The UN has confirmed that preparations have begun for a military offensive against rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric says a deadline issued to the Rwandan Hutu rebels known as the Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda or FDLR to fully and unconditionally surrender expired on 2 January.
The UN Mission and the Congolese Army have now developed a joint military plan for operations against the rebel group.
Dujarric explains that the military solution needs to be part of a comprehensive strategy.
He adds that leaders and members of the FDLR were among the perpetrators of the 1994 Rwanda genocide.
