There are more than 14,000 UN troops in the country (archive photo)

The UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo says it has suspended some of its peacekeepers in response to reports of serious misconduct.

It said it had a policy of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse.

AFP news agency reports the accusations are against eight South African peacekeepers.

The Monusco mission has faced previous accusations of sexual abuse.

It has more than 14,000 troops in eastern DR Congo.

In recent years there have been several protests against the UN which is accused of failing to protect civilians against attacks by numerous armed groups.