Mar 17 2007
I have been robbed
I regret to tell you that my vehicle was broken into on Friday, yesterday. The thief forced the rear door of my car that I had parked in front of a food store where I was buying provisions in Goma. A briefcase with documents and a small bag that had my passport, my driving license and other vehicle documents were stolen. My camera, donated to me by WildlifeDirect, and other personal items were also taken. The matter has been reported to the police but I am not sure how much they can do. Paulin
Technorati : congo, congo ranger, drc, goma, wildlifedirect
Daily news from the conservation frontline by Innocent and Diddy, and other Congolese rangers risking their lives to save mountain gorillas of the Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Hi Paulin
I came across your blog searching the internet related to Goma DRC and was sudden to hear that you were robbed, I hope it all work out somehow but be careful in Goma, I left Goma in 2004 and live in London now Im planning for a trip to Goma but I can imagine the place may not still as safe dispite the improvements of the country situation.
I dont know what you’re doing in Goma but i would like to keep in contact with you so that you can advise on safety precautions that need to be taken if travelling in the region.
Many Thanks
paul.
Dear Paul,
Thanks for your note. I am still sorting it out with the police. Fingers crossed I at least get my documents back. You know how difficult and time consuming it is to replace those. Let me know when you are coming to Goma and I would be more than happy to give advice. Goma and the surroundings are much much safer than they were in 2004. There is still substantial rebel activity - whether Mai Mai, Interhamwe, renegade groups etc - but it is much improved. Rebel groups are gradually being integrated into the military, but of course until the economy of the country starts growing and people can get jobs and feed their families, there are still going to be security issues. A civil war leaves it mark for generations.
We are really hoping that with a return to calm in the Mikeno sector, since January, and the set up of a new Gorilla Monitoring camp, gorilla-watching tourism will slowly return.
Paulin
Paulin,
Thanks for replying and advice, I hope the process of getting the document back will spead up but the most important thing is you’re safe and your stuff were stolen from your car because i have read some stories about people being robbed at gun point.
Anyway, my trip is for May, I will fly to Goma from Kinshasa where I will register with the British embassy but was wondering whether is there a British consulate in Goma just in case or all activies are done through Kigali’s embassy? As far as a return to calm I think there will be calm eventually but it a process that region is amazing as tourist attraction let hope things get back to full normal as there are a lot of potentials.
Look after yourself and i will keep in contact.
Paul
Hi Paulin,
Je suis tombe sur ton blog faisant des recherches sur la situation environementale de la region pour une these que je redige. Ca me va droit au coeur de lire vos efforts sur le terrain malgre les difficultes que vous rencontrez.
J’ai aussi le desir de passer par Goma dans le cadre de mes recherches. Qu’en est-il de la possibilite d’une telle visite? Y-a-t-il aussi moyen de visiter le parc, voir les gorilles durant cette periode?
Merci et encore tous mes encouragements pour votre travail.
Christian