Piece By Piece
- A UN investigation has corroborated allegations of serious corruption by the Indian Peacekeeping Force in the Congo
- Of the 44 allegations, the six corroborated include selling arms, food and US dollars with rebel militias for contraband ivory and gold
- UN assignments are much sought after by Indian army officers, with monthly salaries upwards of $2,200, in addition to generous allowances and perks
- Indians peacekeepers have so far been favoured by the UN because of their reputation for professionalism, discipline and honesty, and their experience of working in conflict areas like the Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir
- With many civil wars in Africa now fuelled by blood diamonds (those which are mined in war zones), gold and gems, peacekeepers now have many opportunities to make a fortune through dirty deals with corrupt locals
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A
