UN mission in DR Congo welcomes surrender of rebel Bosco Ntaganda
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The International Criminal Court buildings
The United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has welcomed the surrender of the Congolese rebel Bosco Ntaganda and the decision of the United States to transfer him to The Hague.
Mr. Ntaganda surrendered to the U.S. embassy in the Rwandan capital, Kigali on Monday.
He is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ituri in eastern DR Congo between 2001 and 2003.
General Ntaganda, who is one of the leaders of the M23 rebellion in eastern DR Congo, is also accused of using children in armed conflict as well as acts of murder, rape and sexual slavery.
Carlos Araujo is spokesperson for MONUSCO.
"MONUSCO hopes General Bosco Ntaganda will be transferred to The Hague as soon as possible. General Bosco is accused by the International Criminal Court of serious war crimes and crimes against humanity. MONUSCO supports all current efforts to bring him to justice. MONUSCO hopes his transfer to The Hague will mark the end of impunity that he enjoyed during many years."
MONUSCO says the surrender of Bosco Ntaganda and his early transfer to the ICC will help advance the peace process in the DR Congo.
It will also send a strong signal to other human rights offenders that they are not beyond justice, the mission adds.
Dianne Penn, United Nations.
Duration: 1'28"
