Hippopotamus Slaughter in South Kivu Province

South Kivu province , particularly the tourist sites of Katogota and Nyangara, located in the Ruzizi plain, as well as in Uvira, is facing a worrying situation related to the slaughter of hippos, a protected species. Since February 2025, several reports and alerts issued by environmental defenders have indicated the death of at least fifteen hippos in this region, mainly due to security instability and human pressures, such as poaching and armed conflict.

Environmental civil society in South Kivu deplores this alarming situation, as hippos play an essential role in the balance of the ecosystem and are protected in many countries due to their vulnerability. Their conservation is essential, not only to preserve biodiversity, but also to promote sustainable community-based tourism, which can boost the local economy and create job opportunities for young people.

The Katogota and Nyangara tourist sites play a key role in raising awareness about the protection of these animals. It is imperative to implement concrete initiatives to ensure their preservation by actively involving all local stakeholders in conservation programs. These efforts would help reduce conflicts between people and wildlife, while promoting harmonious coexistence in the region.

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