UN identifies 41 peacekeepers in connection with CAR abuse

A UN investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by peacekeepers in the Central African Republic has identified 41 of the alleged perpetrators.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said today that the four-month-long investigation identified 25 peacekeepers from Burundi and 16 from Gabon as suspects in connection with the incidents that allegedly occurred between 2014 and 2015.
Dujarric said investigators interviewed 139 possible victims, using photo arrays and other collaborating evidence to identify peacekeepers suspected of abuse.
Twenty-five minors are among those who said they were sexually abused by the troops. Eight paternity claims have been filed against peacekeepers, including six filed by minors.

Dujarric said responsibility for further investigation lies with Burundi and Gabon, because under peacekeeping arrangements the countries providing the troops have jurisdiction over prosecuting such crimes.