Govt troops accused of rape

A United Nations envoy claims Government troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo might have committed rape and murder.

Margot Wallstrom, the special representative on sexual violence in conflict, said UN peacekeepers there had information suggesting soldiers had committed the attacks in the same place where rebels carried out mass rapes just weeks ago.

Wallstrom, who was briefing the Security Council on her visit to North Kivu province, urged the Government to investigate the allegations.

UN peacekeepers were criticised for not responding quickly enough after the mass rapes in July and August came to light.