The notoriety of the attack, and the allegations of mutilation and cannibalism that circulated in the Irish popular press in its aftermath, led to the word "baluba" becoming a synonym for any "untrustworthy and barbaric" person in certain parts of Ireland.

An independence movement was fueled by mining companies who sought to continue their control of the resources in the region, as well as by local grievances.

Ireland had applied for membership of the United Nations in 1946, but because of Irish neutrality during World War II this had been vetoed by the Soviet Union until the end of 1955.

The Irish Army was therefore anxious to become involved in ONUC and thereby validate Ireland's recent membership, but was unprepared in terms of experience, training, uniforms, arms and vehicles, and was generally reliant on interpreters.

Lieutenant Kevin Gleeson, advancing unarmed with his platoon sergeant, Hugh Gaynor, attempted to greet them peacefully, but was hit with a barrage of poison-tipped arrows.

The citation read: "He endeavoured to create an opportunity to allow an injured comrade to escape by firing his Gustaf thereby drawing attention to his own position which he must have been aware would endanger his life.

[5] Thomas Kenny, one of the survivors, believes that the real circumstances of Anthony Browne's death were misrepresented by the army, because they wished to have a hero to offer to the public.

The wording of the citation implied that Browne had died trying to protect the wounded Kenny, by moving into the open and drawing fire on himself, letting an opportunity to escape pass.

[8] Journalists Edward Doyle and Raymond Smith attributed the deaths of the Irish peacekeepers to their lack of adequate equipment and combat experience.

Ireland's position in future UN peacekeeping operations was preserved due to an impressive handling of the siege at Jadotville the following September.

[12] Lurid stories circulated in the Irish popular press that the bodies of the victims had been mutilated and that their hearts had been removed to be eaten by the Baluba.

[13] The notoriety of the attack, and the allegations of mutilation and cannibalism that circulated in the Irish popular press in its aftermath, led to the word "baluba" becoming a synonym for any "untrustworthy and barbaric" person in certain parts of Ireland.