DRC: the UN Sidikou Mom reacts to the note of the expert group – RFI

The leak of a confidential note signed by the group of UN experts on the Democratic Republic of Congo could embarrass the Congolese authorities. In it, the UN team returns, pending the publication of its final report in June, the circumstances of the death of two Tanzanian peacekeepers on May 5 in the region of Beni in North Kivu . A case that raises many questions.

It is a note that should have remained confidential . Signed by the group of United Nations experts on the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is sent to the UN Security Council. In this communication, which leaked Thursday, February 4 in New York, the authors particularly questioned the official version of events that led to the death of two Tanzanian peacekeepers on May 5 last in the territory Beni in North Kivu.

Depending on the version of the Congolese authorities, the UN soldiers were killed and 26 others wounded by ADF, the Ugandan rebels . Experts are, themselves, state reports that it would Congolese forces that would have stretched the ambush to UN military, after contact between Tanzanians and ADF.

From the UN side as the Congolese army, no one categorical denial from today following the allegations. Even if the facts date back several months, investigations are still ongoing. From either side, one speaks of the territory of Beni as a “ gray area “, where it is difficult to discern right from wrong.

“ Our investigation to us, MONUSCO, shows that it is the ADF who are behind this attack, has responded Sidikou Mom, the head of MONUSCO and the Special representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations. But obviously if there are allegations, further declarations, will take us even further investigation on the basis of all other new allegations. But on condition that we have evidence to do so. Because there is not dépouser theses of a group of experts even if they are independent. “

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We lost men and I have to these men the truth. ..

Mom Sidikou, head of MONUSCO

06-02-2016 – For Sonia Rolley

Multiple versions of the incident circulating

There are points on which everyone seems to agree, that a containing beer truck stopped in the middle of the road, 500 meters from a position in the Congolese army. Are the local troops came to the rescue of Tanzanian peacekeepers? Are there has been a clash between the two forces, or even an attack by Congolese soldiers against UN peacekeepers? The assumptions are many.

On the side of the Congolese staff, is said to have “ asked the officer in charge of this area to explain himself ” . This officer would have tried to save the peacekeepers. And without denying the alleged meeting between Tanzanians and ADF rebellion with which in the past it has always been difficult to contact, Congolese military sources provide information not hold up in this direction today.

According to the expert Jason Stearns of Congo, several versions of the incident circulating. There is that of the expert group, but other evidence collected by his team, indicating instead Congolese soldiers were looting the beer truck when the peacekeepers arrived.