Latest news with #peacekeepers
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
'E disappear without a word': Women wey UN peacekeepers give belle and abandon
Despite di scorching sun and stifling air, twelve-year-old Dimitri, no be im real name, hide inside im mother modest iron-sheet home for Birere, for informal settlement in Goma, for eastern Democratic Republic of di Congo. "E no wan face di teasing of oda children over im curly hair and lighter skin," say im mama, Kamate Bibiche, tok to di BBC bifor Goma fall to di M23 rebels in January. "E (Dimitri) na Russian, yet fit neva live to im true heritage," she tok. Dimitri na reminder of one painful legacy of di United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in di Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). Since im deployment for di end of 1999, di mission don face widespread allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse wey involve women and young girls. Kamate hesitate bifor e pull out one dusty box wey dem hide deep under her bed. Inside na her only reminders of Yuriy, di man she say na Dimitri father. E contain one worn military hat and one old photograph of di two of dem togeda. Kamate bin meet Yuriy on one night out and say she become attracted to im calm persona. Di pair get three month relationship. "'E no be like oda men. E bin love and treat me really well. E be di best three months I ever get," Kamate recall. Yuriy, like many peacekeepers dey interact wit local communities, bin reveal little about im actual background or true credentials. "E be UN peacekeeper," Kamate tok. "E no say I dey pregnant and promise to take care of us. But den e disappear without one word, as if we mean nothing to am," Kamate tok. She tok say she no get way to reach her Russian partner, as di phone number wey e dey use don dey disconnected. Abuse of power Although Kamate bin enta into di relationship willingly, under one United Nations resolution adopted by di general assembly in 2005, e still dey considered exploitative. Dis policy recognises di power imbalance between UN personnel and vulnerable local populations, wey fit make any sexual relationships exploitative, even if dey appear consensual. Di resolution dey urge member states to provide justice for victims by holding perpetrators accountable once dem send dem back to dia home kontries. Wen ask about di whereabouts of Kamate boyfriend, MONUSCO spokesperson Ndeye Lo tell BBC Russian say dem no get contingent troops in di mission, say "only a few police officers and staff officers dey work for di headquarters". She say di mission no fit give access to di records of specific Russian officers wey bin serve in 2012 "for legal reasons". Di BBC bin attempt to track down Yuriy, including on Russian language social media, but no fit find am. Serious allegations Eastern DR Congo don experience decades of conflict as govment forces fight off rebel groups wey wan control di mineral rich region. In January, Goma bin fall to Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. About 7,000 pipo die in di fight as di militants take over di city, according to DR Congo prime minister. Di United Nations estimate say over eight million pipo dey currently displaced, wey make am one of di world largest internal displacement crises. Many pipo dey struggle wit extreme poverty and lack of access to basic needs such as food, water, and shelter, dey expose women and girls particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Wen di BBC bin tok to Maria Masika (no be her real name), she bin just arrive in Goma from di embattled town of Sake, north of di city. Di goment soldiers bin don dey battle rebel fighters but don eventually overrun. Maria dey visibly shake - still in shock from di intense gunfire wey she bin witness. 'E bin know say I be minor' Masika bin don travel to Goma to see her 8-year-old daughter Queen, wey dey live wit her grandmother in di city for safety. At just 17, Masika don involve wit a South African peacekeeper wey dey stationed near di Minugugi base. "E sabi say I be minor," she tok. "E bin rent one house near di base and visit me whenever d dey off duty." Afta Queen birth, di peacekeeper become unreachable, leave Masika to fend for herself. Desperate to provide for her daughter, she tok say she now dey risk her life to make a living as sex worker in Sake. Wen dem dey asked about relationships between UN peacekeepers and locals, di South African National Defence Force say dem take di allegations seriously. "On-site military court sessions bin hold in di mission area where credible evidence of sexual exploitation and abuse dey, including oda disciplinary infractions," di force tok-tok pesin Siphiwe Dlamini tok. For di Congolese Family for Joy, wey be safe house for abandoned and orphaned children, at least five children dey reported to don dey fathered by MONUSCO troops and later abandon by dia mothers. "Wit our partners, we dey provide support to around 200 women and young girls wey don suffer sexual exploitation by MONUSCO personnel," Nelly Kyeya, di centre director tok. "Many of dem dey face severe stigma from dia communities sake of dem settle for survival prostitution. Diis ostracization often dey drive dem to abandon dia children," she tok Sandrine Lusamaba, di national coordinator of Sofepadi, one women's rights group in di DRC, tell