Two park wardens were killed on Wednesday when a surveillance plane crashed in Virunga National Park, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The two-seater aircraft went down during a mission to support anti-poaching operations in the Ishango region, near the Ugandan border.
Park spokesperson Bienvenu Bwende confirmed the crash occurred in the afternoon while the team was monitoring park operations from the air. The Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation stated the mission aimed to ensure the safety of field agents in the volatile region.
An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the crash, which occurred under unclear circumstances. Virunga, Africa’s oldest national park, established in 1925, is celebrated for its rare wildlife, including endangered mountain gorillas.
Beyond its natural splendour, the park lies at the heart of one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts, plagued by armed groups and instability. Parts of the park remain under the control of the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, complicating conservation and security efforts.
The Ishango sector, where the plane crashed, is one of the few areas currently held by the Congolese government. Despite its beauty, Virunga has seen repeated bloodshed, with rangers frequently targeted in the fight to protect its biodiversity.
The deaths of the two wardens add to a growing toll of lives lost in the struggle to safeguard Congo’s natural heritage. Authorities have not released the identities of the victims but praised their dedication to preserving the park under dangerous conditions.
Their sacrifice highlights the risks faced by conservationists operating in one of the world’s most perilous protected areas. Virunga’s management vowed to continue its mission, honouring the memory of those who died in service of its protection.