Indian troops committed abuse in Congo, says UN

UNITED NATIONS - An internal UN investigation has found evidence that some Indian peacekeepers may have engaged in “sexual exploitation and abuse” in Congo, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday.

In a statement issued by his spokeswoman’s office, Ban said he was “deeply troubled” by the outcome of the UN investigation and said, “Disciplinary action to the maximum degree permitted by Indian law should be taken as soon as possible against those found to be involved.”

The Indians were previously stationed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of the United Nations’ MONUC peacekeeping force, the statement said.

It added that the Indian government assured the United Nations it would investigate the charges and, if true, “strict and exemplary action” would be taken against anyone involved.

The statement contained no details about the suspected “sexual exploitation and abuse.”