di BBC say di lack of direct authority by di UN to prosecute sexual exploitation perpetrators mean say many dey waka free. She tok say many member states no dey cooperate to prosecute dia soldiers. One UN report wey dey released in March 2024 indicate rise in allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation wey link to dia peacekeeping and special political missions. One hundred allegations dey reported in peacekeeping and special political missions in 2023, increase from di 79 wey dey reported in 2022. Dis incidents involve 143 victims, including115 adults and 28 children according to di United Nations. Notably, MONUSCO - including di former United Nations Organization Mission in di Democratic Republic of di Congo (MONUC) - account for 66 of di 100 allegations, wey highlight concerns about accountability within di mission. Zero-tolerance policy "Wen information about possible allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse dey received, di information dey assessed and concrete action dey taken," MONUSCO tok-tok pesin Ndeye Lo tok. "Any personnel against wey one allegation dey substantiated go dey red flagged in our system barred from further employment (civilian) or deployment (uniformed)." Di mission say dem dey empower alleged victims and dia children through di Victim Assistance Trust Fund by providing skills training and education. But many women and young girls like Kamate and Maria say dem no know about available support while odas remain too traumatised to seek justice.
Arab News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Israeli drone strike kills one in southern Lebanon as tensions grow with UNIFIL
BEIRUT: UNIFIL forces were attacked on Thursday by residents in the town of Aitat, south of the Litani River. The assailants claimed that the patrol had entered the Wadi Jilou area without being accompanied by a Lebanese Army unit. According to footage captured by eyewitnesses, a group of individuals blocked the patrol's way, demanding that it return with a Lebanese Army escort. The patrol reportedly refused to turn back, leading to direct confrontations. In response, UNIFIL personnel threw smoke and tear gas grenades to disperse the crowd. No injuries were reported. The attack is merely the latest in a series of assaults targeting UNIFIL forces and carried out by civilians in strongholds. These incidents aim to prevent UN peacekeepers from entering private property to conduct inspections, a key component of their official mandate. The most recent renewal of UNIFIL's mission in southern Lebanon included an amendment granting the force greater freedom of movement within its area of operations, in coordination with the Lebanese Army. The tensions peaked on Thursday, when a resident of the town of Hallousiyeh–Deir Qanoun an-Naher hit a UNIFIL soldier during a patrol. The incident was widely condemned by political leaders, and a judicial investigation was launched. The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet at the end of August to consider the Lebanese government's request to extend UNIFIL's mandate in the south. In response to the attack, UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said that a patrol of the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon was blocked and pelted with stones by 'a group of individuals in civilian clothes' in the southern village of Wadi Jilu. 'The group attempted to obstruct the patrol using aggressive means, including throwing stones at the peacekeepers,' he said. 'The LAF was promptly informed and arrived on the scene shortly thereafter. The situation was quickly brought under control,' Tenenti added, referring to the Lebanese Armed Forces. Tenenti confirmed that the activity of the patrol was coordinated in advance with the LAF, in support of Lebanon's implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701. The situation was initially calm, but individuals soon began throwing stones at the peacekeepers. 'In response, UNIFIL personnel employed non-lethal measures to ensure the safety of both the patrol members and those present,' he said. 'Freedom of movement is a core requirement for the implementation of UNIFIL's mandate. This includes the ability to operate independently and impartially, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Any restriction on this freedom — while conducting operational activities with or without LAF — constitutes a violation of that resolution.' Tenenti urged Lebanese authorities to 'take all necessary measures to ensure that its peacekeepers can carry out their duties without obstruction or threat.' The UNIFIL spokesperson confirmed that the international forces will continue to monitor and report breaches of Resolution 1701 impartially, in accordance with the Security Council's mandate and the request of the Lebanese government. UNIFIL's mandate shall 'confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, restore international peace and security, and assist the Government of Lebanon in ensuring its effective authority in the area.' US Envoy Thomas Barrack concluded his two-day visit to Lebanon, which began on Monday, to discuss a mechanism for disarming Hezbollah and withdrawing illegal weapons south and north of the Litani River. He inspected the area south of the Litani River by air after meeting with Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haikal. At a press conference in Beirut, he praised the Lebanese Army and the key role it plays. The attack on the UNIFIL patrol drew widespread condemnation from Lebanese political figures. MP Bilal Abdallah underlined the importance of the peacekeeping mission, stating that 'there is a major national interest in preserving its role.' MP Ashraf Rifi condemned the attack, saying: 'Hezbollah is once again attacking UNIFIL. How can this be reconciled while pretending to accept the Resolution 1701 and evacuating south of the Litani River?' He urged the state to hold 'the aggressors accountable' and move to a new phase where there is 'zero tolerance' for those who violate international legitimacy and expose Lebanon to grave dangers. