The United Nations has threatened to forcibly disarm rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an early test of the robust new mandate for the multinational peacekeeping contingent that includes going on the offensive there.In an uncharacteristically stern warning on Tuesday, the United Nations ordered individuals near the eastern city of Goma to turn in their weapons or be deemed “an imminent threat to civilians.” http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/01/world/africa/un-warns-it-will-disarm-congo-rebels.html?ref=world   If they have not disarmed within 48 hours, the warning said, they will face the use of force by a new brigade of troops.
The United Nations force is creating a security zone around the strategic city of Goma. The warning applied to anyone carrying a weapon, other than national security forces.
The United Nations force “will take all necessary measures to disarm them, including by the use of force in accordance with its mandate and rules of engagement,”
The mineral-rich area of eastern Congo has been stuck in a cycle of violence for more than 15 years.
In March, the United Nations Security Council authorized a new “intervention brigade” that would take “all necessary measures”. Some observers have said they fear that adding an aggressive new force to the mix could lead to an escalation of violence.