Park ranger killed during a rebel attack on a wildlife reserve in Congo

An eco-guard was killed and the northeast sub-station of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (Réserve de faune à okapis, RFO) was set on fire during an attack attributed to Allied Democratic Forces (ADF-MTN) rebels in Nduye, Mambasa territory in Ituri province, during the night of Wednesday to Thursday, 1 October 2026.

According to a statement from the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (Institut congolais pour la conservation de la nature, ICCN), the attack occurred while eco-guards were carrying out their duties protecting biodiversity in the UNESCO World Heritage site. The ICCN said the eco-guard lost his life while safeguarding the reserve’s fauna and flora.

Other local reports identified the victim as Jean Tandu Koliwa and indicated the assault took place over 29–30 September. The ICCN described him as having fallen “weapon in hand” while defending the reserve and offered condolences to his family and colleagues.

ICCN Director General Yves Milan Ngangayi paid tribute to the fallen agent’s bravery and sacrifice in defending a site of global natural importance against armed groups active in the region. He stressed that the attack should not deter other eco-guards from continuing their mission to protect the reserve’s biodiversity and natural resources. The institute condemned the assault on conservation personnel and infrastructure.

The Okapi Wildlife Reserve, located in Mambasa territory, has long faced insecurity linked to armed groups. ICCN recalled previous violent incidents, including a particularly deadly attack on 24 June 2012 by Mai-Mai Simba militiamen led by Paul Sadala (alias Morgan), in which 14 okapis were killed and facilities were destroyed.

The latest attack at Nduye once again highlights the severe security challenges facing eco-guards protecting one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s most important biodiversity sanctuaries.