The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) recalled eight of its United Nations peacekeepers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following accusations of sexual misconduct. Whilst stationed in Beni as a part of the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), the peacekeepers violated the mission’s curfew and non-fraternization policy. This misconduct, occurring on the first of October, was discovered by UN military police who then took measurable action, enacting suspensions and confinements. Jurist, an online legal news and research service, reported on the incident.
MONUSCO released a statement regarding this breach of conduct by the peacekeepers. The UN, in news reports, condemned these actions and emphasized the gravity of the peacekeepers’ offenses.
Following the allegations, SANDF voiced a concern that the UN had not been duly observing the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in terms of reporting procedures about the incident. SANDF pointed out the South African Defence Advisor or its representative in UN were not informed about these allegations. As such, the SANDF took the decision to recall the peacekeepers involved for a domestic investigation. As per reports, South African National Investigating Officers have been appointed to MONUSCO for the purpose of participating in a thorough mission-level investigation.Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
It might be noteworthy to the readers that South Africa is the 15th largest contributor of troops and police to UN peacekeeping operations. Currently, 1,170 military and police personnel from South Africa are serving in UN peacekeeping services. These personnel first serve their national duties, and then work under secondment with the UN. You can check the accurate statistics at the UN’s peacekeeping site.
The entire case raises serious questions about the implementation of rules and guidelines within international organizations.