UNITED NATIONS, June 21 (Xinhua) -- A UN investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by the Republic of Congo peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR) finds "systemic problems" and Brazzaville officials are withdrawing military personnel serving in the UN Mission in CAR (MINUSCA), the UN said here Wednesday.
"The Secretariat is working with the Republic of Congo and MINUSCA on the modalities for a speedy withdrawal that will have the least impact on the mission's operational requirements and ability to implement its mandate," said a "Note to correspondents on MINUSCA" released at UN Headquarters.
Allegations of several cases of sexual abuse and exploitation, involving minors in the conflict-ridden CAR were investigated beginning last year. The abuse reports alleged military peacekeepers in the CAR sexually abused victims, sometimes demanding sex in trade for protection or supplies.
"The review of the deployment of uniformed military personnel from the Republic of Congo found that the nature and extent of existing allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, in their totality, point to systemic problems in command and control," the UN investigation showed.
"These problems have also been compounded by issues related to the preparedness, overall discipline, maintenance of contingent-owned equipment, and logistical capacity of these troops," it said.
"The outcome of the review has been shared with the authorities of the Republic of Congo, who have decided to withdraw their military personnel deployed in MINUSCA."
The note explicitly ruled out police peacekeepers from being involved in the allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation, saying "The police contingent will be retained."
"The United Nations stands ready to assist the Republic of Congo authorities by identifying factors in the areas of leadership and command, performance, conduct and readiness, to enable them to address these gaps and for Republic of Congo military contingents to be eventually considered for future deployment to UN peacekeeping operations," the note said.
"The Republic of Congo authorities have been requested to urgently inform the United Nations of accountability measures they have taken regarding the one substantiated allegation of sexual abuse involving a Republic of Congo police personnel," the note said.
Peacekeepers accused of wrongdoing while assigned to UN missions routinely are withdrawn to their home countries where they are supposed to go on trial or receive military discipline depending on the seriousness of the allegations against them.
