But this is just an inter-departmental probe report of the Home Ministry and Nepal Police. Questions remain about whether a ministry and a department under it, both of which are under investigation, can themselves sponsor an investigation of this scale and nature with state money. Still, the report can serve as an indicator to the extent of irregularities that seem to have taken place in the Nepali peacekeeping mission in Darfur. More skeletons are likely to tumble down the cupboard when the parliamentary sub-committee comes up with its own report on the mission. A report by the UN-AU Mission in Darfur, which kicked off this entire controversy, has already said the Nepali mission also has poor communication equipment, furniture, tents, office facility, electricity, laundry, health service and internet facilities.
In case the parliamentary sub-committee concurs with these findings after concluding its own investigation, those responsible in the irregularities must face the strongest action possible. The Sudan scam is not just about money. It is also about putting at risk the lives of Nepali peacekeepers by supplying them with poor equipment. Additionally, this is about tarnishing the image of Nepal in the United Nations Peacekeeping fraternity. Nepal has participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions for 50 years now, and has contributed over 60,000 men in 40 missions around the world. Today, Nepal ranks among the top five contributors to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
The Sudan case should not be allowed to overshadow Nepal’s contributions to peacekeeping around the world. We urge the parliamentary sub-committee to come up with its report swiftly and the government to demonstrate that such irregularities will not be tolerated.
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