The Bwindi Massacre – Tragic Attack in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Bwindi Massacre was a tragic terror attack that took place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Rwandan rebels attacked foreign tourists during a gorilla trekking expedition. This event shocked the tourism world and affected travel to the area.

Targeting of Tourists

According to Anne Peltier, a survivor of the massacre and France’s deputy ambassador to Uganda at the time, the rebels targeted Americans and British citizens. They believed these countries did not support the ethnic Hutu majority.

The rebels left notes on some of the bodies saying, “Americans and British, we don’t want you on our land. You support our enemy.” This showed the reason behind their actions.

Attack on Camps and Park Staff

The attackers, dressed in rags, began their assault by raiding campsites. They killed four Ugandan game staff, including a game warden and three park rangers. During the same week, soldiers later killed four of the rebels during a pursuit through the forest.

Violence Against Tourists

The rebels destroyed property and carried out serious attacks against tourists. Some victims were killed with machetes, axes, and knives, while others were attacked before being killed. About 12 people were kidnapped. These included six Britons, one Australian, one Swiss woman, three New Zealanders, and one Canadian woman. Reports also mentioned three other missing tourists whose fate was never confirmed.

Some victims were killed because they could not walk fast enough. The rebels also used tricks on their captives. For example, they allowed one American woman who pretended to have an asthma attack to go free at first, and another who said she had forgotten her glasses. Later, they did not spare them.

Victims and Survivors

Among the victims were Rob Hanbner, 48, and his wife Miller, 42, a couple from Hillsboro, Oregon, who had been linked to the film “Gorillas in the Mist.”

A few survivors managed to escape. They found a working two-way radio and contacted the US embassy in Kampala. They were later airlifted to safety.

The Bwindi Massacre was a very sad event that led to the loss of many lives. It remains a reminder of the need for peace and safety, especially in places visited by tourists.

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