Refugees In The Congo (Photo from Clouds, Clocks, and Sitting At Tables)Criticized U.N. Congo Force Seeks
Clearer Mission -- Reuters
Clearer Mission -- Reuters
KINSHASA (Reuters) - U.N. peacekeepers in east Congo, under fire for failing to shield civilians from a chaotic war between rebels, army and militias, are struggling to find their role to halt a wider conflict and humanitarian disaster.
Almost a decade after being sent to Democratic Republic of Congo on their latest mission, the blue helmets are Criticized as inept by the government and civilians. Anti-government rebels call them biased and diplomats say their action is confused.
As Tutsi rebels have seized swathes of eastern territory since August, routing chaotic army troops backed by the peacekeepers, the U.N. soldiers have seemed to hesitate, unable to stop bloodshed and unsure how to secure and preserve peace.
"I'm not sure what our position is anymore. We were ready to intervene, but we didn't," one senior U.N. officer in Congo told Reuters after the rebels advanced, pushing back the army and ignoring threats of attack by U.N. he
Almost a decade after being sent to Democratic Republic of Congo on their latest mission, the blue helmets are Criticized as inept by the government and civilians. Anti-government rebels call them biased and diplomats say their action is confused.
As Tutsi rebels have seized swathes of eastern territory since August, routing chaotic army troops backed by the peacekeepers, the U.N. soldiers have seemed to hesitate, unable to stop bloodshed and unsure how to secure and preserve peace.
"I'm not sure what our position is anymore. We were ready to intervene, but we didn't," one senior U.N. officer in Congo told Reuters after the rebels advanced, pushing back the army and ignoring threats of attack by U.N. helicopter gunships.
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My Comment: The UN experience in the Congo should be a wake up call for others around the world who look at the UN for their salvation. Bottom line .... do not look at the UN to help you out.
As Tutsi rebels have seized swathes of eastern territory since August, routing chaotic army troops backed by the peacekeepers, the U.N. soldiers have seemed to hesitate, unable to stop bloodshed and unsure how to secure and preserve peace.
"I'm not sure what our position is anymore. We were ready to intervene, but we didn't," one senior U.N. officer in Congo told Reuters after the rebels advanced, pushing back the army and ignoring threats of attack by U.N. helicopter gunships.
Read more ....
My Comment: The UN experience in the Congo should be a wake up call for others around the world who look at the UN for their salvation. Bottom line .... do not look at the UN to help you out.