Two British tourists were kidnapped in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Brig. Karemire told Xinhua that the country is safe and peaceful, urging tourists to continue visiting the East African country.

The tourists were abducted by gunmen from Virunga National Park which borders Uganda and Rwanda.

The gunmen also kidnapped and killed a female ranger who was travelling with them.

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The eastern part of DRC is a habitat of the endangered mountain gorillas as well as lions, elephants and hippos

Congolese army and park rangers have since launched an operation to rescue the kidnapped tourists.

It is estimated that there are between 1,500 and 2,000 militia in and around the national park which is protected by about 800 rangers.