a unit of Tanzanian peacekeepers repatriated after accusations of “sex abuse”

The UN announced on Friday, June 9, that it would repatriate all 60 members of a Tanzanian military unit from its mission in the Central African Republic (Minusca). In question: “preliminary evidence collected by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) of the United Nations”Who “revealed that 11 members of the unit, deployed in a temporary Minusca base in the west of the Central African Republic, are involved in the sexual exploitation and abuse of four victims”specifies in a press release the Minusca, without specifying the date of the facts.

The victims “received immediate care and support through mission partners, based on their medical, psychosocial and protection needs”, adds the same source. The UN said it conducted an internal investigation “to assess allegations, identify and listen to alleged victims”and adds having “informed the Tanzanian authorities of these allegations” who have “noted the seriousness of the allegations and undertook to take the necessary measures”.

“The unit will be repatriated as soon as its presence is no longer required on site by the investigators”, said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary General. He also reaffirmed that “the United Nations remains committed to implementing (…) a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse.” When questioned, the Central African authorities did not immediately respond to AFP’s requests.