Congo Brazzaville to investigate alleged sexual assault by its peacekeepers

Congo Brazzaville authorities have launched an investigation into Congolese contingent of the UN Mission accused of sexually assaulting young girls in the Central African Republic.

The Congolese Minister of Communication and government spokesman Thierry Moungalla, said the defence ministry and its allied agencies will verify the accuracy of the allegations.

“I have to confirm our total condemnation, if the facts are proved,” the Minister said.

Moungalla said, the government has a very clear position on these issues, “zero tolerance for violations of human rights”.

The UN mission in CAR on Friday identified seven new cases of alleged sexual abuse by peacekeepers which involved at least five underage girls.

The soldiers who have been indicted for allegedly committing the offence in Bambari, between September and December 2015 are from Congo Brazzaville and the Democratic Republic of Congo.