DRC (North Kivu) : South African MONUSCO peacekeepers arrested for sexual exploitation

Eight MONUSCO peacekeepers of South African nationality deployed in the Beni region, in the North Kivu province, east DRC, have been under arrest since October 1. Sources close to the UN Mission in Congo (MONUSCO) indicate that the arrest of these eight elements follows a case of sexual exploitation and violence in which they are suspected of being involved. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

MONUSCO indicates, in a press release isaued this Wednesday, that measures have already been taken in accordance with the zero tolerance policy of the Secretary General of the United Nations.

According to this document, these so-called precautionary measures involve in particular the suspension, detention and confinement of the peacekeepers concerned by these accusations.

The United Nations Mission for the Stabilization of Congo (MONUSCO) condemns such behavior which is not worthy of United Nations personnel.

“MONUSCO ensures that all of its personnel respect the strictest standards of conduct and continues its prevention efforts. It is also committed to rehabilitating the rights and dignity of victims”, the press release concludes.

At least 94 civilians were killed in anti-MONUSCO protests last year and in August this year in towns and cities in Congo’s eastern region, according to a report by Congolese authorities.

The demonstrators accuse the most criticized UN mission of being “ineffective and complicit” in the face of the insecurity which has prevailed in the eastern region of the vast Central African country for more than two decades.

Recently, President Tshisekedi asked before the UN General Assembly that MONUSCO could accelerate its withdrawal from the Congolese territory from December 2023.