Lomami: ICCN Under Fire for Criticism, Two Dead in Lomami National Park Due to Lack of Ecoguard Control APEM-RDC Demands Justice and Reparation

In a press release published on April 9, 2024, and a copy of which reached Kilalopress, the Association for the Promotion and Protection of Threatened Peoples and Species in the Democratic Republic of Congo (APEM-RDC) vehemently denounces the recent tragic events in Lomami National Park, marked by the death of two members of the local communities.

Mr. Aitekele Yeni Mike and Asangu Souverain, residents of the villages Lale-Liloka and Lieke-Asangu respectively, were found dead from gunshot wounds on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. These innocent victims were fishing near the Sisili River, in the Yawende-Loolo sector, Opala Territory, Tshopo Province, where they had gone to provide for their families, as they usually did.

Testimonies converge on an alarming conclusion: these deaths are attributed to the ecoguards who were on patrol in the region. This tragedy unfortunately occurs in a broader context of repeated human rights violations in the vicinity of Lomami National Park. Acts of vandalism against the facilities of the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) are also reported, raising fears of escalating tensions if no action is taken.

APEM-RDC recalls a previous case that occurred on July 29, 2023, where a young man named ESENGA LINANA Simplice, from the village of Otelakoy, was severely injured by a bullet fired by an ecoguard. To this day, no reparation or justice has been provided to this victim, leaving him disabled and without recourse. In light of this situation, APEM-RDC calls on national and provincial authorities, as well as the management of Lomami National Park and the Human Rights Cell of ICCN, to shed light on these acts of violence. The association urges for a thorough investigation, exemplary punishment of those responsible for these acts, the establishment of an independent Complaints Management Mechanism, provision of legal assistance to the families of the victims, and promotion of respect for human rights in the region.

It is urgent that the management of this natural gem be reconsidered from an inclusive perspective that respects the rights of local populations, so that Lomami National Park can truly flourish as a conservation model based on respect and dignity for all.

By Franck Zongwe Lukama

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