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Former French Defense Minister Finds Excuses for the Alleged Rape of Central African Children by French Soldiers

· Written by Lova Rakotomalala

Categories: Sub-Saharan Africa, Western Europe, Central African Republic, France, Breaking News, Governance, International Relations, Refugees, War & Conflict, Women & Gender, Youth
Screen capture of video of Former Defense Minister of France arguing that challenging conditions can explain odd behaviors (such as rape) [1]

Screen capture of video of Former Defense Minister of France arguing that challenging conditions can explain odd behaviors (such as rape)

Afrique Info reports that JP Chevènement, a former defense minister of France, stated on public radio [2] Europe 1 on May 3 that the challenging conditions that French soldiers face in the Central African Republic could explain “behavior of that kind” (see video above). Chevènement was referring to the allegation of child sexual abuse by French troops [3] posted in the Central African Republic. The allegations surfaced after disciplinary proceedings were taken against a United Nations [4] employee accused of leaking the allegations to the French authorities.