The Congolese government is broadcasting messages to Rwandan rebels within its borders demanding they surrender, the DR Congos communications minister told CNN on Sunday.
So far, about 160 of the estimated 6.500 Rwandan rebels in DR Congos eastern regions have heeded the call and laid down their arms, he said.
The messages in the Rwandan language of Kinawanda are being broadcast in North Kivu region during the day and night. Rebels who surrender will have the choice of returning to Rwanda or staying in DR Congo as refugees, Omalanga said.
Rwandan authorities on Friday arrested Congolese rebel leader Laurent Nkunda, a member of the Tutsi ethnic group, raising hopes for peace in the war-ravaged region. International observers hope that Nkundas arrest will lead the roughly 1.500 Tutsi fighters that follow him to join with government forces.