CAR: UN Identifies seven new cases of sexual assault

The UN Mission in the Central African Republic has identified seven new suspected cases of sexual abuse by peacekeepers.

The UN’s Assistant Secretary General for Field support, Tony Banbury was overcome by emotion as he revealed new allegations of sexual abuse by peacekeeping troops from five African and Asian countries.

He said some troops are involved in sexual exploitation of children in the Central African Republic (CAR).

Banbury struggled to contain his emotions as he said that UN peacekeepers from five national armies had been implicated. The alleged abusers were from Bangladesh, Morocco, Niger, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“I think it’s hard to imagine the outrage that the people working for the United Nations and for the causes of peace and security feel when these kinds of allegations come to light. Particularly involving minors, it’s so hard to understand,” said Banbury.

He added that the abuse had allegedly been carried out by 10 soldiers from these five countries.

The Special Representative of the UN’s General Secretary in CAR, Onanga-Anyanga, promised the culprits will be dealt with.

A dozen children aged from 7 to 16 are involved in the assaults.

#Humanrights News – Exclusive: UN Drops Leak Investigation Into Human Rights Official in CAR Sex Scandal https://t.co/HU3HasuA2M

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Separate allegations have also been made against French and Georgian troops serving in the CAR as part of an European Union force.