UN appeals for back up

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo wants 3,000 extra troops to protect civilians in the eastern part of the country.



Head of the mission, Alain Le Roy, said the current number of peacekeepers now in the country is not enough to protect civilians from violence perpetrated by rebel groups and the Congolese army.



Mr. Le Roy said there are only 10 UN soldiers for every 10,000 people inhabitants in eastern DR Congo.



The latest crisis began in August when rebels advanced towards Goma, which is now filled with refugee camps.



UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for a ceasefire to allow aid workers to reach 100,000 refugees cut off in rebel-held areas north of Goma.