Uruguay says “none” of its soldiers took part in Congo killings

Defense Minister Javier García of Uruguay said “no Uruguayan troops” were involved in last month’s controversial killings in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the South American nation has sent more than 800 soldiers to support the UN’s MONUSCO peacekeeping mission. 

By the end of July, two people had been shot dead, and at least another 15 have been injured in the Congolese territory of Beni after peacekeeper soldiers from the multinational force opened fire against a group of people, reportedly for no tactical reason.

 The incident sparked massive protests inside and outside the country, leading the Congo to expel the UN mission spokesman. 

“Our soldiers are the best ambassadors Uruguay has,” Mr. García said. Most blue helmet battalions sent by Montevideo are deployed in the Congolese city of Goma and were visited by President Luis Lacalle Pou at Christmas last year. Currently, there are more than 14,000 UN-backed soldiers involved in MONUSCO.

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