Article – South African peacekeepers from MONUSCO arrested in DR Congo for alleged sexual exploitation and violence
In a shocking case that highlights abuses committed by some peacekeepers, eight South African soldiers have been arrested and one officer suspended following accusations of sexual exploitation and violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to internal MONUSCO documents, South African peacekeepers deployed in Béni in the east of the country are suspected of having participated in a “systematic and widespread violation” of UN rules against exploitation and abuse sexual. “Bothels” with names evocative of South African towns were discovered near the Monusco base in Mavivi, where transactional sex allegedly took place.
The officer involved allegedly intimidated and verbally threatened members of the UN after the arrest of some peacekeepers for frequenting brothels. This reportedly even led to an escape attempt, a fight and a chase with UN military police.
MONUSCO reacted firmly by taking precautionary measures, in accordance with the zero tolerance policy of the Secretary General of the United Nations. The peacekeepers involved have been suspended, detained and confined, while the UN strongly condemns such behavior, considering it unbecoming of UN personnel.
This affair adds new controversy to the peacekeeping mission in DR Congo. While the country is calling for an accelerated departure of the UN force from December, criticism of the ineffectiveness of MONUSCO in putting an end to the violence of armed groups is growing. It is imperative that drastic measures are taken to prevent such abuses in the future and ensure the safety of local populations.
In conclusion, this case of alleged sexual exploitation and violence involving South African MONUSCO peacekeepers in DR Congo highlights the importance of combating these abuses within peacekeeping missions. It is essential that measures are taken to avoid such behavior in the future and that accountability is clearly established in order to preserve the integrity and credibility of the United Nations.