In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at least eight United Nations peacekeepers have been suspended and detained over allegations of sexual assault. The workers were based in eastern Congo, which has seen violence soar in recent years due to conflict among armed groups. There are over 12,000 U.N. peacekeepers in the Congo. Many have protested their presence in the country, while DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has called on their withdrawal, saying the U.N. peacekeeping mission has failed to prevent escalating violence. The eight U.N. peacekeepers have been repatriated to South Africa. This is U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.

Stéphane Dujarric: “There is also evidence indicating a serious failure in the exercise of command and control by senior military officials belonging to that same contingent. The relevant authorities are being informed of the allegations, including a request to deploy a national investigation officer.”

While the U.N. can investigate suspected crimes, it has no power to prosecute. U.N. peacekeeping missions have previously faced sexual abuse reports in Congo, as well as Haiti and Central African Republic.