Security Council Extends 19,000 Peacekeeping Force in DRC

NEW YORK – The Security Council voted unanimously Wednesday to extend the duration of the peacekeeping force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a year. Any reductions are to be based on a decrease in violence and the stability of the central government.

The primary reason for the extension is due to the ongoing rape epidemic plaguing the eastern part of the country. The UN refugee agency recently reported on a single village raid during which 170 women were raped.

There are roughly 14 rapes reported each day, with the number expected to be much higher due to the number of survivors who never come forward.

With over 19,000 troops in the DRC, it is the largest UN force deployed anywhere in the world.