they had the chance. The local population (mainly comprised of the illegal charcoal burners) would never attack the military because the military don’t have a great human rights record. However civilians do attack Rangers because Rangers do not have a violent reputation, so they know they can get away with it. It is very hard to explain. I was not there. But tensions are running high right now. There is a peace conference going on right now with 1,300 participants at a cost of $4.9 million (yes, almost $5 million US!) - and no one knows if there is even going to be a positive result.
What a disappointing situation. I’m glad the rangers are OK.
Sheryl, I may be confused but it sounds like the military stole their boots. Sounds like they were in with the crowd. Sounds like we need more education for the locals regarding how the gorillas can bring prosperity to the area. You’d think they would get that but they probably see only their immediate need to be able to cook.
I’m still curious if there are any “legal” sources of charcoal in the area as from plantations.
Thanks, Sam. The theft of the boots didn’t register with me for some reason, but the further explanation of the military’s role there is helpful. I can’t believe this peace conference cost nearly $5 million. Who’s footing the bill? I can think of a few other uses for $5 million …
s.
Hi Pam, There is not really anywhere to get “legal” charcoal. About 95% is illegal. The area is densely populated, and people are involved in crops or cattle. So there is simply no more forest left outside of Virunga.
The European Union are footing the bill Sheryl.
Ah, thanks. I’m sure the U.S. would love to help but we’re engaged elsewhere. (read that with dripping sarcasm)
s.
Thanks Samantha. What a difficult situation. Are there any agencies like the UN trying to work on the problem??? Like installing biogas digesters in communities like the ones they will be using in Ruzizi?
http://www.ashdenawards.org/winners/kist05
I know, there are so many people using charcoal. There’s got to be a solution!
Jesus, how awful…Sheryl basically asked all my questions and Sam already answered, so I’ll just add that I am very sorry for the ranger’s troubles…this is so disheartening…and we are surprised when gorillas are treated so badly (I guess we really are not
Boy oh boy, sure seems common sense is not that common! All that money spent on the conference, and for what? I agree with all of you, insanity seems to be the norm there. To think it was the military who took part in this medlam, sounds like they are just as bad as the rebels! I posted comments at 3 am (couldn’t sleep) on the previous blog about the new envoy to the DRC and head of MONUC , Alan Doss. Since he is relatively new, I thought maybe a petition to him might help.Seems pretty straight forward, Monuc be given the authority to arrest poachers or at the very least, detain them until the rangers can take the detainees. Diddy and Innocent, please convey my get well wishes to the three injured rangers.
They (the military and locals) seem to just steal what they want if it suits them-I guess without total law enforcement in a place that has always had to fight and steal and kill they just take whatever and whenever they want. I hate hearing the rangers that try so hard have this to deal with but I must say I am not surprised by it.
Samantha thank you to verify the window “DRC news”.
My friends, I don’t find words to say what this emotional carroucel is doing with me. Yesterday magnificent Mapendo’s sweetness. Today this abominable violence’s acts. Theresa, I too thought would be a good idea the rangers to fly in the plane over Park. But with this civilian’s violence acts is impossible. Today DRC seems to be the most extreme dangerous place in the world.
What we can do? For love God have care yourself rangers…
Yes Lucia, flying a plane at a low enough altitude to see what is going on in the gorilla sector would probably be suicidal. Wouldn’t it be something if the US Airforce could use an unmanned drone to do suirveilance! Yes, I dreaming, but very frustrated. We have thousands of peace keeping forces there and where is the progress on any front? One of the rangers at another blog said the Congolese goverment prohibited MONUC forces from arresting poachers. What does that tell you! International pressure needs to brought forth, as in the case with Japan over whaling and Canada over their gruesome seal hunts.
I think I will go cry now…God when will it stop….
Maniroho, Ndayumujina & Asumani you guys get better and dont lose sight of what your cause is for the Gorillys need you…
What awful news. I’m so sorry for these men and their families. Is there any doubt that if this is going on in broad daylight, just thinking about what is probably happening to the poor mountain gorillas is unimaginable.
How awful…..poor guys…just trying to do their job……I feel horrible for them!It does seem the locals are trying to survive but doing so in an illegal matter…..I just which some other country would step in to help with restoring order or something…I too worry what about the gorillas these people have no mercy! Why should they for an animal………pisses me off!
samantha do you know if any steps have been taken to find an alternative to the local population using charcoal? would they use something different if it were presented to them? i imagine we would have to find funding from some corporation, or government, most likely not the us as sheryl has mentioned, (im also disgusted). the rangers seem to be in a horrible position. if they should actually shoot people in this situation it could bring retaliation on the gorillas. they are very brave basically going in to a dangerous situation with very limited rules of engagement. are the drc gov. forces afraid to alienate the local population so they do nothing to protect the rangers or help to enforce the law? it’s been reported that the local people in rawanda near gorilla habitat protect them and the habitat. how do they get their fuel/energy needs met? thanks for all you and the rangers do.
Samantha, like you, I have hope that peace conference in Goma will bring some positive result. I read your interview to AllAfrica. There are any way to do pressure to end this stupid conflict? It’s a large mistake or World is not interested about DR Congo war?
Diddy & Innocent: I was so sad to hear about your recent troubles. It seems like all sides were against the rangers. Please give my best to Maniroho, Ndayumujina, & Asumani. Their dedication is remarkable and greatly appreciated. I hope the rangers are not discouraged by this horrible incident. Our gorillas need each and every one of you!
The charcoal mafia seems relentless.
Take care of yourselves and your families!
Samantha: This may sound stupid, but why did the military decide to become part of the problem? What is their role there if not to uphold law and order? If this is happening, whom can the rangers turn to for assistance?
Sheryl: I hear you! The United States is too busy causing chaos in the Middle East, fighting a pointless war over oil. It doesn’t seem to have helped the cost of fuel here.
[…] blogged last week that the seized charcoal would go to schools, orphanages and hospitals - but instead ICCN […]
[…] is persistent in most rural areas. The post includes photos of the trucks, the injured rangers and more detail on what happened. In South Africa, there have been power shortages and reports of cable cars in ski resorts being […]
[…] Energy and environment are closely linked, as is shown by the Gorilla Potection blog, writing about how its rangers were beaten up when they stopped a truck carrying illegal charcoal. Charcoal is used as fuel for cooking by many in rural Africa and the problem of energy is persistent in most rural areas. The post includes photos of the trucks, the injured rangers and more details on what happened. […]
[…] in early September, the Crisis Cell continued to function. Today funds are used to support the anti-charcoal burning patrols that have been blogged about, and the displaced Rangers at […]
There is so much saddness here, I feel so sad for those poor Rangers, they are the salt of the earth. Thank you for being you. In Australia out fight is with the anti whaling, however our battles are not as tuff. It sounds like your government needs to be more powerful and take a strong stand. $5 million, surley that could be spent on something more constructive rather than NEGOTIATIONS. I just don’t understand.
Wishing all the rangers the very best and heres to you all.
this is so sad.
omg.
i was cryin as i read that whole thing.
ugh.
how freakin sad!
i am so gay.
i just cant help it!
omg this is so funny
i was laughin when i saw this
even though that is my family up there
but anyway
i cant wait to see something like this happen again
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I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view