Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing simultaneous security and public health challenges as an Ebola outbreak spreads while attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) continue across the region.
According to Emmanuel de Merode, director of the park, rangers and Congolese security forces recently repelled an ADF attack on a funeral gathering, resulting in multiple fatalities, including two security personnel assigned to the park.
Key developments:
- Ebola cases have spread across several provinces in eastern DRC, including areas bordering Virunga.
- Park authorities have been asked to establish screening and isolation facilities at key transport routes.
- Recent ADF attacks have targeted civilians and displaced communities near the park.
- Virunga rangers are balancing wildlife conservation, community protection and disease-control operations.
De Merode warned that the outbreak could worsen in the coming months as authorities work to contain the virus while addressing ongoing insecurity in the region.
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