The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) recalled its eight UN peacekeepers accused of sexual misconduct while deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Sunday.

The peacekeepers were deployed under the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in Beni. According to MONUSCO’s statement, they were found in violation of the mission’s curfew time and non-fraternization policy by UN military police on October 1. The UN strongly condemned their behavior and took measures against the peacekeepers including suspension, detention and confinement.

The SANDF, the armed forces of South Africa, alleged on Sunday that the UN had not been complying with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in relation to its reporting procedures, as neither the South African Defence Advisor nor its UN Representative had been informed of the allegations. The SANDF decided to recall the impacted peacekeepers to South Africa to participate in a domestic investigation of the incident. South African National Investigating Officers have also been appointed to the MONUSCO to participate in the Mission-level full investigation.

Statistics show that South Africa is the 15th largest troop- and police-contributing country to UN peacekeeping operations. As of July 31, 2023, there are 1,170 military and police personnel from South Africa who are members of UN peacekeeping services. According to the UN, these personnel “are first and foremost members of their own national services and are then seconded to work with the UN.”