THE west African intervention force Ecomog needs another 5000 troops to enable it to “solve the problem” in Sierra Leone, the force’s new commander has told reporters in Lagos on Tuesday. Major-General Felix Mujakperuo, who was appointed commander of the 15000-strong Nigerian-led force last month, said the extra troops are needed to “flush out” the rebels remaining in the Sierra Leonean hinterland. Ecomog has in recent months made safe the capital, invaded by the rebels in January, he said. The call for more troops is not expected to be successful however. Nigeria, the main supplier of troops, is cash-strapped and has already said it wants peace negotiations so that it can withdraw its men as soon as possible.