Hello this is Jean Claude. At the moment we are safe at Mount Thsiaberimu but we are very concerned about the security situation at Goma.
I am at Kyondo at the moment and rebels have started to walk around. I have asked all staff to be very careful.
This morning I spoke to my colleague Henry who is in Goma. He had an ok night but there is fighting between the rebels and the Congolese army at Kibumba, just 30km from Goma. Gorilla Organization staff are staying in their homes for now but are keeping a very close eye on situation and an evacuation plan is in place should they need it.
Some Gorilla Organization partners are based in Rutshuru (between Goma and Mt Tshiaberimu) which is now under control of the Nkunda’s rebels. We had contact with staff there yesterday but today we have lost contact. We think they may have fled towards Uganda for safety.
The road from Rutshuru leads all the way up to Butembo, north of Mount Tshiaberimu and we fear that Rutshuru could be used as a door to move further north.
For the moment things are ok at Mount Tshiaberimu but we will keep in close contacts with all our colleagues and pray for the people and gorillas of the area.
Donations made here are
Jan 21st Brenton H USD 11.00
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I made a donation to help the rangers who had to run into the forest and most of which are still missing. I made a donation of $100, but when it was noted on my Paypal account it said that the donation had gone to Africa Conservation Fund (UK). When I made the donation, it specifically said that it would go to help the rangers and their families, who are now displaced. I hope that is where my money went. I give monthly support to the Lion Guardians and also, to the rangers who are protecting the gorillas, but now I am concerned about the $100 that I sent. Can someone enlighten me on this matter?
Thanks Jean Claude for updating up on the situation where you are.
Jean Claude — my thoughts and prayers are with all of you…I know it is not much, but I suppose it is the best any of us can do from so far away. I hope to God that those who have the power, come to Congo’s aid very soon…It is horrifying to think about what the rebels have managed so far.
Jean Claude, I am very sorry to hear about this horrendous news. Please stay safe. I will be in Bukavu in 2 weeks time. Are you coming south?
I have worked in Goma and East Kivu from 1994-1999 and know the region and its people well.
I am sorry you all had to go through this pain of civil war and unrest once again…!
Stay safe!
Yes…..please stay safe……this is just terrible for all of you! I don’t want anything happening to any of you! You have all worked so hard!
Thanks for your reports. I just wanted to tell you about the Ushahidi DRC page that just went live today http://drc.ushahidi.com – I’d encourage you and your network to submit reports there as well…we are also hoping to help chronicle where help is desperately needed. We think it’s so important to get more local perspectives out there.
Stay Safe!