UN Takes Strong Measures Against Peacekeepers in DR Congo Amid Alleged Misconduct

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The United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) has revealed that it has taken “strong measures” against peacekeepers accused of “serious misconduct.” Eight peacekeepers deployed in Beni, eastern DR Congo, were arrested on October 1, and an officer was suspended a week later in connection with alleged sexual exploitation and violence, according to internal documents from the MONUSCO peacekeeping mission.

The peacekeepers are all part of the South African contingent of the UN force and may be involved in what internal reports have described as a “systematic widespread violation” of UN rules. MONUSCO stated that it has informed the Office of Internal Oversight Services and has taken precautionary measures in line with the UN Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy. These measures include the suspension, detention, and confinement of the peacekeepers involved.

In a statement, MONUSCO strongly condemned the behavior, stating that it is “unworthy of UN personnel.” The allegations involve peacekeepers near the MONUSCO base at Mavivi, near Beni, where bars and brothels named after South African towns, such as Soweto, Bloemfontein, and Cape Town, have reportedly sprung up.

The preliminary report also mentioned that the officer in question “intimidated and verbally threatened UN personnel” following the arrest of the peacekeepers. These allegations come at a time when the Congolese government has been calling for the accelerated departure of the UN force from December, accusing it of failing to put an end to violence by armed groups during its 25-year presence. Additionally, the government has called on Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, including South Africa, to deploy in the country in support of the Congolese army against the M23 rebels operating in North Kivu province since May.

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