Tanzania peacekeepers under investigation over sexual abuse in DRC

Tanzania is expected to launch an investigation after U.N. confirmed eleven women, including six minors who were alleged victims of sexual abuse by its peacekeepers, were impregnated.

“We can confirm that out of the 11 allegedly abused women six were minors. Seven of the alleged victims have already given birth and four women are still pregnant. They have been referred to UNICEF which has deployed a team on the ground,” U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters.

Eleven of its troops stationed in DRC have been accused of sexual abuse and are now facing repatriation. Four of the eleven were deployed in the Central African country.

The United Nations military mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo said it is investigating claims of sex abuse by members of its Tanzanian contingent.

“At this stage, on the Tanzanian brigade, pending the results of an investigation all measures will be considered in terms of how we respond including potentially the repatriation of the unit and command accountability will also be sought.”

The United Nations reported 99 allegations of sexual exploitation or sexual abuse involving U.N. staff members last year, a sharp increase from the 80 allegations in 2014. The majority, 69, involved personnel in 10 peacekeeping missions.