BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) — Widespread relief greeted the resignation of the head of the peacekeeping mission in Central Africa Republic over the force’s handling of dozens of misconduct allegations, including rape and killing.

Babacar Gaye, the Senegalese former mission head, handed in his resignation Wednesday after more allegations surfaced of abuses by U.N. peacekeepers in the country.

Crepin Mboli- Goumba, the head of the African Party for Radical Transformation and Integration of States, said people were shocked about the sexual abuse allegations against the peacekeeping mission there.

“We hope this resignation opens the door to other resignations,” he said. He called for the prosecution of those responsible and compensation for abused children.

Gervais Lakosso, group coordinator for civil society organizations, said he hopes the resignation will improve the peacekeeping mission.

“We hope that this resignation will change the situation in the country,” he said. “The U.N. secretary general must appoint a personality who is diplomatic and can live up to the mission.”

The U.N.’s internal investigation unit is sending several people to Central African Republic in the coming days, secretary general spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Thursday.

The U.N. mission on Thursday re-iterated a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse by its personnel.