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued targeting Hezbollah operatives. On Thursday, an Israeli drone struck a motorcycle on Mansouri Road in the Tyre district, killing one person and injuring two, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. At dawn, an Israeli drone launched an airstrike on a cafe and an aluminum workshop in the town of Yohmor al-Shaqif, in the Nabatieh District. The site had previously been targeted in a similar strike. Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said that 'the strike targeted a Hezbollah military command center allegedly operating within a civilian building,' accusing the group of using the local population as 'human shields' to facilitate attacks against Israel. Sky News quoted an Israeli security source saying that as long as Hezbollah maintains a military wing, operations in Lebanon will persist. 'Every Hezbollah operative is a legitimate target. The Radwan Forces — Hezbollah's elite unit — will be dismantled, whether by Hezbollah or by us. Their infrastructure, weaponry, and fighters remain targets throughout Lebanese territory,' the source told Sky News. The Israeli security source noted that 'Hezbollah's efforts to return south of the Litani River appear limited' and praised what he described as 'significant efforts by the Lebanese army to dismantle the group's weapons infrastructure.' On Tuesday night, the Israeli army claimed that a drone strike killed Hussein Ali Mezher in the town of Babliyeh, north of the Litani River. In an official statement, the army claimed that Mezher was overseeing rocket fire in the Zahrani sector as part of Hezbollah's Badr unit. He was reportedly responsible for launching attacks on Israeli territory and was involved in efforts to rebuild the group's artillery capabilities in southern Lebanon. Media reports on Thursday in Lebanese outlets suggested that Hezbollah has begun implementing a new organizational strategy aimed at consolidating several of its jihadi and executive units, along with institutions that share similar functions. This internal restructuring effort, according to reports, is intended to adapt to current realities, with the group reportedly seeking to streamline its operations, rationalize expenditures, and optimize its structure in response to evolving circumstances. The Israeli army announced on Wednesday the launch of 'special, targeted' ground operations in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Jabal al-Blat and al-Labbouneh. Forces from the 300th and 9th brigades reportedly dismantled weapons depots and missile launch sites belonging to the group, aiming to prevent Hezbollah from 'reestablishing itself in the area,' the army said. A Lebanese security source told Arab News that 'the operations took place over the past two weeks, targeting sites in valleys and hills under Hezbollah's security control, areas that remain inaccessible to the Lebanese army.' Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam confirmed last month that the Lebanese army had dismantled more than 500 weapons sites and depots in the area south of the Litani River.
LBCI
10-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
UNIFIL spokesperson says peacekeepers can operate independently under Resolution 1701
UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said in a statement that several individuals in civilian clothing confronted peacekeepers near the Wadi Jilou area on Thursday morning during a planned patrol. Tenenti noted that the activity had been coordinated in advance with the Lebanese Armed Forces as part of support for Lebanon's implementation of Resolution 1701. He added that while the situation was initially calm, it quickly escalated when civilians began throwing stones at the peacekeepers, prompting the use of smoke canisters to disperse the crowd and ensure the safety of U.N. personnel. Lebanese army units later arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. Tenenti reaffirmed that, as stated by both the Lebanese government and army, U.N. peacekeepers are permitted to move independently in southern Lebanon to carry out their duties under Resolution 1701 and do not require a Lebanese escort. He stressed that any attack on U.N. peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international law and Resolution 1701 and urged Lebanese authorities to hold those responsible accountable. He added that UNIFIL will continue to monitor and report all violations of the resolution impartially, in line with its Security Council mandate and at the request of the Lebanese government.
