UN Secretary-General Fires Head of Peacekeeping Mission Over Misconduct Allegations

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has taken decisive action against the head of the peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic, firing him over dozens of misconduct allegations, including rape and killing. This move is unprecedented, with the UN Security Council set to hold a special session on Thursday to address the issue of sexual abuse allegations. The peacekeeping force in Central African Republic has faced 57 allegations of possible misconduct since its establishment in April 2014.

The head of the peacekeeping mission, Babacar Gaye of Senegal, had been accused of handling the allegations poorly, with the UN Secretary-General expressing his "anguished" and "ashamed" response to the recurrent reports of sex abuse and exploitation. A special meeting with the heads of all peacekeeping missions worldwide will be held to stress their responsibilities in addressing such misconduct.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Secretary-General has fired the head of the peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic over handling of misconduct allegations.
  • The allegations include rape and killing, with 57 cases reported since the mission's establishment in April 2014.
  • The UN Security Council will hold a special session on Thursday to address the issue of sexual abuse allegations.
  • The UN Secretary-General will hold a meeting with the heads of all peacekeeping missions to stress their responsibilities in addressing misconduct.
  • A total of 11 cases of possible sexual abuse have been reported.
  • At least six peacekeepers were sent home last month alone for misconduct.
  • Amnesty International has accused UN peacekeepers of killing a 16-year-old boy and his father and raping a 12-year-old girl in separate incidents.
  • Medecins Sans Frontieres has treated four minors who reported sexual abuse by UN peacekeeping forces since September 2014.

Statistics:

  • 57 allegations of possible misconduct by UN peacekeepers in Central Africa Republic since April 2014.
  • 11 cases of possible sexual abuse reported.
  • At least six peacekeepers sent home last month alone for misconduct.
  • 4 minors treated by Medecins Sans Frontieres for sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers since September 2014.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
  • Amnesty International
  • Medecins Sans Frontieres (via email)
  • UN peacekeeping mission in Central Africa Republic