📍 Uvira, South Kivu — The environmental organization Kumekucha Tujenge Kwetu (KTK ASBL) has strongly condemned the shocking killing of a protected hippopotamus in the ecologically sensitive Ruzizi River Valley.
🔴 According to credible local sources, between September 22 and 28, 2025, armed men shot and slaughtered the animal in the heart of a designated protected area. This act, described as an “ecological crime,” flagrantly violates both Congolese environmental law and international conventions ratified by the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Why It Matters
The hippopotamus is listed as a fully protected species under Congolese legislation. Its hunting or killing is strictly prohibited. Yet, in the Ruzizi Basin, years of armed presence — including FARDC-Wazalendo militias and AFC-M23 rebels — continue to destabilize both human security and fragile ecosystems.
KTK ASBL’s Demands
The organization is urging:
- Immediate investigation into this ecological crime,
- Full protection and monitoring of protected zones,
- Harsh sanctions against any form of poaching or destruction of endangered species.
Ruzizi Valley in Peril
Already weakened by climate change, deforestation, and human pressure, the Ruzizi Valley now faces new threats due to armed encroachment into its ecological zones. The survival of key species such as the hippopotamus depends on collective action to enforce environmental laws and protect biodiversity.
A Call for Action
KTK ASBL has reaffirmed its commitment to defending nature, protecting endangered species, and raising awareness among local communities about the irreplaceable value of their natural heritage.
🖊 Author: Mangwa
📖 Read more: Mecamediaafrica.com
#DRC #SouthKivu #Uvira #Ruzizi #Biodiversity #EnvironmentalJustice