Envoy: UN was unaware of mass rapes

The top UN envoy in Congo said two peacekeeping patrols were not informed by villagers that mass rapes were taking place and the United Nations is now working to improve communications and prevent any recurrence.

Roger Meece, the new UN special representative, said peacekeepers did not learn about the “horrific” rapes of at least 154 Congolese civilians for nearly two weeks, which showed that the force’s actions to protect civilians were insufficient and need to be improved.