Hardcore militiamen warned to lay down weapons

The Congolese army has warned hardcore militiamen to lay down their arms in order to benefit from a general amnesty, due to take effect on 15 January, PANA news agency reported. It quoted the armed forces head of operations, General Prosper Nkonta Mokono, who said the militiamen were "marginal" and wanted to continue waging war in the regions of Pool, Niari, Bouenza and Lekoumou. He warned that if they did not surrender by the due date, the army would "crush" them. The Pointe Noire truce accord was signed by the government and some rebel representatives last month. Last week, parliament passed the amnesty bill. PANA said rebel Ninja militiamen, loyal to ousted prime minister Bernard Kolelas, began handing in their weapons on 13 December. However Kolelas himself, as well as former president Pascal Lissouba, are exempt from the amnesty, news organisations reported. Congolese army chief of staff Gilbert Mokoki told Gabonese radio the collection of weapons was going smoothly, despite difficulties in communication and the spread of some armed factions throughout the national territory. He said, however, he hoped for the speedier surrender of arms by the rebels.