GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo – The DR Congo’s army has given the pro-government Mai Mai militia 48 hours to disarm or face military action. The Mai Mai are currently involved in fighting in eastern Congo.  Both the army and the Mai Mai have been fighting on separate fronts against rebel leader Laurent Nkunda.  Recent clashes between rebels and the Mai Mai have forced thousands of civilians from their homes.

Congolese President Joseph Kabila, who has ruled out negotiations with Nkunda, recently visited Goma and gave the army the “green light” to begin forcibly disarming Nkunda’s fighters if they continue to refuse to integrate into the army. The army has said they have killed 100 rebels in five days of fighting. Nkunda recently called for a cease-fire to avoid civilian casualties.

For more information, please see:

BBC News – DR Congo tells Mai Mai to disarm – 21 October 2007

Reuters – Congo army warns militia to disarm, thousands flee – 21 October 2007

AP – Congo Fighting Displaces More Civilians – 20 October 2007

AFP – Thousands flee fresh violence in eastern DR Congo – 20 October 2007