UN peacekeeper killed in ambush in Congo, where violence calls into question force’s abilities
By APMonday, May 24, 2010
UN peacekeeper shot and killed in Congo fighting
DAKAR, Senegal — A U.N. peacekeeper has been shot and killed in fighting in eastern Congo.
The Indian soldier and his patrol came to the aid of Congolese soldiers under attack in North Kivu province on Sunday. The soldier died of his wounds in a hospital in Goma.
The world body said Monday that a Congolese soldier and a civilian also were killed in the ambush.
Repeated rebel attacks in Congo — including in areas long considered relatively peaceful — have called into question the ability of the U.N. force to protect civilians. It has lost 111 peacekeepers since 1999.
The troops’ mandate expires at the end of the month, and President Joseph Kabila wants them out. But many fear chaos, and even a war that could draw in neighboring countries, if the force leaves.
