DR Congo Gives Mai Mai 48 Hrs to Disarm

The Democratic Republic of Congo army has given the pro-government Mai Mai militia - involved in current fighting in eastern Congo - 48 hours to disarm.

The army and the Mai Mai have both been fighting on separate fronts against the forces of rebel leader Laurent Nkunda.

Thousands have fled their homes in the past week as government troops try to surround Gen Nkunda's forces.

A senior army officer said the Mai Mai were hindering the army's own campaign against Gen Nkunda in the Kivu region.

"I have already given [Mai Mai leader Kabamba Kasereka] 48 hours to lay down his weapons and turn over the men under his command to reintegration centres," Col Delphin Kahimbi said.