The UN has given rebels from the M23 group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo 48 hours to disarm, warning force will be used if they fail to do so.
A new UN intervention brigade made up of 3,000 troops will help the DR Congo army set up a security zone in Goma.
It has been given a mandate to use lethal force against the rebels, who they say have killed civilians in the region surrounding the city of Goma.
Renewed clashes broke out between the rebels and the army earlier this month.
A statement by the UN mission in the DR Congo has given everyone in the city of Goma and surrounding areas until 2000 GMT on Thursday to hand in their weapons to the city’s UN base, warning that anyone caught after this would be considered a rebel.
“They will be considered an imminent threat of physical violence to civilians and [UN mission in DR Congo] Monusco will take all necessary measures to disarm them, including by the use of force in accordance with its mandate and rules of engagement,” the statement read.
Only soldiers will be allowed to carry weapons, it adds.
The UN accuses M23 rebels of causing civilian casualties with “indiscriminate and indirect fire” in fresh clashes with the army in Mutaho, about 7 km north of Goma on 14 July.
An escalation and deterioration in the security situation led to the ultimatum, which was aimed at blocking an apparent attempt by the rebels to advance on Goma.
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