Liberia: UN investigates peacekeepers alleged assault

The UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), is investigating two peacekeepers accused of beating a teenager in Liberia. The incident allegedly occured on December 4, 2015 in Bong Conty,on the border with Guinea according to a statement released by UNMIL.

“The mission takes these accusations very seriously and yesterday sent a team to establish the facts” with “aims to collect evidence if a full investigation is necessary,”
said Waldemar Vrey, Head of UNMIL

The victim who is a boy, is said to have been hospitalized in JFK hospital in Monrovia in the capital Monrovia. UNMIL said the boy was transferred “for humanitarian reasons”, without giving further details.

“While we’re doing some light on what happened, our thoughts are with the boy, whose condition remains relatively serious, and his family,” he added.

In addition, he called on “all parties to remain calm and cooperate with those responsible to establish the facts.” UNMIL was established in 2003 with 15,000 troops to facilitate a peaceful transition in Liberia, after 14 years of civil wars.

It has gradually transferred its responsibilities to the government. 1,240 soldiers and 600 police officers are expected to remain in the country in June, when the government takes full responsibilities of its security.