I know that as a college student, due to lack of time, it is often hard to keep up with all the current events taking place in the world. However, an article by The Washington Post sparked my interest. I want to explain the horrific events taking place in Bangui, Central African Republic. I have not seen this in the news recently, which frightens me because this is something that should not be taken lightly.
In Bangui, buildings are looted and in ruins. At the peak of the civil war, U.N troops have spread throughout the country to provide a sense of relief for the citizens of Bangui. These troops were set out to help and protect the residents of Bangui. However, these U.N. troops aren’t providing anything but destruction to the lives of many underage girls.
This is one of the biggest scandals to plague the United Nations in many years. Since the peacekeepers arrival in 2014, there have been 42 reported cases that have accused U.N. employees abusing or exploiting local civilians, a majority of whom are underage girls.
Seven girls were interviewed by The Washington Post and five of them had birthed the child of their abusers. A 14-year-old girl said that she was violated by Burundian soldier; the United Nations claims that her case was not that of rape, but as “transactional” sex, in which acts are exchanged for money or food.
“Sometimes when I’m alone with my baby, I think about killing him,” the teen stated, while holding her little boy. “He reminds of the man who raped me.”
Astonishingly, according to U.N. officials, there has only been one criminal charge filed of the 42 cases of sexual abuse or exploitation that have been registered in the Central African Republic. These accounts by women and girls could not be independently verified, but are consistent with other accounts of abuse in the Central African Republic.
Many of the young women were unable to get food and water. The only way the girls were going to receive help from the "peacekeepers" was if they promised to sleep with them. If that isn’t shocking enough, the peacekeepers go around and seek out girls during the day and meet up with them during the night. They often meet up in rented rooms, abandoned houses, or even take them into the barracks.
The 14-year-old girl’s mother, who was previously mentioned, said her daughter has not received any psychological counseling or financial assistance. These occurrences have taken toll on mothers like the one mentioned. The 14-year-old’s mother fears that her daughter has been ruined by the abuse. She poses the question:
“If someone destroys what you love, what do you do?”
