UN Security Council Approves First-Ever ‘Intervention Brigade'
United Nations peacekeepers stand on top of their armored vehicle as they patrol near Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (file photo)
UN Security Council Approves First-Ever ‘Intervention Brigade'
The UN Security Council has unanimously approved the first-ever “offensive” UN peacekeeping force to fight rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The 3,000-strong UN brigade has a unique mandate to carry out offensive operations to neutralize or disarm the rebels.
However, the UN resolution on March 28 says the "intervention brigade" would be established for one year on an exceptional basis “without creating a precedent” for the principles of UN peacekeeping.
M23 rebels and armed groups from neighboring countries have taken over large areas of eastern Congo.
An estimated 500,000 people have fled their homes since the M23 rebels began an offensive in April last year.
Rwanda and Uganda have been accused of backing the M23 rebel forces, who briefly captured the provincial capital, Goma, in November.
PHOTO GALLERY: Seven decades of UN peacekeeping
Photo Gallery:
Seven Decades Of UN Peacekeeping
The distinctive blue helmets and berets of UN peacekeepers have featured prominently in many conflicts since their missions began in 1956. Originally tasked with monitoring cease-fires, the role of UN troops has since evolved to include to peace enforcement (often with mixed results). On March 28, the UN passed a resolution to allow a peacekeeping brigade in the Democratic Republic of Congo to engage in offensive combat against rebel factions, making it the first UN peacekeeping mission authorized to use such force. (15 PHOTOS)
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