The Swedish military has accused French soldiers of torturing civilians during the EU-led Operation Artemis in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2003, one of the bloc’s first joint missions.

Five years ago, the European Union sent some 1,500 soldiers to DR Congo as part of a UN mission to take action against the bandits marauding the north-eastern part of the country. The troops were there to protect the civilians.

 

Now the Swedish military is saying that French soldiers tortured Congolese civilians during the operation. The German government, which didn’t send troops on the mission but provided logistical assistance, couldn’t confirm the accusations.

But wait, there’s more!

The UN has covered up claims that its troops in Democratic Republic of Congo gave arms to militias and smuggled gold and ivory, the BBC has learned.

 

The allegations, based on confidential UN sources, involve Pakistani and Indian troops working as peacekeepers.

 

The UN investigated some of the claims in 2007, but said it could not substantiate claims of arms dealing.

 

UN insiders told the BBC’s Panorama they had been prevented from pursuing their inquiries for political reasons.