4. The Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI), an ecumenical Catholic, Protestant and Muslim religious leaders group based in Northern Uganda have created an active dialogue about ending the war, works closely with the Government of Uganda and the Acholi community and continues to work patiently and steadfastly to help negotiate an end to the LRA war.
5. The government declared a cease fire in December, which was to lead to talks about a truce and permanent cease fire. There were also supposed to be a formal negotiation session between the Government and LRA. LRA, however, failed to appear at the negotiations and broke the ceasefire with a raid. However, there continues to be efforts by Ms. Betty Bigombe to arrange further talks.
6. There have been attempted peace negotiations in past years and hopes were raised. However, with the recent peace accord signed between the Khartoum government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), the LRA may not be receiving support from the Kartoum government and may lose its base in Southern Sudan. Therefore, LRA’s overall position and support may be weakened. On the other hand, there is also speculation that rogue elements of the Sudanese army may continue to support Kony, since military commanders in this region also have local realms of corruption and income generation through thievery, criminal gangs, land grabbing, cattle rustling and arms dealing.
7. Although Joseph Kony is the longtime leader of LRA, there may be more than one faction of LRA. Therefore, negotiating with Kony alone may or may not lead to disbandment of the entire LRA. Likewise, negotiating with senior commanders of LRA factions may, on a piecemeal basis, start to dismantle LRA.
8. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating war crimes violations resulting from the 18 year war in Northern Uganda. Their mandate is to investigate all war crimes, against all possible parties, and it is likely that once this investigation is completed, it may indict Joseph Kony. The ICC is a new entity of the United Nations, and only applies to crimes committed after 2002. However, if Kony is indicted, he would no longer be able to take advantage of amnesty under the Amnesty Act, as ICC indictments take precedence over national amnesty acts. The Acholi community in general prefers reconciliation of LRA war crimes, rather than criminal prosecutions. If Kony is indicted, this will send a message that war crimes will not be tolerated, and that acts of inhumanity cannot continue unpunished or with impunity. On the other hand, if Kony is indicted, this may make it difficult for the Government of Uganda to negotiate with Kony or senior LRA commanders as there will be little to offer in terms of protection from prosecution. It is possible the parties and the ICC may devise a creative approach to this possible dilemma.
9. Uganda’s colonial and post colonial political history has utilized violence as a means toward seeking and maintaining political power, and access to political power has always been equated with benefits and protection from opposing factions. All of society in Uganda will benefit by learning about the power of non violence as a positive force for individual and community transformation, and the practices of non violence as tactics and strategies that bring about positive social change. Supporting initiatives which teach about the powers and practices of non violence, including mediation, conflict resolution and traditional reconciliation will help to build a society with more options than violence.
