UN Appoints Brazilian General to Head DR Congo Peacekeeping Mission

Will lead 20,000 troops tasked with targeting rebels in east

The UN has appointed a Brazilian general credited with bringing a Haiti slum under control to lead peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gen Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz will lead 20,000 troops, including a new combat force charged with targeting rebels in the east of the country.

This is the most offensive mandate given to any UN peacekeeping force.

Gen Santos Cruz told the BBC his troops would be trained to consider civilians and private property in DR Congo.