LBCI
10-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Clash erupts between south Lebanon residents and UNIFIL forces—Video
Residents of the southern Lebanese town of Aaitit confronted a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrol as it passed through the area without escort from the Lebanese army. The locals demanded that the patrol turn back and return only with Lebanese army accompaniment, in line with established protocol. When the UNIFIL troops refused, tensions escalated, and clashes broke out between the peacekeepers and residents. According to local sources, UNIFIL personnel used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Irish Times
04-07-2025
- Irish Times
Defence Forces concerned about sensitive information being revealed at inquest of Private Seán Rooney
The Defence Forces have requested that parts of an inquest into the death of Pte Seán Rooney be held in private after disclosing 'extremely sensitive' information to the coroner. A preliminary hearing on Friday heard that materials received by coroner Dr Myra Cullinane relating to the death, and disclosed to Pte Rooney's family, contain redactions 'in light of operational security and force protection.' Pte Rooney (24), from Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal, was killed in an attack on a convoy of Irish peacekeepers in Al-Aqbiya, a Unifil area in Lebanon, in December 2022. Dr Cullinane said the Defence Forces had expressed concern about putting 'extremely sensitive' material and information included in the documents into the public domain during inquest hearings. READ MORE The Defence Forces argued this would elevate operational risks to personnel deployed to the Unifil mission in Lebanon. Dr Cullinane said some of the 'very sensitive aspects of the documentation' she now holds could be quite relevant to her inquiry into the 24-year-old's death. While acknowledging the need for a public inquiry, barrister Remy Farrell, representing the Defence Forces and the Minister for Defence, highlighted the risk posed to personnel currently serving. [ A 'selfless' soldier who was due to marry Opens in new window ] He suggested the court go into in-camera sessions for certain sensitive evidence. However, Dr Cullinane said she would need to be satisfied that it is 'lawful to do so' noting that such a provision is not referred to in 'any of the statute' in relation to the coroner's court. Counsel for the family Seán Guerin said force protection was a matter 'very close to the heart of the family', though he described the public nature of inquests as 'an important part of the coroner's function.' Mr Guerin said it was not yet possible for the family to be definitive in its position. However, he expected it to adopt the view of the court should some matters be deemed not suitable for public hearing even if it was legal. Mr Guerin asked to be furnished with reasons for each redaction in the documents. Dr Cullinane said her impression was that 'anything touching' the 'most sensitive issue raised' had been redacted. The coroner sought written submissions from both parties concerning the manner in which sensitive evidence could be heard and adjourned the inquest until later this month. Separately, Dr Cullinane told the court she had received materials from the United Nations and was permitted to disclose these to both parties on the condition that they be retained for the use of the inquest and not disclosed further. A previous sitting heard the UN had carried out 'substantial' and 'significant' investigations into the events surrounding the killing of Pte Rooney but the international body considered the reports 'confidential'. Counsel for the family during the previous hearing said they wanted to dispel 'the noxious narrative' that Pte Rooney 'took a wrong turn' while driving a UN vehicle before the attack. Pte Rooney was killed by gunfire when his armoured vehicle was ambushed as it drove north through Al-Aqbiya, a town controlled by the Iranian backed militant group Hizbullah . One man, Mohammad Ayyad, was later arrested and detained for allegedly taking part in the attack. He spent a year in detention before being freed by a Lebanese military court on medical grounds. Mr Ayyad failed to turn up at subsequent hearings. Four other accused have never appeared in court, and their location is unknown. Earlier this year, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris expressed 'deep disappointment and dissatisfaction at the slow progress of the legal proceedings'.
