AFRICA/UGANDA - Cease fire in northern Uganda extended. A Missionary tells Fides: “it would be wonderful if the Infant Jesus were to bring peace so farmers can tend to their crops”

Kitgum (Fides Service)- Cease fire agreement in northern Uganda extended. This was announced by a member of the Ugandan government who said the new cease fire agreement will end on 31 December. To facilitate negotiations with the LRA rebels (Lord’s resistance Army), in November the government announced a cease fire over a restricted area of the north (see Fides 24, 27 and 30 November 2004)
The news of the extending of the cease fire comes after reciprocal accusations between the army and the rebels of violating the treaty. “Rebels aid the army shot LRA troops directed towards the treat zone, whereas the army said it attacked only LRA troops which moved out of the cease fire area ” a local church source told Fides.
However Fides sources say “outside the cease fire zone violence continues. Yesterday 16 December guerrillas killed two women. Inside the zone the cease fire is holding also because international organisations are supplying the rebels who have surrendered with food so they will stop attacking civilians to rob food. The international community is very involved in peace negotiations in Uganda”.
“Some sources say there are as many as 1,500 rebels in the cease fire area but I think the figure is exaggerated. However more LRA members are arriving from bases in Sudan and this is a good sign” our source said.
“There is concern for division among the rebels of ‘eagles’ who want war to continue and ‘doves’ who want peace. Extremists may try to sabotage negotiations” the source told Fides. “The same can happen in the army: some may want war to continue for personal gain.”
Before the treaty was extended the army accused the rebels of taking the time to reorganise itself and said a large LRA munitions depot had been discovered.
“The new treaty has stirred new hope among the people, particularly with the approaching Christmas festivities, celebrated with great devotion here. We shall have to wait and see concrete results. However, the roads are safe and that is one good thing. But as long as people have to live in camps there can be no real peace; they want to return to their homes and fields. The sowing season will start in February. It would be wonderful if the Infant Jesus were to bring peace so farmers can tend to their crops” Fides sources conclude. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 17/12/2004 righe 41 parole 489)