MINERAL EXPLOITATION, WEAPONS TRADING CLAIMS IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

UNDER INVESTIGATION, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) is currently conducting an investigation into allegations that, in 2005-2006, a contingent of peacekeepers serving with the United Nations peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) was involved in mineral resource exploitation and weapons trading in the town of Mongwalu, in the Ituri District of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The Secretary-General’s Special Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, William Lacy Swing, requested an immediate OIOS investigation after an internal MONUC inquiry brought these allegations to light.  That investigation began in early 2006.

OIOS informs us that the investigation is well advanced and is expected to be completed in about three weeks.  Upon its completion, OIOS will transmit its findings to the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for action.  As per normal procedures, once the OIOS report is released, Member States will be provided with the report upon request.

The Secretary-General looks forward to the early completion of the investigation.  He will act upon its findings expeditiously and transparently.  If wrongdoing is found to have occurred, he will hold those responsible accountable.  The Secretary-General calls upon any concerned Member States to do the same.

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For information media • not an official record