Eighteen gorilla sanctuary employees abducted by militia group in DRC
Eighteen employees of a gorilla sanctuary in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been abducted by a militia group, sources said on Wednesday. An official with an NGO said the abduction took place on Monday in the area of Nzovu, which lies in the huge Kahuzi-Biega National Park, and an armed group called the Mai-Mai Raia Mutomboki was responsible. The victims comprise nine administrative employees, who were carrying out an inventory, and nine guards, the source said. "[Eighteen] workers in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park were kidnapped by militiamen," Kashombana Bin-Saleh, administrator of Shabunda territory, confirmed to AFP. "The 18 are alive and talks for negotiating their release will start as soon as a team from the [park] arrives in Shabunda." The abductors are demanding a large ransom, according to sources in local civil society groups. They seized the group’s luggage at the same time and forced local people to carry it. This group was released later, the sources sa...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.