The United Nations (UN) announced on Friday its decision to send home a unit of 60 Tanzanian peacekeepers from the Central African Republic (CAR) following a preliminary investigation that uncovered credible evidence of sexual exploitation and abuse involving 11 members, who allegedly victimized at least four individuals.
To ensure the safety of the victims and the integrity of the ongoing investigation, the unit has been relocated to another base, with its members confined to the barracks, as stated by UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. Dujarric further explained that the unit will be repatriated once their presence is no longer required for the investigation.
In response to the distressing situation, care and support are being provided to the victims by the mission’s humanitarian partners. Additionally, Tanzanian authorities have been informed and are dispatching their own investigators to the Central African Republic to address the matter.
Emphasizing their commitment to zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, Tanzanian authorities acknowledged the gravity of the allegations and have pledged to take necessary action, according to Dujarric. VOA has reached out to Tanzania’s UN ambassador for comment on the issue.
As indicated on the Department of Peacekeeping’s website, Tanzania currently contributes approximately 1,586 uniformed personnel to the CAR, as part of the larger MINUSCA mission, which comprises over 17,000 personnel.
The UN holds the authority to repatriate international peacekeepers when credible evidence emerges of widespread or systemic sexual exploitation or abuse committed by members of a military or police unit.
Dujarric specified that the Tanzanian peacekeepers were stationed at a temporary operating base in the western region of the Central African Republic. The country has been plagued by political instability, violence, and human rights violations since the 1990s. In response to the intense sectarian conflict in 2013, the UN authorized the deployment of a stabilization mission the following year.
Unfortunately, MINUSCA has faced recurring issues involving international peacekeepers engaging in sexual exploitation and abuse, including instances of child abuse.
Dujarric assured reporters that the United Nations remains firmly committed to the rigorous implementation of the secretary-general’s zero-tolerance policy concerning sexual exploitation and abuse.
