Eight UN peacekeepers detained over sex abuse claims in DR Congo

The UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) announced on Wednesday that it had taken "strong measures" against peacekeepers suspected of "serious misconduct".

According to internal documents of the MONUSCO peacekeeping mission, seen by AFP, the eight peacekeepers deployed in Beni, eastern DR Congo, were arrested on October 1 and an officer suspended a week later in connection with alleged sexual exploitation and violence.

All belong to the South African contingent of the UN force, and may be involved in what internal reports describe as a "systematic widespread violation" of UN rules.

"The Office of Internal Oversight Services has been apprised and precautionary measures have already been taken in accordance with the UN Secretary-General's zero-tolerance policy," MONUSCO said in a statement late Wednesday.

The measures taken "include the suspension, detention and confinement of the peacekeepers concerned", the UN force said, adding that it "strongly condemns such behaviour, which is unworthy of UN personnel".

https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20231012-eight-un-peacekeepers-detained-over-sex-abuse-claims-in-dr-congo

>>19730366

There are annual NATO exercises in Europe

NATO holds long-planned annual nuclear exercise

NATO will launch its long-planned annual nuclear exercise “Steadfast Noon” on Monday (16 October 2023) with up to 60 aircraft taking part in training flights over southern Europe.

https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_219443.htm

>>19730366

>>19730454

NATO confirms Belgium-based nuclear deterrence exercise

NATO will begin a routine nuclear deterrence exercise on Monday from Kleine-Brogel Air Base in Limburg, against a backdrop of tensions with Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.

In an unprecedented display of transparency, the alliance issued a statement confirming that the exercise, dubbed ‘Steadfast Noon,’ would take place. It had already been announced by NATO’s Secretary General, Norwegian Jens Stoltenberg, and Belgian Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder.

According to the Atlantic Alliance, NATO air forces will train their nuclear deterrent capabilities over northwest Europe between 17 and 30 October. The exercise has been presented by NATO as a “routine and recurring training activity” not linked “to any current global event.”

https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/736568/nato-confirms

>>19730519

>>19730708

>>19730756

NATO exercise in Belgium too.