South African soldiers in DR Congo face sexual exploitation paternity tests

Five South African peacekeepers serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo will be subjected to paternity tests in sexual exploitation cases against four women and a girl between 2014 and 2016.

The United Nations revealed this to Reuters in a statement on Tuesday saying the incidents took place in North and South Kivu provinces where many cases have been reported and are under investigation.

“The mission will continue to monitor their well‑being and needs, as well as provide any additional assistance, such as the collection of DNA samples for paternity testing,” U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric was cited to have said of the victims.

The South African peacekeeping contingent in Congo has been accused repeatedly of sexual exploitation in the region and the United Nations said it is trying to improve on how it is dealing with the accusations over the past years.

“Allegations against this contingent continue to occur, despite our sustained efforts … to prevent and address sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as other forms of misconduct,” Dujarric added.