Today leaves the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) militia with seven days to voluntarily lay down their weapons or face a wrath called military offensive. So far, there is little or no sign on the ground whatsoever that the terrorist group will abide by a regional framework that gave them until January 2 to disarm.

But the militia has been playing behind the curtains as they seem to take the ultimatum for a white smoke. As the bells jingled for Christmas, yesterday, many women and children held captive by the FDLR militia probably had dry tear marks on their cheeks, for, according to ex-combatants, many women and children held hostage by militiamen are threatened with death if they try to escape.

Former FDLR fighters, who have since been reintegrated into communities, say the group that played a direct role in the ethnic slaughter of more than a million people during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi has no intention to disarm.

Members of the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region, backed by the United Nations Security Council, have been concerned by the continued destabilising presence and effect of the negative force in the eastern swathes of DR Congo. Time and again, the FDLR combatants have killed, looted and maimed innocent civilians.

However, the bell is now tolling for them.

The next seven days are crucial. Responsible actors such as Monusco and the UN Brigade as well as the Congolese army – on whose shoulders squarely lies the mandate to neutralise FDLR – must heighten efforts that could see the militiamen surrender.

There should be no more petticoats under which the militia can continue hiding. It will also be disappointing if, on January 2, stakeholders extend the deadline. FDLR should be given the same dose M23 rebels were viciously treated to.