UN suspends and detains 8 peacekeepers in Congo over allegations of sexual exploitation

GOMA, Congo (AP) — The United Nations has suspended and detained eight peacekeepers in eastern Congo over allegations of sexual exploitation, a UN official said.

A statement from the UN on Wednesday said it has taken “strong measures in response to reports of serious misconduct by peacekeepers.”

The peacekeepers have been confined pending further details and a full investigation.

According to a UN official, the eight peacekeepers are from South Africa and they were detained in the city of Beni in North Kivu province after being caught with prostitutes at an unauthorised bar after curfew.

The official was not authorised to speak about the specifics of the case and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Conflict has been simmering in eastern Congo for decades where more than 120 armed groups are fighting in the region, mostly for land and control of mines with valuable minerals, while some groups are trying to protect their communities.

More than 12,000 UN peacekeepers operate in the country. Their mission is to protect civilians, deter armed groups, and build the capacity of state institutions and services.

Despite the presence of the peacekeepers in Congo for decades, the conflict has continued and is increasing.

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