Fauna & Flora statement on situation in DRC

Fauna & Flora is deeply concerned about the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo where rebels have entered and reportedly captured the eastern city of Goma, near the border with Rwanda.

The city is a home for staff and partners in the region and an important base for our work in and around Maiko National Park and Community Forest Reserves. Tens of thousands of Goma’s residents are reported to be leaving the city, amidst widespread fighting and looting and with electricity and water supplies cut off. We have confirmed that our staff and partners are safe for the moment but it is a volatile and fast-moving situation.

Alongside the population, Fauna & Flora is just one of many development, humanitarian and environmental organisations to be impacted. Until fighting stops, much of the vital work done by these organisations will have to momentarily pause, to keep staff safe.

We welcome the call from the United Nations for DRC and Rwanda to return to the negotiating table to urgently find a political solution.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by the fighting.