The United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) on Wednesday declared that it had implemented “strong measures” against peacekeepers believed to be involved in “serious misconduct.”
Internal documents from the MONUSCO peacekeeping mission reveal that eight peacekeepers stationed in Beni, eastern DR Congo, were detained on October 1, with an officer suspended a week later. These actions were taken in connection with alleged cases of sexual exploitation and violence, as reported by media.
All of these individuals are members of the South African contingent within the UN force and are suspected of being part of what internal reports have labeled a “systematic, widespread violation” of UN regulations.
“The Office of Internal Oversight Services has been apprised and precautionary measures have already been taken in accordance with the UN Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy,” MONUSCO said in a statement late Wednesday.
The actions taken “include the suspension, detention and confinement of the peacekeepers concerned”, as stated by the UN mission, which also expressed strong condemnation of such conduct, deeming it unfitting for UN personnel.
One of the documents reports that establishments such as bars and brothels, named after South African towns like Soweto, Bloemfontein, and Cape Town, have emerged near the MONUSCO base at Mavivi, near Beni.
Based on an initial assessment, the officer in question allegedly used intimidation and verbal threats against UN personnel subsequent to the apprehension of the peacekeepers.
Since May, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been urging SADC (Southern African Development Community) nations, South Africa included, to dispatch their forces to support the Congolese army as it contends with the M23 rebels, who have taken control of significant portions of North Kivu province.
The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has additionally been advocating for a “speedy” withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping force starting from December, alleging that the force has not effectively quelled violence perpetrated by armed groups during its 25-year mission.
