Were Pak troops involved in arms trafficking?

The United Nations internal watchdog has almost completed an inquiry into the allegations that Pakistani troops serving in peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo trafficked in arms for gold in 2005-6 and thus helped rearm the militia groups they were expected to disarm.

Both the United Nations and Pakistan have denied the allegations which, if proved, could be highly embarrassing for them.

Human Rights Watch, however, says that it has solid information that Pakistani military officers were involved in smuggling of between $2 to 5 million worth of gold from Itrui district in Eastern Congo.

In a highly cautious reaction to reports emanating from Congo, the United Nations said that Office of Internal Oversight Services is 'currently conducting' an investigation into allegations that in 2005-2006 a 'contingent serving with the UN Mission in Congo was involved in mineral resources exploration and weapons trading in the town of Mongwalu in Ituri District of Eastern DRC'.

"The battalion that was investigated, the group that was there at the time, was on a rotating basis and had already left when the investigation started. And there will be measures taken as soon as there is a result of the investigation," Chief UN spokesperson Michele Montas said.

But it was not clear what exactly the world body could do now, since the personnel against whom allegations were made have already left.

A media report from Congo quoted Human Rights Watch as saying that the peacekeepers, local militias, Congolese army and Indian businessmen colluded in the smuggling operations.

Questioned closely during a press briefing, Montas conceded that an internal UN Mission for Democratic Republic of Congo had brought the allegations to the light.

The United Nations acted immediately after the allegation surfaced, she said.

But she denied that the allegations that the OIOS was stifled in its ability to conduct investigations by decision-makers at the UN by taking resources away from it because of its politically sensitive nature.

A first draft of the OIOS report was produced in late March and is now going through the final stages of a rigorous quality-assurance process, as per usual OIOS practice, she said, adding that investigation is 'well advanced' and is
expected to be completed in about three weeks.

OIOS will send its findings to the Department of Peacekeeping and UN mission in DRC for action. The inquiry is not officially made public but any member state can ask for the report.

The Secretary General looks forward to the early completion of investigation and he will act upon its findings expeditiously and transparently, Montas said.

"If wrongdoing is found to have occurred, he will hold those responsible accountable," she added.

The peacekeepers accused of wrongdoing can be prosecuted in the country they are posted or in home countries.

Denying that the inquiry was stifled of resources, Montas said up to seven OIOS staff members operated in very difficult circumstances on 'what was very complex investigation in area where witnesses, for security reasons, have very limited transportation options'.

"Their work in the field lasted up to six months," she noted, adding that security and other conditions were among the reasons why this investigation lasted this long.

"In early 2006, after receiving information from the MONUC, OIOS opened its investigation and they followed up with Human Rights Watch."

The United Nations has the largest peacekeeping mission in the Congo and has helped to improve security in the country where some four million people are estimated to have died in the conflict.

But it has had a share of scandals, mostly involving sexual abuse, including of children, and prostitution. Some of the peacekeepers had reportedly traded small items for sexual favours.